In fact, what is the SPF on sunscreen?

When you buy a sunscreen product, you often see the words Sunscreen Factor (SPF) on the packaging. Many types of sunscreens offer protection ranging from SPF 15 to SPF 50.

The higher the SPF amount of a product, the stronger the claim for protection against the skin from sun exposure. Is it true? The following explains the definition of FPS and tips for choosing the right sunscreen.

Learn more about SPF

When we are exposed to sunlight, there are two types of ultraviolet light that can cause danger to the body, namely ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB).

SPF is a standard measure of protection provided sunscreen for the skin against UVB exposure. The higher the SPF amount, the better the protection provided. Therefore, the risk of sunburn from UVB skin will be reduced.

For example, your skin will turn red after about 10 minutes when you are active in hot weather without using sunscreen. Meanwhile, with the use of an SPF 30 sunblock, it takes about 300 minutes or 5 hours, until the skin starts to turn red.

But keep in mind, this does not mean that the higher SPF on sunscreen does not guarantee optimal protection. Because, many other factors that affect the effectiveness of using sunscreen, such as:

• Changes in temperature or weather
• Time of exposure
• Skin type
• How to use sunscreen
• The number of sunscreens used
• Other environmental and individual factors

So, even if you already use sunscreen, you don't need to be fully protected from sun exposure. In fact, only 25 to 50% of people use the recommended amount of sunblock.

The protection offered by sunscreens can vary depending on the SPF value, as shown below:

• SPF 15 protects the skin from 93% UVB rays
• SPF 30 protects the skin from 97% UVB rays
• SPF 50 protects skin from 98% of UVB exposure

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Sun cream, SPF, and UV light

The SPF value on a sunscreen package only illustrates its ability to protect against UVB rays. Indeed, at the very beginning of its appearance, UVB was considered as exposure to ultraviolet light which should be better known, compared to UVA.

UVB wavelengths are indeed shorter. This speeds up his exposure to the skin. But the fact is, UVA can still cause skin disorders.

If excessive UVB exposure can cause sunburn, UVA exposure can cause wrinkles, dark spots on the skin, and premature aging. Both of these rays are also the precursors of skin cancer.

So, in addition to knowing the SPF value, you are also advised to choose a sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection. Broad spectrum sunscreens can protect you from UVB and UVA exposure together.

In addition, there are several other factors to consider when choosing the right sunscreen, such as skin type and water resistance.

Tips for choosing the right sunblock

Besides the SPF value, there are several other factors to consider when choosing sunscreen. Here are some tips for choosing the right sunblock to keep your skin healthy and protected.

1. Consider these three important things

When choosing sunscreen, there are three important things to consider:
 

• Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher

Sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher can provide high skin protection. In addition, sunscreens with SPF less than 30, such as SPF 15 or less, cannot provide broad spectrum protection.

• Can provide broad spectrum protection
Broad spectrum protection (protection against UVA and UVB rays) is needed because of the effects resulting from exposure to sunlight, not just darker skin.

The risk others, such as premature aging, the appearance of wrinkles, skin cancer, must also be prevented.
 

• waterproof

Sunscreen that is not waterproof can disappear or disappear faster when you sweat or swim. As a result, the skin will not get maximum protection.

Solar products with waterproof or waterproof labels can last for about 40 minutes on wet skin. Meanwhile, the labeled product is very waterproof and can last up to 80 minutes.

2. Adjust skin type

So that the use of sunscreen does not harm the skin, choose according to your skin type, as follows.

• acne prone and oily skin
If your skin is prone to acne, choose non-comedogenic sunscreens that don't clog your pores. Make sure you find information about this in the sunblock package.

• skin is easily allergic and sensitive

To reduce the risk of allergies, avoid sunscreens containing perfume or perfume, parabens, and oxybenzone.
 

• dry skin

For dry skin, you can choose sunscreen that contains moisturizing ingredients. This product will contain information about moisturizers or dry skin on the package.

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After learning more about SPF, sunblock, and tips for choosing it, you shouldn't be careless. Because, using sunscreen every day, about 30 minutes before sun exposure is very important to protect the skin in the long run.

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