Is Sun Protection Over SPF50 Ever Necessary?

Most people wonder which strength is best for sun protection cream. There are SPF ranges that are low for tanning sprays and creams, and there are strengths above SPF30 for protection against burns. To understand how to choose the right SPF strength, it's important to know what sunscreen does and what it doesn't do.

Understanding Sun Cream Limitations

The sun emits UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are what mostly cause sunburns and non-melanoma skin cancers. However, UVA rays penetrate deeper, and popular sun creams don't provide as much protection against them. Sun cream SPF50 blocks at least 98% of UVB rays, and a cream with SPF100 blocks 99% of them. This is a minimal difference. However, higher SPF mixtures have stronger chemical concentrations. Since UVA and UVB protection substances don't harmonize, FDA-approved sun creams with higher SPF ratings may leave users prone to non-sunburn types of skin damage. In the United States, the approval criteria for decent UVA protection is not as high as the standards in Europe. Some sun cream scientists tested seven high-SPF creams in the United States and found that only two of the products had enough UVA protection to be sold in the European market. A product with adequate UVA protection should include 3% avobenzone.

Potential Dangers of a Higher SPF

One dangerous problem is that many high-SPF sun cream users assume that it's safe to stay in the sun longer. They may still wind up with sunburns and skin damage, and they are also exposed to more deep-penetrating UVA rays. In contrast, people who use a sun cream with a rating of SPF50 or lower are less likely to stay in the sun longer. Too much UVA exposure can cause harmful free radicals to form, and they are connected to an increased risk of dangerous melanoma. Another potential danger with creams above SPF50 is the higher concentration of sun-blocking chemicals, which absorb into the skin. Studies have shown that they may cause hormone disruption and tissue damage in some people. The FDA has been saying for a long time that creams with numbers above SPF50 are inherently misleading to consumers.

How to Choose a Good Sun Cream

Now that you know that sun cream SPF50 is sufficient and potentially safer than creams with higher numbers, you'll have an easier time choosing one. A common complaint that many people have today is how nearly all popular sun creams have that distinct coconut smell that they've had for decades. If you're ready for a much-needed change, a scented sun cream with a creative smell may be just what you're looking for. Today, there are a variety of great-smelling scented sun cream products available, and SolScents has several warm, fresh, floral and fruity options to choose from. These sun protection cream products are designed to provide a scent that makes you feel good and sun protection quality that you can trust.