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SPF stands for ‘sun protection factor’. SPF is a measure of how much protection sunscreen products offer against UVB rays.
In total there are three types of UV rays, UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC, although most damaging, is filtered by the atmosphere, so we mostly hear about UVA and UVB. Whilst UVA accounts for 95% of radiation reaching the earth's surface; it penetrates deeper and is present all year round.
Make sure to wear an SPF of factor 30 or above throughout the year. If you tend to spend a lot of time outdoors – such as working outside – you should wear SPF 30 or higher sun cream which is also water-resistant.
It’s important to ensure the correct amount is being used and you are remembering to sweep over the upper and lower lids and lips.
The skin is more delicate in these areas, and whilst there may be lip balms with an SPF, these are often 15 or under.
The numbers you see on your sun cream or lotion, spray or gel are ratings based on the level of protection they offer. For example, factor 2 offers the lowest form of UVB protection and SPF 50+ offers the strongest protection.
The number doesn’t relate to how long you can stay out in the sun. It applies to how much longer it will take skin that’s untanned to start to get red with sunscreen on it, compared to how long it will start to get red without it.
And therefore, they should not be used to determine how long to stay out in the sun. SPF numbers are calculated using a certain formula. The easiest way to look at it is SPF 15 blocks 94% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 96% of UVB rays and SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays – when applied correctly.
SPF works by essentially creating a barrier between your skin and the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.
Some contain inorganic chemicals, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which act as a physical sunblock. They reflect UV rays, similar to how white paint reflects light.
Physical or mineral sunscreens reflect whilst chemical or absorbing sunscreens absorb UV light and prevent it from causing damage to skin. There are also mixed sunscreens that are both chemical and physical.
Sunscreens also contain organic chemicals, such as avobenzone or oxybenzone. Instead of physically deflecting UV light, these molecules absorb UV radiation through their chemical bonds.
As the bonds absorb UV radiation, the components of the sunscreen slowly break down and release heat, slowly breaking it down to release heat, preventing it from causing damage to skin.
It’s recommended to use an SPF 30 or above all year round. However, if you have sensitive skin or are fair, consider using a factor 50 and scalp sun protection.
You’re advised to protect children with no less than an SPF 50 or to choose very high protection for especially fair children and babies.
At least a four-star UVA protection and SPF 30 is recommended for most people as a shield against the sun’s rays. However, this can differ depending on your skin type.
For a boost of added moisture, those with dry skin should opt for cream or gel-based products. If you have oily or spot-prone skin, oil-free sunscreens will protect you from the sun without clogging your pores.
Mineral, oil-free, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products are ideal for sensitive skin as they contain fewer chemicals.
Be sure to apply your SPF last, so after you’ve used any serums or moisturiser. If it’s a mineral sunscreen you should be good to go out in the sun straight away, but if it’s a chemical one you’ll have to wait 15-30 minutes for it to sink in.
And it’s super important to reapply every two hours or after you’ve been in water or exercised.
Which ingredients you can and can’t you mix it with:
Try not to mix your own SPF/moisturiser or makeup hybrid as this will affect the efficacy of the product.
Always wear SPF if you use retinol, vitamin C skincare products, benzoyl peroxide, AHA/BHA acids. It is important to only use retinol at night too, as it is an active ingredients which may increase skin sensitivity.
