Higher SPF The Better? – Pt 3

The SPFs are not the same everywhere and vary from one country to another. If you are from Europe, the SPF is governed by the DIN 67502 standard and DIN is the German Institute for Standardization. The American SPF tends to be higher than the DIN for the same degree of protection and if you are an avid globetrotter, it is good to take note.

For an instance, SPF 12 is equal to DIN 9 and SPF 19 is equal to DIN 15 due to different system used by different countries and should not be too much of a concern. The purpose of sunscreen is to avoid SUN TANNING and SUNBURN and also preventing the rash PHOTOSENSITIVITY in certain patients.

"For an instance, SPF 12 is equal to DIN 9 and SPF 19 is equal to DIN 15 due to different system used by different countries and should not be too much of a concern"

Although the sunlight is the major source for vitamin D, which is important for the absorption of calcium for healthy bones and muscle strength for our body, over exposure is destructive especially to the in fairer skin people. Avobenzone ( also called Parsol 1789 ), para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and benzophenone are the most commonly found UV absorbing elements in most sunscreens. This is what happens. When these elements get hit by the UV, they will then initiate and neutralize the reaction. Sunscreen works in similar to ‘absorbing shield’. Sunblocks mostly contain the UV reflective ZNO ( Zinc Oxide ) and TiO2 ( Titanium Dioxide ). They will reflect / disperse the UV in the same manner a mirror would do. Sunblock works in similar to ‘reflective shield’ Best sunscreens come from the broad spectrum sunscreens having at least 3 active ingredients such as the TiO2, PABA derivatives, ZNO, Parsol 1789. or Oxybenzone

Newer sunscreens will have the availability of antioxidant as to enhance the effectiveness against the detrimental UV, based on the fact that even the best sunscreens are not 100% blocker and some UV will still escape through. Some of the antioxidants are from the Vitamin C, beta-carotene and green tea extract, and they will support for anti wrinkle and skin damages.

Info - Greater than 1 million people in US are diagnosed with cancer on skin each year making it the most common cancer in the country and it can be largely prevented by the sun protection program