Defining the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and Other Changes on Sunscreen Labels

English: Two photographs of a man wearing sunscreen (spf 50) on one half of his face, in visible light (left) and ultraviolet light (UV-A, 340-355nm) (right). The sunscreen on the left side of his face absorbs ultraviolet, making that side appear darker in the UV picture. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The new FDA-approved regulations on product labeling for sunscreen lotions and other skin care products will take effect without delay on the 18th of June this year. As mandated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S., all these skincare products that claim to provide protection from the harsh effects of long-term exposure to the sun must print additional info about the product's coverage and features. For one, it must be "water resistant" to ensure the layer of cream or lotion remains on the person's skin and continues to shield it against ultra-violet rays coming from direct sunlight. Another thing, it must have "broad spectrum coverage," which means that an SPF of 30 and above prevents penetration of UVA and UVB rays.

Most of the time, the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) blocks more UVB rays, which cause sunburns or other superficial damage to skin, than UVA rays, which penetrate into deeper layers of skin and cause extreme damage to living tissues. Both UVA and UVB rays cause cancer cells to develop within skin tissue.

According to experts, a higher SPF does not necessarily means a significantly higher protection level. For instance, an SPF of 15 most likely blocks only 94% of UVB rays while a sunscreen with SPF 30 probably filters only 97% of UVB rays. A skin care product with SPF 45 or even 50 possibly screens about 98% of UVB rays. However, any sunscreen or skin whitening lotion with more than SPF 50 always contains 99.99% protection.

Similarly, the effectiveness of sun protective clothing is measured by its Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). Fabric with UPF 15 to 24 usually blocks 93.3 to 95.9 percent of UV radiation. To filter about 96.0% to 97.4% of UV rays, the fabric must have a UPF range of 25 to 39. Finally, a sun protective textile must have at least a UPF of 40 or more (50+) to effectively filter about 97.5% to 99.9% of UV radiation.

Skin Care Benefits of Using Sulfur Soap

A sample of sulfur (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Despite its acrid smell, a bar of sulfur soap brings many health benefits to your skin through its antiseptic, anti-fungal and antibacterial qualities. In olden times, individuals had to take a dip in sulfur-rich hot springs located at a distance from an active volcano. Spas often appeared around these areas to provide patrons privacy and comfort while they visited the pools of heated water and sulfur. Many people frequented these places because the hot water therapy soothed their aching muscles and the sulfur healed their skin problems, such as acne vulgaris, whiteheads, blackheads, eczema, rosacea, scabies, and seborrheic dermatitis. Now, sulfur's cleansing properties are packaged neatly in soap bars. The ten percent sulfur content in the soap has enough potency to effectively produce the same effective results as dipping your whole body in a pool of sulfur-rich hot water. Like in the ancient times, use sulfur soaps to reme...

How Do You Treat Scalp Acne and Scalp Dermatitis?

A case of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis on the back of the head (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) If you suffer from pimples on the scalp, then it's important to find a good scalp acne treatment. They're ugly, painful, and irritating. We can't see them ourselves so we pick them often by scratching our scalp before knowing they're there. Scalp wounds tend to bleed and this can make the spots visible, especially if your hair is thinning, fine or very short. Most acne on the scalp has the same cause as acne on the face, that is, overproduction of sebum leading to blockages of hair follicles, which often become infected. Inflammation can be caused by a condition called seborrheic dermatitis , and this, together with oily skin, is what you have to go along with scalp acne. What happens is the scalp will be red and itchy and the skin will flake off as dandruff. Associated with the condition of seborrheic dermatitis and more serious cases is yeast and it's someti...

A brief vacation

I have just got back from UP Diliman for a week of respite. I had training for trainers at UP SoLaIR (School of Labor and Industrial Relations). It was a working vacation. At least I had time to slow down and not think of work for a few days. It was good! Really felt good to be taken cared of by the University Hotel staff.

Timeless Beauty

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