SPF for the face

[astronaut]

I got real scared when my Physics teacher told us that any SPF under 30 is almost just as good as putting water on your skin. All I use is Smashbox photofinish primer with spf 15 and everyday minerals foundation with an spf of probably only 10-15. What's a good lotion, moisturizer with an spf of 30+ that isn't greasy?

 

[melaniumom]

I use Eucerin with an SPF of 15 and when I wear foundation it has an SPF of 15... does that equal 30?? LOL

Kidding aside, Eucrin also makes a moisturizer with an SPF 30. Thier moisturizers are excellenta, not greasy. Very pure with no additives like color, fragrances ...etc. You can find it at nearly any department or drugstore.

 

[goink]

wait..what? i've never heard of such a thing.

products with spf 15 and above are perfectly fine only if you put the required and proper amount on. also, remember to reapply 2 hours.
however, if you're heading to the beach, i'd recommend something higher.

edit. maybe your physics teacher means whether the sunscreen is stable or not. /shrug

 

[Lissa]

The least greasy I've found so far has been either Sofina Lucent spf 50 and Shiseido spf 50, both very good!

 

[thelilprincess]

in pharmacy school, i learned that spf 30 is what's usually recommended (45 if you have lupus)

say you can normally stay out in the sunlight for 5 mintutes before you start to burn - spf 15 protects you 15 times longer before you will burn so you get 75 minutes safety - unless you swim or sweat or rub some of the sunscreen off (that's why you have to reapply more frequently)

anything higher than 30 (or 45), you're kind a wasting your money - you get a minimal increase in protection and a huge increase in the amount of active ingredient they put in. think of it as "medicine" - you are adding a huge dose of sunscreen for a minimal additional protection - i forget the numbers, but it's like an extra 0.5% increase in protection or something.

if you don't go out in the sunlight a lot, i think spf 15-30 is fine. if you're sunbathing, then i'd recommend spf 30 and reapply!!! don't skimp on your sunscreen - you should be applying a shotglass worth of sunscreen head to toe each time.

i use Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster spf 30 - you can use it alone or do a 1:1 ratio of it mixed with your moisturizer (which in theory means you cut the spf down) if you use separate products, use sunscreen first - wait 10-15 minutes to allow your skin to absorb then apply moisturizer.

 

[user79]

I am so tired of people spreading these false rumors about spf. An spf of 15 is totally fine for daily wear, unless you're going to be lying a beach all day in the sun. BTW, an spf of 30 barely has a better blocking factor than 15, and anything above 30 is just a gimmick because the protection factor is only incremental, like maybe less than 1% stronger.

http://pediatrics.about.com/od/sunsc...reen_myths.htm
Quote:

Sunscreen Myth Does a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 provide twice the protection as one that has an SPF of 15? No, a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 provides protection against 93% of UVB rays, while one with an SPF of 30 provides 97% protection. Keep in mind that a sunscreen with an SPF of 2 only provides 50% protection, so be sure to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15-30. Many experts question whether using a sunscreen with an SPF above 30 provides much more protection, since you are already blocking 97% of UVB rays.

 

[thelilprincess]

great link, misschievious.

i think spf 45 gives 98% protection against UVB, 50 might be like 99% - but you're adding so much more ingredients to get that small % increase. the reason spf 45 is recommended for those with lupus is because the sun can trigger lupus reactions.

i forgot to mention in my earlier post to look for a "broad-spectrum" sunscreen to block out both UVB and UVA. most sunscreens block out UVB, so look for broad spectrum to also block out some UVA. (both can contribute to cancer. UVA penetrates the 2nd layer of skin more which results in wrinkles, leathery skin....UVB hits the top layer of skin and is the cause of sunburns. if you hear about UVC, we're safe since the ozone blocks that out from reaching us)

i know also answered a question on sensitive skin to sunscreen somewhere but i'll repeat myself - look for the active ingredient to be titanium diozide or zinc oxide. these have the least allergenic potential. avoid PABA, benzene, benzone, salicylates, etc.

also remember, the sun can trigger stuff like coldsores, too (so don't forget the spf lipbalm).

 

[jenii]

Quote:

Originally Posted by thelilprincess also remember, the sun can trigger stuff like coldsores, too (so don't forget the spf lipbalm).

SHIT, are you serious?!?? More reason than ever for me to stay out of the sun, then! I hate coldsores! I use Abreva these days so they're not as bad when I get them, but they still suck.

 

[thelilprincess]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenii SHIT, are you serious?!?? More reason than ever for me to stay out of the sun, then! I hate coldsores! I use Abreva these days so they're not as bad when I get them, but they still suck.

yeah, other things like stress can trigger it, too. so if you're going out to the beach, or plan to be outdoor, just make sure to reapply spf lipbalm.

and abreva is great stuff if you use it at the first signs of symptoms (tingling sensation). don't use the other OTC stuff - it just helps make it feel better, but it doesn't actually speed up healing - only abreva or prescriptions (acyclovir (Zovirax) or Valtrex) are proven to shorten healing time.

and the other rules - don't share drinks, food, community foods (i.e your own dinner spoon into the community food at the table) - you'll end up spreading the virus. yeah, i asked my doctor when i first got a coldsore - i was in 7th grade, never kissed a boy and had no clue how i got the damn thing. dr said probably from sharing food or drinks with someone who had it.