Protecting your skin from the sun isn’t complicated. But it’s easy to get lost in all the letters and numbers like “SPF-30” and “UPF” or terms like “broad-spectrum” and “mineral-based.” Among St. Louis adults surveyed, just 7% to 32% felt they understood these terms well, and many didn’t know which sunscreen types worked best. Here’s what St. Louisans need to know.
SPF
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. Every sunscreen container has an SPF and a number. The higher the number, the greater the sun protection. Look for SPF-30 or higher.
UPF
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It is like SPF, but for fabric. The UPF number on sun-protective clothing tells how much ultraviolet radiation will be blocked from your skin. Clothing with a UPF number on the label will provide more effective sun protection.
UVA, UVB, and “broad-spectrum” sunscreen
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage skin even on cloudy days. Two kinds of UV rays, UVA and UVB, reach the earth. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both.
Mineral or chemical? Two kinds of sunscreen
Mineral-based sunscreen reflects UV rays away from your skin, while chemical-based sunscreen absorbs UV rays. Among 541 adults surveyed in five states, 37% were unsure which provides better protection. Both are effective. Mineral-based sunscreens may be better for people with sensitive skin or acne.
Lotion or spray for applying sunscreen?
Some sunscreens are sprayed on, while others are lotions rubbed onto the skin by hand. By a 4-to-1 margin (49% vs. 12%), survey respondents thought lotions provided better protection. Some studies show that applying sunscreen by spray results in less skin coverage. However, when used as recommended, both lotion and spray sunscreens provide effective skin protection.
The bottom line: sunscreen only works as well as it is applied!
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF-30. For enough sun protection apply about 2-3 tablespoons of sunscreen for the face and body and reapply every 2 hours. If you’re sweating heavily or in water, you may need to reapply more often.
Please share the resources below to help St. Louisans learn what to look for in sunscreen. Click here to a view printable PDF about sun protection.
Survey information
This week’s report is based on responses from a panel of 542 adult residents of St. Louis, MO (n = 146), Texas (n = 53), Baltimore, MD (n = 169), Omaha, NE (n = 86), and Colorado (n = 88) surveyed June 15–17, 2024. Explore these data and more at iHeardSTL.
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Sunscreen terms can be confusing, but we’ve got you covered! Let’s boil it down: SPF matters.
#iHeardSTL #SunSafety #Sunscreen101 #HealthySkin
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Have you ever wondered about the difference between lotion and spray sunscreen? iHeard is here to help! Both are effective, but if you’re unsure about how to spray sunscreen on correctly, go with lotion.
#iHeardSTL #iHeardSTL #SunSafety #Sunscreen101
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Use this information to make the healthiest and most safe decision for you and your family when it comes to picking sunscreen this summer.
#iHeardSTL #SunSafety #Sunscreen101 #MineralSunscreen #ChemicalSunscreen
