Fear not, as we have written this handy guide on what SPF is, how it works and why applying it is so important. UVA rays are the more penetrating out of the pair, this means that cells can be affected deeper in the skin. UVA rays can cause the skin to age prematurely, leading to visible effects such as wrinkles and are also linked to some skin cancers. UVB rays on the other hand, are more likely to damage the outermost layers of the skin.
These harmful rays can lead to sunburn if the skin is overexposed and can cause skin cancers. Basic rules to follow when deciding which to choose include:. Using cleansers, serums and moisturisers to get the ultimate glow.
To put it simply, an SPF 15 will protect the skin 15 times more than just your normal skin. However, between 30 and 50 there is only a minute difference in the increase of protection. These differences may seem small, but over a lifetime it all adds up. If you have a history of skin cancer or are extra sensitive to sunlight, every little bit of protection helps! It is important to remember to apply your SPF 50 as often as you would a lower SPF though, to ensure your skin is continuously protected throughout the day.
Finally, certain medications — such as antibiotics or products with retinol — can make your skin more sensitive to the effects of sunlight. But sunscreen is only part of the picture. A multitude of factors affect how well you are protected from the sun. Sunscreen can be easily washed off by water or sweat, which can leave parts of your skin vulnerable to UV rays. Applying your sun protection unevenly or not reapplying sunscreen often enough can also reduce its effectiveness.
For most people, SPF 30 will suffice, if you keep in mind the following tips:. Look for products containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because they protect against the full spectrum of UVA rays.
Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours— sooner if you swim or exercise because water, sweat, and clothing can remove it from the skin. Choose your clothes wisely before you go out in the sun. Dark clothing can block nearly all UV radiation and tightly woven fabrics are more protective than looser weaves. If you can see light passing through it, UV rays can get through, too. You might also consider purchasing special sun-protective clothing.
A 30 SPF sunscreen would provide 30 times the protection of no sunscreen. That means 30 times longer before you start to burn, or in this case, minutes. That's five hours, so one application should do it for the day, right?
Not so fast, says Mallett. She recommends reapplying sunscreen "every one to two hours when outdoors, especially if swimming or sweating a lot. Even if the sunscreen has a SPF of , claims to be sweatproof and waterproof, and provides all-day protection, it needs to be reapplied to provide optimal protection.
Proper and repeated application is more important.
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