WHAT IS SPF?

How to choose the right sun protection factor (SPF) for you

Sun protection is essential for maintaining healthy skin. One of the most important tools in your sun protection arsenal is sunscreen. But what does SPF mean, and how do you choose the right sunscreen for your needs?

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WHAT DOES SPF STAND FOR?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It's a measure of how well a sunscreen protects your skin from sunburn caused by UVB rays.

WHAT DOES SPF MEAN?

Think of SPF as a multiplier. If you typically get sunburned after 20 minutes of sun exposure, using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 means you could theoretically stay in the sun for 20 minutes * 30 = 600 minutes (10 hours) before getting sunburned. However, it's important to note that this is a simplified explanation. Factors like skin type, intensity of sunlight, and individual sensitivity can influence how long you can stay in the sun.

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HOW TO READ SPF

SPF is a numerical value. The higher the number, the more protection the sunscreen provides against UVB rays. Here's a general breakdown:

Low SPF (2-15): Offers some protection but may not be sufficient for prolonged sun exposure or sensitive skin.
Medium SPF (16-30): Provides good protection for most people.
High SPF (31-50): Offers excellent protection but doesn't guarantee complete sunburn prevention.
Very high SPF (50+): Provides the highest level of protection available, but it's important to remember that no sunscreen offers 100% protection.

UV Protection % by SPF Rating

The higher the SPF value corresponds to the greater UV protection

SPF Rating	UV Protection
SPF 2	50%
SPF 4	75%
SPF 8	87%
SPF 15	93%
SPF 30	97%
SPF 40	97.50%
SPF 50	98%

SPF VS. UVB

UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn. While SPF helps protect against UVB rays, it's crucial to choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection. This means it protects against both UVB and UVA rays, which can contribute to premature aging and skin damage.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SPF

The ideal SPF for you depends on factors like your skin type, the intensity of sunlight, and the length of time you'll be exposed to the sun. Here are some general guidelines:

Fair skin: Opt for a higher SPF, such as WearSPF Essential Sunscreen SPF 50
Medium skin: An SPF of 30 or higher. Try any of WearSPF 30 Mineral Sunscreens
Dark skin: While less susceptible to sunburn, dark skin can still benefit from sunscreen protection. Consider a SPF of 15-30.