The meaning of the SPF rating is a little confusing. Let me see if I can clear up some of the mystery.

Let’s use an analogy to make it easier to understand.

You go out in the sun, and in 10 minutes your skin gets red . If you use a sunscreen rating of SPF 10, it will take 100 minutes to receive the same damage. Using a sunscreen rating of SPF 50 will give you 500 minutes before your skin becomes red.  Does that make more sense?

Is SPF 100 stronger than 10?

 No! SPF 100 is Not Stronger, it is Longer Lasting !

A higher number doesn't mean that the sun’s rays will not enter your skin or that the sunblock will stop melanin from being produced. It is only delaying the burn and the damage that will occur to the cells.

There has been some talk about eliminating the higher SPF numbers.  The reason for this is that higher SPF numbers gives the user a false sense of protection. For SPF 100 to be fully effective it would have to stay completely intact for 1000 minutes on the skin.  When you are in the sun many things can compromise the integrity of the product. Some of these are sweat, water use, rubbing the product from the skin ect… Eliminating the higher numbers helps the user recognize that the product needs to be reapplied to prevent a sunburn.

When choosing a daily sunscreen you need to consider what your daily exposure to the sun will be.

Will you be going to the car, to the office, to the store, and home?  Since you are not in the sun for long periods of time you will have plenty of protection with SPF 15. Although, if you think you might go for a walk outside during your lunch break, it is safer to start with SPF 30  You see, it doesn’t take much to increase your need for more protection.  Remember UVA penetrates glass too, so time in the car counts against you.

When going to the beach an SPF 30 or higher is important because you know you will be exposed for longer periods of time. Even if you are sitting under an umbrella you are still out in the sun, and receiving plenty of sun reflection without actually realizing it.  So make sure you reapply every time you get wet, rub the skin, or every couple of hours just to be safe.

For those that are getting out and being active, be it tennis, golf, swimming, running, or some other outdoor activity, be sure to look for a Sport sunscreen. This will give you some waterproof protection, and help the product not to run into your eyes. 

Now that you know how to choose the right SPF for your sun protection, go out and have some fun!

 Catherine Sir, Master Esthetician and Educator

As always let me know if you have any questions, or comments on this blog. 

You can always reach me at... www.believableskincare.com

See you next time!!! Catherine