SPF: What Do Those Numbers Really Mean?
I've been getting a lot of questions about sunscreen since my last post. So here is a follow up #detoxmetuesday about SPF.
Who remembers rubbing 70+ SPF all over themselves thinking that you are getting more protection from the sun? Here are the real numbers and why higher SPF may not be better.
*SPF 15 blocks 94% of UVB rays
*SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays
*SPF 45 can block up to 98% of UVB rays.
*Anything higher isn't helping.
This is an awesome article that explains more.
The Gist:
The SPF number does not directly correlate to the amount protection you are getting
The most important thing you can do is get a physical sunscreen (see previous post) and reapply every 2 hours.
In honor of earth week I also want to highlight that oxybenzone, the ingredient in most chemical sunscreens, is seriously harming our coral reefs. Read more here. Note 5/22/18: Hawaii has officially banned sunscreens with this ingredient. Read more HERE.
Be nicer to your skin and our environment by switching to a physical sunscreen like this one.
Shop my favorite safer sunscreen by Beautycounter HERE. (Note 5/22/18: The links have been updated to shop the new Countersun line that protects against UVA, UVB and Blue Light. Read more HERE)
