Sunscreen contains chemical and/or physical active ingredients. Physical ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium oxide reflect or scatter ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Chemical ingredients like avobenzone or oxybenzone absorb UV radiation, dissipating it as heat. Some sunscreens protect us from the two types of damaging UV radiation: UVA and UVB.
These sunscreens are labeled as broad-spectrum sunscreens. The broad-spectrum test measures a product’s ultraviolet A (UVA) protection relative to its ultraviolet B (UVB) protection. Sunscreens that pass this test may be labeled as “Broad-Spectrum SPF (value)” on the front of their label. For broad-spectrum sunscreens, SPF values also indicate the amount or magnitude of overall protection.
The broad-spectrum test measures a product’s ultraviolet A (UVA) protection relative to its ultraviolet B (UVB) protection. Sunscreens that pass this test may be labeled as “Broad-Spectrum SPF (value)” on the front of their label. For broad-spectrum sunscreens, SPF values also indicate the amount or magnitude of overall protection.
Broad-Spectrum SPF products with SPF valued higher than 15 provide greater protection and may claim additional uses. Only broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF value of 15 or higher can claim to reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging if used as directed with other sun protection measures.
Non-broad-spectrum sunscreens and broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF value between 2 and 14 can only claim to help prevent sunburn.
SPF or sunburn protection factor indicates the UVB/sunburn protection provided by sunscreen. The SPF value indicates the level of sunburn protection provided by the sunscreen product. All sunscreens must be tested according to an SPF test procedure.
The test measures the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure it takes to cause sunburn when a person is using a sunscreen in comparison to how much UV exposure it takes to cause sunburn when they do not use a sunscreen. The product is then labeled with the appropriate SPF value indicating the amount of sunburn protection provided by the product. Higher SPF values provide greater sunburn protection.
Because SPF values are determined from a test that measures protection against sunburn caused by ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, SPF values only indicate a sunscreen’s UVB protection. However, sunscreens that pass the new broad-spectrum test will have demonstrated that they also provide ultraviolet A (UVA) protection that is proportional to their UVB protection.
Since the FDA’s Final Rule went into effect, manufacturers cannot label sunscreens as “waterproof” or “sweatproof”, or identify their products as “sunblocks,” because these claims overstate their effectiveness.
Zinc oxide is a natural mineral that is safe even on the most sensitive skin, including post-procedure skin and even that of children 6 months or older. Zinc oxide blocks UVB (burning) and UVA (aging) rays that have been linked to photoaging and skin cancer.
