In today’s world, protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful rays is more important than ever. With so many different sunscreens on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is right for you.

Here’s a beginner’s guide to help you make an informed decision.

What Is SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects against UVB (ultraviolet B) rays from the sun. UVB rays cause sunburn and are the leading cause of skin cancer.

The higher the SPF, the more protection you have against UVB rays.

How to Calculate the Protection

SPF protection is calculated based on the amount of time it takes for your skin to start burning without sunscreen.

For example, if your skin usually starts burning after 10 minutes in the sun without sunscreen, an SPF 30 sunscreen would provide 30 times that protection, or 300 minutes of protection before you start burning.

What SPF Do You Need?

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. This provides adequate protection for most people.

However, if you are fair-skinned, spend a lot of time outdoors, or are at high risk for skin cancer, you may want to consider using a higher SPF.

Types of Sunscreen

There are two main types of sunscreen: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat, while physical sunscreens form a barrier on the skin to reflect and scatter UV rays.

Chemical Sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens are the most common type of sunscreen. They are lightweight and easy to apply. Chemical sunscreens usually absorb into the skin quickly, so you don’t have to wait to go outside.

However, some people may be sensitive to the chemicals in these sunscreens.

Physical Sunscreens

Physical sunscreens are also known as mineral or natural sunscreens. They use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient to create a physical barrier on the skin.

Physical sunscreens are great for sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation. They also provide immediate protection because they don’t have to be absorbed into the skin.

Sunscreen Application

Regardless of which type of sunscreen you choose, it’s important to apply it correctly. Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin at least 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Make sure you use enough sunscreen to cover your skin completely – about one ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) per application.

SPF and Makeup

If you wear makeup, you may be wondering if you can still get adequate sun protection. The good news is that many makeup products now contain SPF.

However, it’s important to remember that these products may not provide enough protection on their own. You should still apply a separate sunscreen with an appropriate SPF before applying makeup.

Choose a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

When choosing a sunscreen, make sure it provides broad-spectrum protection. This means it protects against both UVB and UVA (ultraviolet A) rays. UVA rays can cause premature aging, wrinkles, and other skin damage.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right SPF for your skin can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Remember to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply at least every two hours.

If you’re still unsure, talk to your dermatologist or healthcare provider for recommendations.