Zinc oxide is the only active ingredient in all Badger sunscreens. It is performed in a similar manner by irradiating the skin (or a plastic slide/sheet) with UVA. I bought the non XP version on Ebay and really love it. 2012;57(5):335–342. However, natural melanin alone is not sufficient protection and only offers a maximum of SPF4. considered to be the main cause of basal and squamous cell carcinoma, and are a significant factor in melanoma. This article is Part 3 of a three-part sunscreen guide. I think the PPD65 for the Uriage was for the Bariesun XP, the Bariesun Creme Sans Parfum does not contain zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide. (See illustration.). Jumping on the Scary Skincare train in honour of H. Does Melanin Protect The Skin From UV Radiation? UVA Sunscreen Protection. As a matter of fact, 50 to 90% of this sunscreen is lost one hour after exposure to sunlight. If you remember, I actually agreed with you on Instagram that a UVA-PF of 33 is indeed feasible, but I updated this post before we had that discussion. When using zinc oxide in a sunscreen no other active ingredients are needed. So not the ratio of protection factors. Based on the UVA rating system used in some Asian countries, this symbol is representative of the UVA Protection Grade (PA) or UVA Protection Factor (UVA-PF). This sunscreen is a broad-spectrum blocker that is water resistant, very stable in the sun, and not irritating to the skin. The active ingredients in Anthelios SX with their concentrations are: Meradimate contains the ingredient menthyl anthranilate which provides coverage against UVA rays though the coverage is not as extensive as Mexoryl or the benzophenones. Superior UVA protection: You're also getting SPF 45 protection, with a high UVA-PF of 14.95. The UVA protection is determined by the UVA-PF test and then calculated based on the SPF of the product. They are good UVA absorbers but they also absorb in the UVB range. I love learning new things and hearing about new products from the people around me! UVC: Very short-wavelength solar rays of 200-290nm. UVA: Long-wavelength solar rays of 320-400nm. Understanding the basics about UV radiation and how it damages your skin is an important first step in learning how to safeguard yourself against skin cancer. Staying protected in the sun is crucial, and sun cream is an essential part of sun-safe behaviour, alongside seeking shade and covering up. You have addressed the points that I did not agree with and when we discussed this on Instagram you helped me to understand your points more clearly. Experts recommend that you then reapply it every two hours, but you may need to reapply it sooner than this if you go swimming or find yourself sweating a lot. Unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB damages the DNA in skin cells, producing genetic defects, or mutations, that can lead to skin cancer (as well as premature aging.) Have been looking and looking, but unfortunately can not tolerate that many preservatives either – would so much appreciate advice and recommendation on this! Most of the sun creams we've tested say they have a shelf life of either 12 or 18 months after opening. Part II How Is Sunscreen Tested? You may be surprised to learn that the industry guideline for water resistant sun creams allows the SPF of a product to drop by 50% after a total of 40 minutes in water. The SPF in your makeup doesn’t count as sunscreen . However, due to the fact that the strength of UVB radiation varies throughout the day (highest around the middle of the day) and the fact that sunscreens lose their effectiveness over time (need to be reapplied every 2 hours), this is not the case. Read our, Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD, Verywell Health uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience and for our, How the Glogau Classification System Measures Sun Damage to Your Skin, How Using Sunscreen Can Help Prevent Sun Damage and Premature Aging, Everything You Need to Know About Natural and Organic Sunscreen, Choosing the Best Sunscreen Can Reduce Risks of Sunburns and Skin Cancer, The Difference Between Sunscreen and Sunblock, Learn What Sunscreen to Choose for Acne-Prone Skin, Discover the Best Sunscreens to Wear If You're Going on a Cruise. Thank you so much for this informative article! Anna Chien, MD Active Ingredients: Octisalate (UVB), Octyltriazone (UVB), Tinosorb S (UVA & UVB), Avobenzone (UVA1). Physical sunscreens: Are you convinced? They could only share the ratios of their products are below 3? Some of these sunscreens also contain antioxidants and/or iron oxides which can further enhance total photoprotection. Heidi Jacobe, MD. If you do pick a natural product, it’s important to check that it definitely includes an ingredient that acts as a sun filter. UV exposure that leads to sunburn has proven to play a strong role in developing melanoma, the most dangerous of the three most common types of skin cancer. How often do you need to apply them? It provides broad-spectrum protection with a blend of Zinc Oxide 10% and Titanium Dioxide 5% to form a physical mineral block against the burning (UVA) and aging (UVB) rays. However, some products display the Boots star rating – the protection claimed by these products is higher than the minimum required by the EU. Avobenzone (Parsol 1789) is the only chemical that absorbs the whole UVA spectrum from 310-400 nm. Hi, I'm Meg :) I started SimplySunSafe to learn about sun safety and use this info to help my family and friends. These longer wavelengths (than UV rays) penetrate deeper into your skin to your collagen and elastin. You will be left with a slight white cast because of the high concentration of zinc oxide, but this is to be expected. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 35ml for the total body – that’s around seven teaspoons: one for the face/head and neck, one for each arm and each leg, and one each for your front and your back. So when it comes to the best UVA UVB sunscreen, SPF is not the only important factor! And that’s where I come in! Protect yourself and the environment! The mineral zinc oxide provides excellent protection from UVA and UVB. Only Broad Spectrum Sunscreens also protect you from UVA rays, the type that cause suntan and skin aging. The truth is that there is very little difference between an SPF of 30 and one of 100. Make it a way of life. UVB: Short-wavelength solar rays of 290-320 nm, mostly absorbed by the ozone layer. More and more products are becoming available that claim to provide sun protection for up to 10 hours after a single application. Chemical-free, biodegradeable, ocean-safe, eco-sensitive. Most people are pretty familiar with SPF the higher the SPF, the higher the protection, the longer it would take for skin to burn (if UVB strength was constant). Judging by the active ingredients it’s likely that the non XP version will have a good level of UVA protection but I think they would definitely make a point of highlighting the exact PPD if it were as high as the XP version. However, sunscreen is not the only way to protect your skin. This is why you often see multiple active ingredients in sunscreens, so they can cover the 'broad spectrum' of UVA and UVB. If you use or know of another great product for protection against UVA and UVB rays, please share it in the comments!