What does the SPF factor mean?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is used as an indicator of the level of protection provided by a sun protection product against UVB rays. It is used both in Europe and the US. The higher the number, the longer and better the protection against UVB rays.

When we talk about a product with SPF 30, it means that you can stay in the sun 30 times longer without getting burned compared to the time you would get burned without using an SPF product.

The main purpose of SPF is to provide protection against UVB rays. Various studies have shown that there is not much difference in blocking UVB rays between SPF 30 and SPF 50. Here is a comparison between SPF 30 and SPF 50:

SPF 30:

  • Provides protection against approximately 97% of UVB rays.
  • This allows you to stay in the sun for about 30 times longer without getting burned compared to not using an SPF product.
  • Ideal for daily use and moderate sun exposure.

SPF 50:

  • Provides protection against approximately 98% of UVB rays.
  • This allows you to stay in the sun for about 50 times longer without getting burned compared to not using an SPF product.
  • Recommended for prolonged sun exposure, intense sunlight, or for individuals with very sensitive skin.

The main difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 lies in the additional protection offered by SPF 50, with slightly higher blocking of UVB rays. However, it is important to remember that no SPF protection is completely waterproof, and reapplication is still necessary regularly, especially after swimming or sweating.

As you can see, the difference in the level of UVB protection between SPF 50 and SPF 30 is less than 2%.

It’s important to note that although this percentage may not seem like much at first glance, SPF 30 actually allows 50% more UVB radiation to penetrate the skin compared to SPF 50. This is an important factor to consider when choosing the right sun protection.

A sunscreen product with a high SPF factor, SPF 30 and above, ensures that you are adequately protected against UVB rays, preventing skin damage and sunburn. However, it’s important to remember that reapplying the sunscreen every two hours is necessary to maintain protection.

In addition to UVB rays, UVA rays also play a significant role in skin health, including skin aging. It is essential to understand and protect against both UVB and UVA rays to maintain the health and beauty of the skin.

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