Sun Protection Factor (also known as SPF) is a measure of the effectiveness of sunscreen. The higher the SPF of a sunscreen, the better it is against UV-B. SPF indicates how long a person can be exposed to sunlight before getting a sunburn with sunscreen applied, compared to how long a person can be exposed to sunlight without sunscreen. But this also depends on other factors such as:
- User's skin type.
- Amount applied and how frequent.
- Activities which they engage with sunscreen applied.
- Amount of sunscreen their skin absorbs.
SPF number on a package can range from between as low as 2 all the way to as high as 60. These numbers refer to the product's ability to block or screen out the sun. For example, a fair-skinned person would normally turn red after 10 minutes under the sun. Hence ten minutes will be their "initial burning time". If the same person were to use a sunscreen with SPF 2, it will take 20 minutes under the sun for the person's skin to turn red!
Again, if the same person were to use SPF 15 sunscreen; the "initial burning time" will be multiplied by 15. Hence it takes 150 minutes or an equivalent of 2 hours and 30 minutes for that person's skin to turn red. Multiply your "initial burning time" with the SPF number stated on the sunscreen to get an estimate of how long the sunscreen will last. But be warned, as other factors such as water will also affect the effectiveness of the sunscreen.
Sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher are generally known to provide useful protection from the sun's ray. It is hence recommended to at least use a sunscreen with SPF 15. Below is a chart of recommended times of exposure based on skin complexion and suggested SPF to avoid sunburn:
Resources taken from Guardian - The one you trust
- User's skin type.
- Amount applied and how frequent.
- Activities which they engage with sunscreen applied.
- Amount of sunscreen their skin absorbs.
SPF number on a package can range from between as low as 2 all the way to as high as 60. These numbers refer to the product's ability to block or screen out the sun. For example, a fair-skinned person would normally turn red after 10 minutes under the sun. Hence ten minutes will be their "initial burning time". If the same person were to use a sunscreen with SPF 2, it will take 20 minutes under the sun for the person's skin to turn red!
Again, if the same person were to use SPF 15 sunscreen; the "initial burning time" will be multiplied by 15. Hence it takes 150 minutes or an equivalent of 2 hours and 30 minutes for that person's skin to turn red. Multiply your "initial burning time" with the SPF number stated on the sunscreen to get an estimate of how long the sunscreen will last. But be warned, as other factors such as water will also affect the effectiveness of the sunscreen.
Sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher are generally known to provide useful protection from the sun's ray. It is hence recommended to at least use a sunscreen with SPF 15. Below is a chart of recommended times of exposure based on skin complexion and suggested SPF to avoid sunburn:
| Skin Complexion | Sun's Impact on Skin | 1 Hour | 2 Hours | 3 Hours | 4 Hours | 5 Hours |
| Very Fair | Burns Easily, Never Tans | SPF 15 | SPF 30 | SPF 30 | SPF 45 | SPF 45 |
| Fair | Burns Easily, Tans Minimally | SPF 15 | SPF 15 | SPF 30 | SPF 30 | SPF 45 |
| Light | Burns Moderately, Tans Eventually | SPF 15 | SPF 15 | SPF 15 | SPF 30 | SPF 30 |
| Medium | Burns Minimally, Tans Well | SPF 8 | SPF 8 | SPF 15 | SPF 15 | SPF 30 |
| Dark | Rarely Burns, Tans Readily | SPF 4 | SPF 8 | SPF 8 | SPF 15 | SPF 15 |
Resources taken from Guardian - The one you trust
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