Which is Better? SPF 30 or SPF 100? The Answer May Surprise You

With so many companies launching high SPF number sunscreens, it creates a lot of confusion as to which number is the best in protecting the skin. Skin care expert, Renée Rouleau sets the story straight.

FACT: SPF 30 offers only 4% more sun protection than an SPF 15. And an SPF 45 offers only 2% more than an SPF 30. The higher up you go, that percentage lessens. The real secret to protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is to reapply often and generously—it’s really not the SPF number that matters.

FACT: Your skin needs both UVA and UVB protection. The SPF number only applies to UVB—the sunburn causing rays. The other rays—UVA rays— are the aging rays which breakdown collagen and elastin that cause wrinkles. Zinc Oxide is an excellent UVA and UVB sunscreen.  It’s also an anti-inflammatory so it’s excellent for sensitive, acne-prone skin. Our Daily Protection SPF 30 contains 7% Zinc Oxide and is a Renée Rouleau best-seller…

FACT: SPF 30 is plenty. High SPF numbers like SPF 100 can give a false sense of protection and consumers may not apply it generously enough. Plus, if you’re someone with sensitive skin, the higher SPF number may contain more chemical additives, resulting in skin reactions and irritations. There’s a reason why you don’t find higher than an SPF 50 in most baby sunscreen products!

FACT: Most sun protection products for babies don’t go over SPF 50 and there’s a reason—more irritating chemicals!

Bottom line: An SPF 30 with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protecting Zinc Oxide will keep your skin safe and protected.

By the way, the FDA is proposing to limit the maximum SPF on labels to 50.

Read: The FDA Issues New Sunscreen Rules for 2012

See the ColoreScience line of SPF-infused mineral powders here.

Read: Does Wearing Sunscreen Cause Vitamin D Deficiencies?

Read: Why Your Sunscreen May Not be Protecting Your Skin Enough

Have a skin concern? Check out Skin Source, expert advice on everything from acne, exfoliation and large pores to brown spots, sun protection and so much more!

Get products recommended for your skin type by choosing one of our nine skin types.

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Information courtesy of www.ReneeRouleau.com, a website with skin care tips, products based on nine skin types and advice from skin care expert and celebrity esthetician, Renée Rouleau.