SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it measures how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays, which are the rays that cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer.
π’ What SPF Numbers Mean:
SPF tells you how much longer you can stay in the sun without burning compared to unprotected skin.
For example:
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SPF 30 means you can stay in the sun 30 times longer without burning than you could with no protection.
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It also blocks about 97% of UVB rays.
| SPF Level | UVB Protection |
|---|---|
| SPF 15 | ~93% |
| SPF 30 | ~97% |
| SPF 50 | ~98% |
| SPF 100 | ~99% |
⚠️ No SPF blocks 100% of UV rays, which is why reapplication and shade are still important.
✅ Key SPF Tips:
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Choose SPF 30 or higher for daily use.
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Look for "broad-spectrum" on the label (protects against both UVA & UVB).
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Reapply every 2 hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.