[Sun protection factor 50+ : Pro and contra]

The use of sunscreens with sun protection factors beyond 50 is controversial. In order to avoid misleading the consumer, several countries have already decided not to declare SPF beyond 50 on sunscreen products. Arguments against high SPF include the following: the risk of imbalanced protection, which could increase the risk of damage caused by longer-wave ultraviolet radiation; imparting a false sense of safety, which could lead to the extension of sun exposure times; health risks from higher concentrations of filter substances; and the only marginally higher blockade provided by high SPF sunscreens. On the other hand, it has been realized that the functional SPF of sunscreens remains far behind the declared SPF in the practical application and, therefore, the use of higher SPF in sensitive individuals and during strong UV exposure could make sense.