SPF - Sun Protection
Everybody knows that sun protection is really important – to prevent skin cancer, sunburn, and premature aging. But which product is best for you and what does the SPF number on sunscreens mean? Let’s take a closer look!
What is SPF and what does it mean?
SPF 50, 30, or is 20 enough? What do the SPF values on a product mean? SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and it refers to the amount of time a product can protect you from the sun’s UVB rays (but not UVA rays). However, this amount of time varies for different people even when using the same SPF, because it is relative to the time it would take your skin to burn without any sunscreen on. (which can range anywhere from 5 minutes to 1.5 hours). That is why there is no one SPF that is the best for everyone. It must be tailored to you and your specific skin needs.
How to find the best SPF for your skin type
Which sunscreen should you use? That depends on your skin type and how long you intend to stay in the sun. Generally, there are six different categories of skin types:
Sensitive skin that burns quickly
Skin type I
- Very pale skin (sometimes freckles), blue eyes, and red or light blonde hair
- Never tans
- Extremely prone to sunburns
- Maximum sun exposure before burning: 10 minutes
Recommended SPF: 30-50+
Skin type II
- Fair-skinned, light eye color (blue, green, gray) and blonde hair
- Tans slowly
- Burns quickly
- Maximum sun exposure before burning: 20 minutes
Recommended SPF: 20-50
Skin type III
- Beige skin, gray or brown eyes, and dark blonde hair
- Tans slowly
- Burns on occasion
- Maximum sun exposure before burning: 30 minutes
Recommended SPF: 15-30
Skin type IV
- Olive or light brown skin, dark eyes, and hair
- Tans quickly
- Rarely burns
- Maximum sun exposure before burning: 40 minutes
Recommended protection: SPF 10-15
Skin type V
- Dark brown skin, dark eyes, and black hair
- Rarely burns
- Maximum sun exposure before burning: 60 minutes
Recommended protection: SPF 4-8
- Very dark brown skin, dark eyes, and black hair
- Very rarely burns
- Maximum sun exposure before burning: 90 minutes
Recommended protection: SPF 4-8
