Sunscreen: what you need to know about SPF and sun protection

Summer is approaching, and that means we all want to enjoy the beautiful weather and sunshine. However, too much exposure to the sun can be harmful to your skin. Fortunately, there are several ways to protect yourself from UV rays and sunburn. One of the most important tools for this is SPF (Sun Protection Factor). In this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about SPF and sun protection.

What is SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is a measure of the degree of protection against UVB radiation. UVB radiation is the harmful radiation responsible for sunburn and skin cancer. SPF measures how long it takes for your skin to redden when you use sunscreen, compared to how quickly it happens when you don't use sunscreen. So, for example, if you would normally burn after 10 minutes in the sun, you would be protected for approximately 300 minutes with SPF 30 sunscreen.

How does SPF work?

SPF works by creating a layer on the skin that reflects or absorbs UV radiation. A sunscreen with SPF 30 filters out about 97% of UVB radiation, while a sunscreen with SPF 50 filters out about 98%. It is important to remember that SPF only indicates the level of protection against UVB radiation, not UVA radiation. UVA radiation is also harmful and can cause skin ageing and cancer. That is why it is important to always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation.

What types of sun filters are there?

There are two types of sun filters: mineral and chemical filters. Chemical filters absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, while mineral filters form a physical barrier on the skin that reflects UV radiation.

What are mineral sun filters?

Mineral sun filters contain natural ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients work by creating a physical barrier on the skin that reflects UV radiation. Mineral sun filters are generally better for people with sensitive skin because they are less likely to cause irritation. They are also less harmful to the environment.

What are chemical sun filters?

Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, contain synthetic ingredients such as avobenzone and oxybenzone. These ingredients work by absorbing UV radiation and converting it into heat. Chemical sun filters are generally cheaper and easier to obtain than mineral filters. However, they can be irritating to the skin (they absorb into the skin) and harmful to the environment.

What factor sunscreen should I use?

The SPF you should use depends on several factors, such as your skin type, the intensity of the sun and the duration of exposure to the sun. People with very fair skin and people who burn easily are best advised to use a higher SPF, such as SPF 50.

Children and sunscreen

Children's skin is generally more sensitive to the sun than adult skin. This is because children's skin is thinner and more fragile and has less pigment than adult skin. This means that children can burn more quickly and suffer damage from exposure to the sun. Children are also more likely to develop skin cancer later in life if they are exposed to the sun a lot as children. This is because children's skin cells are still developing and growing, making them more susceptible to damage from UV radiation. It is therefore important to protect children from the sun and teach them how to protect themselves. This includes using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (SPF30 or SPF50), as well as wearing protective clothing and avoiding exposure to the sun during peak hours of the day.

What is the best SPF for the face?

There is no universal 'best' SPF for the face, as this depends on your skin type and your specific needs. However, it is recommended to use at least SPF 30 sunscreen for the face.

It is important to protect yourself from the sun to prevent sunburn, premature skin ageing and skin cancer. Make sure you always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Protect your skin and enjoy the beautiful weather!