What is SPF in Sunscreen? - Whether it’s sunny or cloudy outside, Sunscreen is an absolute must-have. Skipping sunscreen even for a day can have serious outcomes which is definitely not worth the risk. That’s why you should make sure to use sunscreen with high SPF whenever you are going to spend time outdoors. Sunscreen is an effective and simple way to protect your skin and stay healthy. In this blog, we will discover What is SPF in Sunscreen? Stay Tuned to know more information!
What is SPF in Sunscreen?
Normally, If your skin burns after 10 minutes in the sunlight, applying a SPF 15 sunscreen would allow you to stay in the sun without burning for around 150 minutes. However, this is a rough estimate and can vary depending on various factors such as skin type, intensity of sunlight, and amount of sunscreen used. It is important to keep in mind that SPF only measures protection from UVB exposure and not the duration of exposure.
For the best protection from harmful rays coming from the sun, it is highly recommended to use sunscreen with a maximum SPF of 15 and also it is recommended to use a proper amount of sunscreen which is about 2mg/cm2 of skin. To Ensure maximum protection, it is important to reapply the sunscreen every two hours.
The full form of SPF is the “Sun Protection Factor”, which is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from sun damage and UVB rays. The higher the number of SPF, the greater the level of sun protection. That is why make sure to choose a sunscreen with high SPF to stay safe in the sun.
SPF is calculated based on the amount of UV radiation it takes to produce sunburn when wearing sunscreen compared to how much UV exposure it takes for unprotected skin to get sunburned. However, the SPF value does not indicate how long you can stay in the sun without getting sunburned because it depends on other factors such as the intensity of UV rays, your skin type, and the amount of sunscreen applied. These factors can help you to determine how long you can stay in the sun without getting burned.
What Does the SPF Number Mean?
The number following SPF indicates the additional time it might take for you to get sunburnt after applying SPF as compared to when you are not applying any SPF at all. For example, if you get sunburned after 15 minutes without any sun protection, then putting on SPF 30 sunscreen will mean that you can spend approximately 5-6 hours in the sun without the risk of sunburn. However, it is just an estimate because the risk of sunburn depends on various factors such as weather, time of day, skin type, etc.
Although the SPF number can be as low as 2 and as high as 50+, the higher the number the better the protection against sunburn. But the minimum recommended is 15 for daily use and it can also protect from UVA rays. It is necessary to always follow the instructions written on the sunscreen pack or bottle about reapplying more often or if you feel a bit uncertain. It is always safer to reapply sunscreen more often. One of the most effective and dermatologist-recommended sunscreens is ESSONE Photostable Matt Sunscreen Lotion by Skya Transdermic with SPF 50.
Major Benefits of Using a Sunscreen
There are several benefits of using a sunscreen, some of them include:
- Protection from UV Rays - UV rays coming from the sun can be very harmful to the skin and can cause serious damage to the skin cells i.e. DNA mutation which may lead to cancer. Using sunscreen regularly can help to block or absorb UV rays before they penetrate the skin.
- Prevents Sunburns - When the skin is exposed to excessive UV radiations, sunburns are caused, which can cause redness, peeling, and pain. Sunscreen can protect your skin from UV rays and avoid getting sunburned.
- Reduces Skin Cancer Risk - One of the most effective ways to protect your skin from harmful UV rays is wearing sunscreen, which can reduce the risk of skin cancer.
- Prevents Premature aging - Sun damage can cause various problems such as premature aging, age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. These issues are caused because UV radiations can break elastine and collagen fibers in the skin which leads to loss of elasticity and firmness. Daily applying sunscreen can prevent these skin problems by protecting the skin from sun damage and UV rays.
- Improves Skin Texture - Excessive exposure to the sun can lead to uneven and rough skin texture, which can result in dull and lifeless skin. By wearing sunscreen regularly you can prevent this damage and keep your skin looking smooth and healthy.
- Reduces Hyperpigmentation - Hyperpigmentation can be caused by spending a lot of time in the sun. Using sunscreen can help reduce hyperpigmentation by preventing skin from sun damage.
Frequently Asked Questions About What is SPF in Sunscreen?
Question 1. What are the key benefits of using a Sunscreen?
Ans. Some of the key benefits include protection from UV rays, preventing sunburns, reducing skin cancer risk, preventing of premature aging, improving skin texture, reducing hyperpigmentation, preventing sunspots, prevents melasma.
Question 2. What is SPF in Sunscreen?
Ans. SPF is the Sun Protection factor that helps to determine how long the sunscreen can protect your skin from harmful UV radiation.
Question 3. What are the serious problems that are caused by UV radiation?
Ans. It includes skin cancer, premature aging, and other skin damage., cataracts and other eye damage, immune system suppression, etc.
Question 4. What are the side effects of sunscreen?
Ans. Some side effects include acne, burning, itching, or stinging of the skin, redness or swelling, rashes, pain in hairy areas, pus in the hair follicles, etc.
