What are sunscreen SPF values? SPF stands for sun protection factor. The number value of SPF classifies a sunscreen's ability to deflect UVB rays (the kind of rays that cause sunburns). A sunscreen's SPF value is measured based on the extra amount of time sunscreen-protected skin is able to withstand sun exposure before burning. For example, without sun protection, a person may burn after 10 minutes in the sun. If the same person were to apply a sunscreen with SPF 20 protection, he or she would be to stay in the sun for 20 times longer, or 200 minutes, before experiencing a burn. However, it's important to know that as you use increasing levels of SPF, the amount of UV protection you receive does not increase at the same rate: raising SPF from 20 to 45 will only provide you with 2.8% more UV protection. Be sure to do an SPF check when choosing your sunscreen, it should have a minimum of SPF 15 to provide effective protection in the sun. For more, visit our natural sunscreen and repellents resources page.
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| Image courtesy Coola Suncare |
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