Get the most out of your SPF

Avoid these common culprits and get the most out of your SPF for risk-free fun in the sun

1. It’s Not Enough

Even if you’re diligent about applying sunblock you’re probably not using enough. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, at least one ounce of sunblock should be applied every two hours for adequate coverage.

Unfortunately, studies show most people use just one quarter to one half the amount they should, greatly decreasing the effectiveness of their sunblock. To give you a better idea of how much you should be using, imagine a golf ball-sized amount or fill a shot glass with sunblock and start slathering!

2. Playing The Numbers

There’s no way you can get burned using SPF 100, right? Wrong! There are several reasons your high SPF sunblock may be to blame for sun damage.

Not only does a high SPF give a false sense of UV invincibility (SPF 100 does not provide twice the protection of SPF 50), it actually has a less optimal chemical balance. SPF is based primarily on defense against UVB – not UVA — rays. Because UVB rays are the main cause of most burns, a higher SPF signifies more UVB protection, not UVA despite these ray’s harmful effects. As SPF goes up so does the disparity between UVB and UVA protection. To safeguard yourself from both UVB and UVA rays stick to frequent applications of a sunblock with an SPF between 15 and 50.

3. Not Watching The Clock

Many of us have made sunblock part of the morning routine and may even and the Skin Cancer Foundation recommend reapplying at least every two hours . If remembering to reapply proves difficult, try setting an alarm on your phone if you’ll be in the sun for hours on end.

4. You Sweat It Off

Sorry sweaty friends, pit stains aren’t your only problem on a hot summer day. Just like water, sweat can wash away sunscreen making you more susceptible to burns. If you sweat heavily, even if you’re just taking a summertime stroll, consider a sport or water-resistant sunblock and be sure to reapply every time you wipe sweat from your brow – or anywhere else!

5. You Missed The Fine Print

SPF, UVA, UVB, broad spectrum, water-resistant versus waterproof, hypoallergenic, oil-free… With all the jargon it’s no wonder many consumers aren’t bringing home the right stuff. And without the proper product your more susceptible to burns. According to research conducted by the Environmental Working Group, only one quarter of the sunblock available in 2013 offer “strong and broad UV protection,” meaning 75 percent of the products out there just won’t cut it. Look for broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 50 or lower. Unless you’ll be in the water or sweating profusely, avoid water-resistant sunblock as they can be less effective. Skip the insect repellent sunblock combo as well. DEET, the most common chemical in bug repellent can reduce the effectiveness of SPF by more than 30 percent.

Are you concerned about sun damage?

Over exposure to the sun can lead to skin cancer. Since sun damage accumulates over time, it’s never too late to start a sun protection regimen. Montaser helps repair and possibly even reverse these signs of skin aging, up to 90 percent of which are caused by the sun. The photo below is from one of our happy clients. Sun damaged has reduced after just four weeks!

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BROWSE FOR YOUR LOCAL MONTASER STOCKISTS

Daylight Defense Cream with UV(A/B) Skin Protector

Montaser Cosmeceuticals uses micro-sized Zinc oxide. Due to their small size, they do not leave a white deposit on skin, an advantage appealing to consumers. This unique lightweight formula acts as a barrier between the skin and the environment by creating a very high invisible Clear Zinc Board Spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection.

The product offers the very latest in hi-tech stem cell and peptide cosmetics science combined with native Australian herbs and the natural mineral goodness of mud harvested from the Dead Sea.

References

1. K Scharffetter-Kochaneck, P Brenneisen, J Wenk, G Herrmann, W Ma, L Kuhr, C Meewes, M Wlaschek, Photoaging of the skin from phenotype to

2. A Dupuy, A Dunant A, JJ Grob, Randomized controlled trial testing the impact of high-protection sunscreens on sun-exposure behavior, Arch

3. RM Sayre, N Kollias, RL Roberts, A Baqer, I Sadiq, Physical

4. EJ Collaris, J Frank, Photoallergic contact dermatitis caused by ultraviolet filters in different sunscreens, Int J Dermatol 47(S1)

5. JM Allen, CJ Gossett, SK Allen, Photochemical formation of singlet molecular oxygen in illuminated aqueous solutions of several  commercially

6. JF Nash, Human safety and efficacy of UV filters and sunscreen

7. C Szurko, A Dompmartin, M Michel, A Moreau, D Leroy, Photocontact allergy to oxybenzone: ten years of experience, Photodermatol Photimmunol