what-is-spf

Key Takeaways

  • SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and tells you how well a sunscreen helps protect your skin from UVB rays, the ones that cause burning. 
  • SPF numbers show how much more protected your skin is with sunscreen than without it, not how many minutes you can stay in the sun. 
  • Higher SPF can offer extra protection, especially when you don’t apply enough or miss spots, but no sunscreen blocks every ray, so reapplying is always key. 
  • Choosing the right SPF depends on what you’re doing outside, but SPF 30 is the minimum recommended for daily use, with higher SPFs helpful for long, active, or sunny days. 

Table of Contents

You’re about to make your next sunscreen purchase and are scanning through a selection of bottles ranging from SPF 30 to SPF 70. What exactly is SPF and how should it inform your decision-making? This guide should provide all you need to know about the SPF rating system, better known as “Sun Protection Factor.”

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