Sun, sand, and sea – few things are as fun as spending time outdoors, especially on the beach. But, just as with many things in life, too much of a good thing can be bad for you. This is especially true when it comes to spending time in the heat of the sun.
The thing is, there’s a variety of suncare products to choose from, especially SPF ratings, so it’s easy to get confused. Does SPF determine which natural sunscreen is best for you? Will it affect how effective your natural tinted sunscreen will be? Does a low SPF mean you need to switch from your current sunscreen to the Zinc Stick Clear instead?
Read on to find out how to choose the most suitable sunscreen for you and the rest of the family.
The Basics of SPF: What Is It?
Sun protection factor (SPF) is a representative number that we commonly see in sunscreens. SPF measures how well a sunscreen can protect your skin from ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which cause sunburns and contribute to skin cancer.
The SPF number on your sunscreen tells you how much longer you can stay in the sun compared to when you’re not wearing sunscreen. For example, if you use sunscreen with an SPF of 30, in theory, it means you can stay outdoors 30 times longer without getting sunburnt than you could with no sunscreen.
Ideally, the higher the SPF number, the longer-lasting your protection from UVB rays will be. However, while higher SPF numbers may offer you more protection, no sunscreen can offer 100% protection from UVB rays. Regular re-application of sunscreen is best if you’re planning on spending a lot of time outdoors.
What Are the Different SPF Ratings?
Now that we’ve explained what SPF is, what is the difference between the different SPFs?
SPF ratings measure the level of protection sunscreen provides against UVB rays, the primary cause of sunburn. Here’s a breakdown of SPF ratings and what each means.
Low SPF Ratings: SPF 15-29
Sunscreens with an SPF rating in this range are considered to have low protection. An SPF 15 sunscreen blocks about 93% of UVB rays, while an SPF 20 sunscreen blocks about 95%. They are suitable for those who spend limited time outdoors.
Medium SPF Ratings: SPF 30–50
This range offers medium to high protection, with SPF 30 sunscreens blocking approximately 97% of UVB rays and SPF 50 sunscreens blocking about 98%. Most people can use this SPF rating for everyday use, including extended outdoor activities.
This SPF rating provides a good balance for application and protection, particularly for people who are prone to sunburn.
High SPF Ratings: SPF 50+
Sunscreens with an SPF rating of 50 or higher are considered to provide greater sun exposure protection, blocking more than 98% of UVB rays. These are ideal for people with a history of skin cancer or who are sensitive to sunlight.
This sunscreen range is also recommended for situations involving prolonged exposure to the sun, such as skiing or spending the day at the beach.
Additional Considerations
Broad-spectrum sunscreens offer protection against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays, regardless of their SPF rating. Sunscreen with a higher SPF rating doesn’t mean you need to apply it less often, either. Regardless of the SPF level, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
How Your Lifestyle Factors Into Your SPF
Whether it’s for a regular day at the office with minimal sun exposure or a day-long outdoor adventure, choosing the right SPF can make a big difference in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. That’s because your daily activities and the amount of time you spend outdoors could significantly influence the level of SPF you need.
Daily Use vs. Extended Outdoor Activities
On an average day, you might be exposed to the sun while commuting to work or running errands. In most cases, an SPF of 30 is sufficient for these short durations of exposure. This level blocks about 97% of UVB rays, in turn helping to reduce your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
On the other hand, if your typical day involves hiking, gardening, or working outdoors, you’re exposed to UV rays for much longer periods of time. A higher SPF, such as 50 or more, could provide longer-lasting protection and is essential to counteract the increased risk.
Water or Snow Activities
Surfaces like water, snow, and even sand reflect UV rays, which can increase your exposure and the risk of sunburn. Activities like swimming, surfing, skiing, and snowboarding necessitate extra precautions.
When it comes to water sports or snow activities, meanwhile, opt for a sunscreen designed to be water-resistant. These sunscreens are specifically designed to stay effective longer on wet or sweaty skin.
Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, and more often if you’re swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. This ensures continuous protection, as physical activity and water can wear away the sunscreen layer, reducing its effectiveness.
Additional Points to Consider
If you’re travelling or live in areas with higher altitudes, the atmosphere is thinner, and UV exposure can be more intense. Similarly, UV exposure increases closer to the equator. In such environments, opting for a higher SPF and reapplying more frequently is crucial.
UV rays can also penetrate through clouds, meaning you’re at risk of UV exposure even on overcast days. Maintain your sunscreen routine regardless of the weather to ensure continuous protection. Remember, no sunscreen offers complete protection, so complementing sunscreen with protective clothing and seeking shade whenever possible is best.
By carefully considering your lifestyle, activities, and the specific conditions you’ll be exposed to, you can choose an SPF that provides adequate protection, keeping your skin healthy and reducing the risk of long-term damage.
Key Points to Remember
- Too much sun exposure can damage your skin, highlighting the need for SPF (Sun Protection Factor) sunscreens.
- SPF measures how well sunscreen protects your skin from sunburn and skin cancer by blocking UVB rays.
- A higher SPF number offers better protection, but no sunscreen can permanently block UVB rays. Reapply sunscreen regularly to maintain protection.
- Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA (contributes to ageing) and UVB (causes sunburn) rays, and water-resistant types are essential for activities involving water or snow.
- Lifestyle factors, like the amount of time spent outdoors or engaging in water and snow activities, can significantly influence the level of SPF needed.
- It's important to complement sunscreen with protective clothing and shade, especially since no sunscreen offers complete UV protection.
Little Urchin is committed to a healthier planet, combining the power of nature with a deep sense of community. We offer natural-based and sustainable suncare products that nourish the skin and protect our future generations. Safe for the skin and safe for the reef – that’s our promise.
