We hear it all the time. SPF to most people just gives them an indication of what sunscreens to buy. But it means so much more that that! The Skin Health Institute gives us lots of interesting advice on SPF and how to choose what’s best for you and your family.
What does SPF mean?
Ever wonder what causes that awful red sunburn after a long day at the beach, or even just a short while unprotected out in the sun? That’s the UVB from the sun that is damaging our skin, and it can lead to some types of skin cancer!
SPF or ‘sun protection factor’ is actually a “measure of a sunscreen’s ability to prevent one type of UV radiation called UVB (think B for burning) from damaging the skin.” says skinhealthinstitute.org.au.
What about the number and +?
The number that follows the SPF means an approximate time that it will take before your skin goes red. So take how long it takes for you to burn, and multiply that by the SPF number! Despite how long that may be, make sure to still reapply your SPF50+ sunscreen at least every 2 hours because it may wash or wear off, and enough is generally not used.
The plus refers to the fact that in testing, because sunscreen will test differently with changed methods or labs, they allow no room for error. SPF50+ for example has to show to have SPF60 when tested. SPF50+ is the level that the Skin Health Institute recommends we use.
More Information
For more information on types of sunscreen, application and nano particles please visit https://www.skinhealthinstitute.org.au/page/92/sunscreen-explained.
If you have any skin concerns, or you are due for you regular check-up, please book in with us at Qutis Skin Check Clinic. You can contact us via our phone number: 03 5201 7030 or email: [email protected] and our friendly receptionists will help you with an appointment at a time convenient to you.
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