Higher SPF Means Better? - Pt 3

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If you are an avid traveller, it is crucial to understand that SPFs are not the same for all countries. In Europe, the SPF is regulated by DIN 67502. DIN is the German Institute for Standardization founded in 1917.

For the same protective magnitude, the value for DIN tend to be lower than the American SPF. However, it is just a matter of different system used for specifying the magnitude and shouldn’t be a concern as different countries have different system. For an instance, SPF 12 is equivalent to DIN 9

" Although the skin exposure to sunray is required for our body to generate VITAMIN D, over exposure on the other hand, is harmful especially in fairer complexion people "

and SPF 19 is equivalent to DIN 15. Sunscreens functions are to avoid SUNBURN and SUN TANNING and preventing the PHOTOSENSITIVE rash in some patients. Although the skin exposure to sunray is required for our body to generate VITAMIN D, over exposure on the other hand, is harmful especially in fairer complexion people. Most sunscreens contain the UV absorbing benzophenone, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) or Avobenzone ( also called Parsol 1789 ). When the UV hits them, it creates a reaction and neutralizes the reaction. Most sunblocks contain the UV reflective Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. These ingredients will reflect and disperse the UV the same way a mirror would. The best sunscreens are broad spectrum sunscreens having at least 3 active ingredients such as the PABA derivatives, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Dioxide, Oxybenzone or Parsol 1789.

Nowadays, some sunscreens have the presence of antioxidant as to increase the effectiveness against the damaging UV rays. Even the best sunscreens will still allow some UV to pass through and these antioxidant can actually support the skin damages. Some of the antioxidant for the sunscreen are green tea extract, beta-carotene and Vitamin C.

Info - While sunscreens are not perfect, they do in fact prevent sunburn, future freckling and brown spots, actinic keratoses and skin cancer. So, get a sunscreen whenever you are at outdoor