Summer Approaches! Come Learn About SPF Sunscreen Levels (+ Chart)
With the summer season just around the corner, many of us are already thinking about the best ways to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. One of the most effective ways is by using SPF sunscreen, but the problem is there are so many options. This blog will discuss the different SPF sunscreen levels, what SPF sunscreen is, how it works, and why it is essential for protecting your skin.
Quick TLDR: SPF stands for sun protection factor. Sunscreen should be a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. It should be applied at least every 2 hours. Below is a chart of different SPF Sunscreen Levels:
UV Spectrum Wavelength
Before we talk about SPF and sunscreen, we must understand what we are protecting our skin from. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun. The main types of UV radiation that we are concerned about are UV-A and UV-B.
UV-A radiation is the least harmful of the two, but it penetrates deeper than UV-B. It accounts for over 95% of solar radiation. Due to its deep penetration, it has been linked with free radical formation, premature aging, and wrinkles.
UV-B radiation is more harmful than UV-A radiation. It is 1000x more effective at producing sunburn than UV-A and can cause direct damage to our DNA, leading to skin cancer. UV-B radiation is the strongest during the middle of the day.
What is SPF Sunscreen?
SPF sunscreen is a topical product that is applied to the skin to protect it from harmful UV radiation. Typically, sunscreens contain ingredients that absorb UV energy, blocking the radiation and preventing it from penetrating the skin.
The United States Food and Drug Administration requires that every sunscreen be labeled with the UV ray that it’s effective against. For products with both UV-A and UV-B coverage, they can be labeled “Broad Spectrum SPF.”
What is SPF?
SPF stands for sun protection factor. Essentially, SPF is the period you can stay in the sun without being sunburned. This is also based on your skin complexion.
Theoretically, an SPF 15 sunscreen would give the individual 15x more prolonged sun exposure without burning. For instance, if a person typically gets sunburned in 10 minutes without sunscreen, with SPF 15, the individual should be able to stay in the sun for over 2.5 hours.
Realistically, it’s a little bit more complicated than that, so most dermatologists recommend SPF 15 regardless of skin type for everyday activity. The sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours regardless of the SPF.
Generally, SPF 2 to 12 is considered to provide minimal sunburn protection. SPF 12-29 is considered to provide moderate sunburn protection. Lastly, SPF 30 or more is considered to provide high sunburn protection.
SPF Level
Because sunburn is mainly associated with UV-B, many SPF considerations are focused on its ability to absorb UV-B and protect our skin.
Warning: SPF Myth
Many individuals think that doubling SPF gives them double the amount of protection. This is incorrect.
Notice from the chart above that the difference between SPF 15 and SPF 30 is only 3%. The difference decreases even more beyond SPF 30. The difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is only 1.3%. This is something that you should take into consideration when purchasing sunscreen.
Why is SPF Sunscreen Essential for Protecting Your Skin
SPF sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. These harmful effects are sunburn, skin damage, and even skin cancer.
When to Apply Sunscreen
Sunscreens should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied at least every 2 hours. If you’re planning on being in the water, you may need to reapply sunscreen more frequently than every 2 hours.
Sunscreens are most important between 10 AM and 2 PM, and it is recommended that you at least use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher for daily use.
Other Considerations
SPF is just one component of each sunscreen. It is also essential to consider other factors as well. Below are some of the other considerations:
- Whether the sunscreen is only a UV-B blocker, UV-A blocker, or a broad spectrum
- Whether or not it is a chemical block or a physical blocker
- Whether or not it is water resistant and for how long
Conclusion
In conclusion, SPF sunscreen is a must-have for anyone who spends time in the sun. It reduces your risk of sunburn, skin damage, and skin cancer by absorbing the damaging UV radiation. I hope this blog has been helpful to some of you and that you found the SPF sunscreen chart handy. So, be sure to pack a bottle of SPF sunscreen in your beach bag this summer and protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays! Have you had any experience with sunscreen or sunburn? Leave a comment below!
Reference
1. Dale Wilson, B., Moon, S., & Armstrong, F. (2012). Comprehensive review of ultraviolet radiation and the current status on sunscreens. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 5(9), 18–23.
2. Rai, R., & Srinivas, C. R. (2007). Photoprotection. Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology, 73(2), 73–79. https://doi.org/10.4103/0378-6323.31889
Hey there, fellow sun-lovers! I just came across this post on different SPF levels in sunscreens, and I have to say, I’m definitely intrigued by this topic.
Summer is just around the corner, and for most of us, that means more time spent outside soaking up the sun. And while we all love the feel of the warm sun on our skin, it’s important to remember that too much sun can be harmful. That’s why using a good sunscreen is so important.
But with so many different SPF levels available, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. That’s why I think this post is so valuable. It does a great job of explaining what SPF means and how to choose the right one for your skin type and the activities you’ll be doing.
Personally, I always opt for a high SPF, especially if I’m going to be spending a lot of time outside. I don’t take any chances when it comes to protecting my skin from the sun’s harmful rays. But I know that not everyone feels the same way. Some folks are more comfortable with a lower SPF, especially if they have a tan or a darker skin tone.
But no matter what your skin type or how much time you spend in the sun, it’s important to remember that sun protection is key to keeping your skin healthy. So, make sure you choose the right SPF level for you, and don’t forget to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming.
So, there you have it, folks. My thoughts on this important topic. I hope this post has inspired you to take a closer look at your own sunscreen routine and make sure you’re doing everything you can to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Happy sunbathing!
Thank you so much for your comment! I absolutely agree with you about not taking any chances. It’s just not worth it! And yes, I cannot stress the importance of reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours, and this 2 hours rule goes for every sunscreen regardless of the SPF! Sometimes, it’s so easy to forget, especially when you’re on a long hike or lounging at a beach. Personally, I set a timer, so I remember to reapply them. Thank you so much for your insight on this!