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SPF Sunscreen Protection

Although it’s extremely important to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays, it is more important to use the right level of protection. As widely known sunscreens carry a certain amount of protection or SPF. This numeral is exactly what you should be very careful with. Regular use of very high levels of SPF has been in some cases known to have caused skin cancer. Sunlight is the only source of vitamin d and direct exposure to the sun results in its production. Excessive use of high SPF sunscreens can create a deficiency of vitamin D in the body. And very little protection also ironically is a very known cause of skin cancer. Therefore the solution to this dilemma is to use the right amount of protection or SPF.

The right and wrong level of SPF also varies according to different factors.

Caucasian skin has a very high level of natural sunscreen in it. The figure is about SPF 500 or so. And therefore in most cases an SPF of about 30 is more than sufficient. Moreover tanning is promoted in some cases. The right level of SPF will also depend on the time you spend outdoors and the activities you undertake. If you are into water sports or are likely to sweat away your sunscreen reapplication or higher SPF is advisable.

Asian or Mediterranean skin (skin that tans easily) is considered relatively safer as far use of sunscreen is concerned. The easy tanning implies healthier and better skin but there is hardly any natural sunscreen known to be present in such skin. Consequently protection can be used liberally and yet the body hardly ever runs out of vitamin D. unfortunately this particular blessing is not cherished enough because till now in some cultures fairer skin is considered healthier. Whereas exactly the opposite is true.

Generally SPF levels of 80 and above are dangerous territory.

The right level of SPF will also vary depending on where you are located. In countries like Australia one is at the highest risk of getting sun-induced damage to the skin. Hence high-level SPF is required.

Overall a good advice would be to consult a dermatologist who is familiar with your background. Another helpful tip is to go without sunscreen once a week or fortnight and otherwise stay protected to balance out the vitamin d level in the body.

The key route to go about and probably the safest is that of moderation. It should be understood that protection is vital but it shouldn’t be overdone.

- Dikshha Manwani