Does sunscreen really work at factor 8?

1. 60

   lilmissbookwormposted 11 years ago

   Does sunscreen really work at factor 8?

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2. 84

   Laura Schneiderposted 11 years ago

   I guess I have to take a step back and ask why you're only talking about SPF 8? If you're trying to get a tan or burn and look "summery" SPF8 won't do much to stop it, so you might as well skip it.
   
   If you're trying to prevent skin from aging prematurely and prevent skin cancer, going with an SPF of 50+ (the highest you can find) is probably worth it (especially since there is little to no cost difference between the different SPFs).
   
   I started wearing sunscreen in my teens, every single day even in the winter, and nowdays people think I'm at least 10-15 years younger than my actual age. I've also never had skin cancer or other such problems that plague both sides of my family. Just something to think about.

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3. 85

   SidKempposted 11 years ago

   SPF 8 works great for me in the early morning, before the sun is too bright. It lets me get a good tan without burning. I use SPF 30 on the tops of my shoulders, face, and tops of my feet, though, where the sun is more direct. I'm swimming in the ocean and walking, not lying in the sun.
   
   There is little evidence of a connection between sun and skin cancer for adults. Children should be protected from bad sunburn to prevent skin cancer later in life. Adults get skin cancer more due to diet; avoiding trans fats is a big help in preventing skin cancer.

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4. 69

   Galadriel Arwenposted 11 years ago

   It is my understanding that the SPF number multiplied by 20 minutes equals the amount of time you can stay in the sun without getting burned. SPF 1 you can stay in sun for 20 minutes, etc. So you could be in the sun a little over 2 hours using SPF 8 and not get burned. Personally, we use SPF 35 - 50 because we get out and about longer.

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5. 59

   Dr. Haddoxposted 11 years ago

   You will find a lot of advice on this subject and some of it will be conflicting. I advise my patients to use SPF15, at least, on their skin (and to use SPF15 protection on their lips also). It is good that you are educating yourself on this subject that may be "a life and death" situation, since a skin cancer (malignant melanoma) can kill. Good question.
   Regards,
   Dr. Haddox

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6. 80

   Electro-Denizenposted 11 years ago

   I've read around this subject as I burn easily, and as Dr Haddox says there is conflicting advice around.
   
   What I read  is that while the outer skin is protected (so long as the sunscreen is applied every half hour or less), the inner skin still absorbs radiation. That being the case, cream can give a false sense of security to people and tempt people to stay out in the sun without long-sleeved top or hat etc. I don't know about the scientific basis for this argument as I don't recall where I read it, though I imagine that different frequencies of light/UV can't in theory all be blocked all at the same time.
   
   The sure method of sun protection of course is wearing loose clothing and hats. For me that works the best as I really don't like smelling like a beach holiday. The kids don't seem to mind that aspect of it though :-)

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