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subscribe to beauty blog via RSSthe truth about spf
August 18, 2008 7:35 pm
This column features weekly tips and advice from a revolving cast of industry leaders, on-hand to discuss your beauty dilemmas, from blemishes to Botox. The following query was culled from a private stock, but we’ll be accepting readers’ questions soon.
I love the look and feel of a tan, but I can already see the wrinkles and sun damage I incurred during my teens and early twenties from baking myself. Now a “reformed” tanner, I’m curious what SPF is best when I go the beach. I have heard different things, like there is no difference between 20 and 45. What is true?
I totally disagree. There is a difference between a 20 and a 45 SPF, especially when you include UVA and UVB protection. The higher the number, the longer you can stay out in the sun without getting red. New studies show that no matter what number you are using, sunscreen loses stability when exposed to the sun and should be reapplied every two hours. To be safe you should use no less than an SPF 30 UVA/ UVB, come rain or shine.
An expert in dermatology and dermatologic surgery, Dr. Patricia Wexler brings over 22 years of skincare experience to the Counter this week. A board-certified dermatologist with a successful private practice, Dr. Wexler is based in Manhattan and also serves as associate clinical professor for the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Photo: I.B.L. / Rex USA—
tags: Pat Wexler, Skincare, SPF, UVA, UVB
