Glamour: SPF 100 is Not Double SPF 50
With celebrities including Nicole Kidman now opting for SPF 100, Glamour investigates whether extra-high SPF sunscreens have any additional benefit.
Dr Ross Perry told Glamour readers that there is actually very little difference between SPF 100 and SPF 50. He explains:
“The overall difference in UVB protection between an SPF 100 and SPF 50 is really marginal and confusing for consumers as they seem to think it offers double the protection which is in fact not true.”
The article explained that the amount of UVB rays allowed through even for lower SPF is not in proportion with the SPF:
- SPF 15 allows around 7% of UVB rays through (blocking 93%)
- SPF 30 allows around 3% through (blocking 97%)
- SPF 50 allows around 2% through (blocking 98%)
- SPF 100 allows around 1% of UVB rays through (blocking 99%)
Dr Tina Meder, a dermatologist, cardiologist, and founder of Meder Beauty Science, told Glamour:
“…although SPF 100 sounds impressive, it is actually impossible to obtain technically – this is why the US forbids it to be advertised.”
The Importance of Correct Sunscreen Application
Experts agreed that it is important that sunscreen is properly applied in order to get the full benefits expected.
Research has shown that many people apply insufficient to gain the coverage required for full protection, then do not reapply frequently enough in order to maintain that protection.
Dr Perry always stresses the need for thorough application of sunscreen with regular reapplications to protect the skin against the damage that UVA and UVB rays can cause. He continues:
“Properly applied SPF 50 sunscreen blocks 98 percent of UVB rays.
“When used correctly, sunscreen with SPF values in the range of 30 to 50 will offer adequate sunburn protection, even for people with pale skin and this should still be applied frequently,”
Read this article in full
To read more, please visit https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/spf-100-uk.
Skin Surgery Laser Clinics
Dr Ross Perry is a qualified and experienced London GP, who founded Cosmedics Skin Clinics in 2003, an independent company specialising in skin treatments such as removal of lesions/blemishes.
Cosmedics’ Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer private mole removal at a selection of clinics based in London and Bristol. Moles are removed using the latest surgical techniques including laser mole removal; with trained doctors and surgeons.
Our team of qualified and experienced doctors and surgeons also treat other skin blemishes, including sebaceous cysts, skin tags, warts and lipoma using freezing, laser or surgical techniques.
For ultimate peace of mind, Cosmedics Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer a thorough top to toe mole check carried out by their trained and experienced doctors.
For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.
