How does SPF protect me? Understanding the % of frequency

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures the time you can be in the sun before your skin begins to burn. Early research on sunlight found that UVB light creates burning on the skin, and was assumed that it was only frequency from sunlight that injured the skin. With further research they found that UVA is actually more damaging and makes up the larger part of the UV-radiation that reaches us from the sun. Researchers then decided to investigate what ingredients could protect us, not only from UVB but also UVA. SPF only supports UVB protection and not UVA. However, regulations strictly specify that SPF must contain UVA protection rating at least 1/3 of the UVB protection rating. All Lamelle SPF products contain closer to two-thirds of the rating, which provides skin with more protection.

“My bottle of sun protection gives me the SPF and then it says ‘broad spectrum’. Surely that means that I am 100% protected from the sun?” Broad-spectrum indicates that the product contains ingredients that are specifically focused on UVA and UVB protection.

UVA and UVB only make up 3% of the frequency of sunlight that reaches the skin, which we agree are the most dangerous form of sunlight. The other frequencies of sunlight also cause damage to the skin. In 2012 a trial was implemented and concluded, that applying an SPF 50 with a very potent anti-oxidant protected skin from only 54% sunlight damage. This has made it necessary to relook at sun protection products and develop products that may protect more than this.

At Lamelle we have a product that provide complete protection, in that it protects skin not only from UVA and UVB but also from the effects of the full spectrum of sunlight. Helase 50+ is a product with an SPF of 50, protectin skin from the harming effects of UVC (early UVB and particles in pollution), visible light and also infrared light frequencies of sunlight.