Are High SPF Sunscreens (80+) Worth the Money?
Do Their Higher Numbers Really Offer More Skin Protection?
Aug 17, 2009
It seems like each summer consumers are bombarded with new sunscreen products that contain ever-increasing SPF numbers, with corresponding increases in product price to match. But is the price increase warranted by the increase in sun protection the product provides? According to dermatologists, not really.
Increase in Protection Only Marginal
Recent studies show that the increase in sun protection from SPF 30 to higher SPFs, such as 80, 85, or even 100+, is marginal. SPF 30, when applied properly, blocks approximately 97% of the UVA and UVB rays that damage skin and increase risk of skin cancer. An SPF of 100, by contrast, blocks 99% of those rays, and that is only if it is applied frequently in proper amounts.
Improper Application Minimizes Protection Factor
That two percent difference might seem to be significant, but problems occur when consumers buy a product with a higher SPF, for example 85 or higher, and assume that they can apply it once, and they’ll be protected for the whole day. Not so. As with a sunscreen with SPF 30, the product needs to be reapplied frequently, especially after perspiring or swimming.
Moreover, the biggest mistake people make is that they simply don’t apply enough of the product to get the full protection factor. To get the full benefit of any sunscreen, two ounces of product needs to be liberally applied to the entire body. So, lightly applying even a 100+ sunscreen only once a day results in only a fraction of the protection promised by the label. So, in these instances, consumers do not get their money’s worth when paying the much higher prices for sunscreens with higher SPFs. More importantly, they are not getting vital ultraviolet protection.
In short, higher SPF sunscreens are only worth the money if applied properly, and smart consumers need to be aware that they are only getting a small percentage increase in protection. The better value, considering the amount of sunscreen that needs to be applied for full protection, may well be the lower (30-50) SPF sunscreens that cost less per unit of volume.
Recommendations for Effective Sunscreen Use
Despite the emergence of high SPF sunscreens, the recommendations for sun protection remain the same. The Canadian Dermatology Association recommends that to protect oneself from the harmful rays of the sun, one should:
- Try to limit time spent outdoors in the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wear a wide-rimmed hat
- Cover up with loose, comfortable clothing that covers th skin as much as possible
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply the sunscreen before you go outside, and apply very liberally
- Reapply sunscreen often, especially if you are perspiring or swimming
- Use a lip balm containing a broad-spectrum, minimum 30 SPF sunscreen
References and Further Reading
Canadian Dermatology Association. Homepage. Dermatology.ca
O’Conner, Anahad. “The Claim: With Sunscreens, High SPF Ratings Are Best.” The New York Times, August 7, 2007.
Saint Louis, Catherine. “Confused by SPF? Take a Number.” The New York Times, May 13, 2009.
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