Does SPF Matter and Which One Should I Choose?

Sunscreen is essential for protecting the skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays. There are a wide range of sunscreen products available in market with different SPFs and with such a wide range of sunscreen to choose from, how can we know which is the best option? Read on to learn more about SPF and which sunscreen should you opt for.

What is SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects the skin from UVB rays, which are the type of UV rays that causes sunburn and also contributes to skin cancer. The SPF number indicates the level of protection provided by the sunscreen. For instance, sunscreen with SPF 30 allows you to stay in the sun 30 times longer without burning than if you were unprotected.

Does SPF matter?

Yes, SPF (Sun Protection Factor) matters for protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. SPF works by extending your skin’s natural defences against the sun rays and measures how effectively sunscreen protects against sunburn.

Higher SPF values indicate greater protection. For example, an SPF of 15 provides about 15 times more protection than your normal skin without sunscreen. Similarly, an SPF of 50 would provide 50 times more protection than skin without sunscreen.

The sun emits two types of radiation: UVA and UVB rays and choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen means it’s a type of sunscreen that will block out both UVA and UVB rays.

Which SPF should I Choose?

The SPF you choose depends on your skin type, sun exposure duration, and activities. For daily use, SPF 30 or higher is recommended. For low exposure to sun, a moisturizer or makeup with a base of SPF 15 built in is sufficient. If you’re spending extended time outdoors, consider SPF 50 or higher especially if you have fair skin or are prone to sunburn.

As there are many different types of sunscreen you can choose from, you’ll want to consider your outdoor activity to determine what kind of sunscreen you should choose. For instance, water-resistant sunscreen can offer good protection for water activities, but it may not be well-suited if you’re playing a sport that will cause the SPF to drip into your eyes. Similarly, there are broad-spectrum sunscreen available which gives protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Always follow the instructions on the sunscreen label and reapply as needed.