Sun Protection Factor
Been Hearing SPF Too Much? Do You Know What It Really
Is?
There are so many different types of sun protection products
in the market and the choices are simply mind-boggling! Notice
carefully the next time you go shopping, you will find sun
protection products that are waterproof and sweat proof. Some
are designed especially for infants and others are specially-formulated
for athletes. The forms of sun protection products can come
in creams, lotions, oils, tanners and bronzers.
So, what's with those numbers printed on the bottle? The
sun protection factor, or the SPF, ranges from a low of 2
to a high of 50 and sometimes higher. All of us know that
the SPF has something to do with providing protection from
the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays. But beyond that, the
number is shrouded in mystery.
What Is SPF?
The SPF is actually a comparison of the time it takes before
the skin starts to redden with and without sun protection.
On top of that, SPF pertains only to UVB rays, the ones that
cause tanning but also sunburns.
For instance, if it would take 20 minutes for an individual's
skin to burn without sun protection, then when you apply a
SPF15 sun screen, it means that the person can remain in the
sun 15 times longer, or up to 5 hours, without worrying about
being burnt. The greater the SPF is, the longer the protection
can offer, but only up to a certain point. SPFs greater than
15 offer only small increments of additional protection, which
is the general theory behind the SPF.
However, in reality, sun protection regardless of SPF becomes
less effective when it's not evenly applied, be in when a
person goes into the water or when a person sweats. Both water
and sweat diminish the product's effectiveness, which is why
it's extremely important to reapply sun protection frequently.
Other than reapplying, for maximum effectiveness the first
application should happen approximately 20 minutes before
you go into the sun. Doing so will allow sufficient time for
the product to fully absorb into the skin. It also ensures
that you'll be protected the moment you step outside.
How To Find The Right Type Of SPF For Me?
For most people, sun protection with a sun protection factor
of 15 provides sufficient protection as long as it's frequently
reapplied. However, as for those with more sensitive skin,
they might need to use a higher SPF of sun protection. People
who are fair-skinned, have light-colored or red hair or who
are traveling to certain high altitude or tropical destinations
will need to use a higher SPF. Those with darker skin generally
don't burn as easily and need only a mild SPF. When you are
choosing an SPF, remember that a higher SPF does not offer
more protection, instead, it offers longer protection.
Other sun protection products
The other self-tanning products and bronzers are the safer
ways to color your skin because your skin isn't being exposed
to ultraviolet radiation which will gradually damage your
skin’s cells. These products don't offer sun protection
unless the label specifically states unless they list a sun
protection factor. Keep in mind that that a sun protection
factor corresponds to a period of time and therefore, even
if the product offers sun protection, it will not last until
you wash the product off in a few days.
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