SPF—this term has always baffled me. Is a higher SPF number better? How much sunscreen do I apply? How often do I apply it? All of these are important questions because the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation is linked to the vast majority of skin cancers, premature skin aging, and eye damage. But like most things in life, SPF answers aren’t simple.
Decoding SPF: More Than Just a Number for Sun Protection
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a critical measure of sunscreen’s effectiveness against UVB rays. However, it’s more complex than just picking the highest number. SPF indicates how much UV radiation is required to cause sunburn on protected skin compared to unprotected skin. However, SPF doesn’t measure the time of exposure but rather the intensity of UV radiation. Higher SPF values offer more protection, but the increase in benefits diminishes at higher levels. For instance, SPF 30 blocks 97% of UV rays, while SPF 50 blocks 98%. It’s also vital to choose ‘broad spectrum’ sunscreens for both UVA and UVB protection. Beyond SPF, wearing UPF clothing and avoiding midday sun is essential for comprehensive skin protection.
Are you interested in learning more about SPF and skin protection? Explore additional insights and expert advice on Verywell Health.
For the delicate skin of your lips, using specific SPF-infused lip care is crucial to prevent signs of aging. Learn more about anti-aging lip care strategies to keep your smile as youthful and radiant as your skin.
SPF You Should Be Using
A shelf full of different sunscreens can present a tough choice—especially when the goal is a low-key day of lounging poolside. Even considering different skin tones, genetics, and environmental variables, one thing is universally sure: using SPF 30 or above is ideal. The importance of using both UVB and UVA protection cannot be emphasized enough. Your sunscreen should include some combination of the following UVA-blocking ingredients: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, ecamsule, and oxybenzone. Sunscreens with UVA and UVB protection may be labeled multi-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or UVA/UVB protection.
Sun-Safe Apparel: More Than Just Covering Up
Clothing is perhaps the most basic form of sun protection. Wear long-sleeved shirts and a floppy, wide-brimmed hat. But even if you’re covered in clothing from head to toe, that clothing isn’t useful if the sun can make its way right through the fabric fibers. So, put sunscreen on parts of your body under your shirt and your face.
Here in Texas, you can catch harmful sunrays driving in your car. So, this summer, I’m going to look for UPF clothing. These items are made with an ultraviolet protection factor and are becoming more common.
With summer around the corner, I guess we have many things to plan and anticipate, huh?
Editorial Update: We strive to keep our content accurate and up-to-date. As part of our ongoing efforts, this article has been moved from Fashion + Beauty, Health to WELLNESS & SELF-CARE on 09/11/2023.
