As a skincare expert, I am often asked about the best ways to protect our skin from the sun's harmful rays. And my answer is always the same: sunscreen is a must-have. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Two terms that often come up when discussing sunscreen are water resistant SPF and regular SPF.
While both offer protection against the sun's rays, there are some key differences between the two that are important to understand.
The Basics of SPF
Before we dive into the differences between water resistant and regular SPF, let's first understand what SPF actually means. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it measures how long a sunscreen can protect your skin from UVB rays, which are responsible for causing sunburn. For example, if you normally start to burn after 10 minutes in the sun, an SPF 30 sunscreen will theoretically protect you for 300 minutes (10 minutes x 30 SPF = 300 minutes).It's important to note that no sunscreen can provide 100% protection from the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for optimal protection.Understanding Water Resistant SPF
Water resistant SPF refers to a sunscreen's ability to maintain its level of protection after being exposed to water or sweat.This is especially important for those who enjoy outdoor activities or spend a lot of time in the water. Water resistant sunscreens are labeled with either "40 minutes" or "80 minutes" on the packaging, indicating how long they can maintain their effectiveness in water before needing to be reapplied. It's important to note that water resistant does not mean waterproof. No sunscreen is completely waterproof, and it's recommended to reapply every two hours, even if the sunscreen is labeled as water resistant. When choosing a water resistant sunscreen, it's important to look for the words "broad spectrum" on the label. This means that the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
UVA rays are responsible for causing premature aging and skin cancer, while UVB rays cause sunburn. A broad spectrum sunscreen will protect against both types of rays, providing more comprehensive protection for your skin.
Regular SPF: What You Need to Know
Regular SPF refers to sunscreens that are not labeled as water resistant. These sunscreens are still effective in protecting against UVB rays, but they may not hold up as well when exposed to water or sweat. Regular SPF sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours, regardless of whether or not you have been in the water. It's important to note that regular SPF sunscreens can still provide protection against UVA rays, but they may not be as effective as broad spectrum sunscreens.If you are spending a lot of time outdoors or participating in water activities, it's best to opt for a broad spectrum sunscreen with a higher SPF.
The Importance of Reapplying Sunscreen
No matter which type of sunscreen you choose, it's important to reapply every two hours. This is especially true if you are swimming or sweating, as these activities can cause the sunscreen to wear off more quickly. Even if you are using a water resistant sunscreen, it's important to reapply after being in the water for 40 or 80 minutes (depending on the label) and every two hours after that. It's also important to remember that sunscreen should be applied generously and evenly to all exposed areas of the skin. Many people make the mistake of not using enough sunscreen, which can significantly decrease its effectiveness.A good rule of thumb is to use about one ounce (a shot glass full) of sunscreen for your entire body.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen for You
When it comes to choosing between water resistant and regular SPF, it ultimately depends on your lifestyle and how much time you spend in the water or participating in outdoor activities. If you are someone who enjoys swimming or playing sports outdoors, a water resistant sunscreen with broad spectrum protection is your best bet. However, if you are mainly using sunscreen for everyday activities and don't plan on being in the water, a regular SPF sunscreen may suffice. It's also important to consider your skin type when choosing a sunscreen. Those with sensitive skin may benefit from using a mineral-based sunscreen, while those with oily skin may prefer a gel or spray formula.It's always a good idea to test out different sunscreens to find one that works best for your skin.
