Is it really SPF 100?

People refer to the SPF when choosing a sunscreen. Unfortunately, higher
SPFs expose users to higher levels of harmful chemicals, and often don't deliver
the expected UV protection.  (Photo: Diane Ursu)

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Protecting yourself from the sun and sunscreens

• UV radiation and how to protect against it

• Is it really SPF 100?
• Is your sunscreen causing skin cancer?
• Choosing a safe and effective sunscreen
• How to protect yourself from the sun's rays

Those who use SPF 100 sunscreen and other very high SPF products may be putting themselves at a much higher risk for skin cancer and other types of damage.  People are placing too much faith in these higher SPFs.

"In 2007, the FDA published draft regulations that would prohibit companies from labeling sunscreens with an SPF (sun protection factor) higher than 'SPF 50+,'" reported  the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in their article, "What's wrong with high SPF?"  "The agency wrote that higher values would be 'inherently misleading,' given that 'there is no assurance that the specific values themselves are in fact truthful…'"

Higher SPF sunscreens contain higher levels of harmful chemicals

Sunscreens sold in the United States most likely contain UV-blocking chemicals that contribute to the development of harmful free radicals when exposed to sunlight.  This creates a higher risk for melanoma. 

Higher SPF sunscreens contain higher levels of these harmful chemicals, but are usually not any more effective than a sunscreen with an SPF of 30.  This is partly due to the fact that many people do not apply enough sunscreen and do not apply it frequently enough.  In fact, most people apply less than one-half of the necessary amount to have the full protection of the listed SPF.