SPF (SUN PROTECTION FACTOR) Effect

Author: Derma Essentia

The SPF of a Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 indicates the factor by which personal skin protection is extended. The skin type and the strength of the sun's rays play a role in this.

Read here what you should consider when choosing the sun protection factor and how you can optimize your sun protection.

In This Article

  • What does "sun protection factor" mean?
  • Calculate light protection
  • Which sun protection factor is the right one?
  • Also important: UVA and infrared filters
  • This is the best way to protect yourself from the sun
What does "Sun Protection Factor" mean?

One of the essential information on a pack of sun milk or sun cream is the sun protection factor. It is abbreviated as SPF and is a measure of the effectiveness of sunscreens. The term sun protection factor is used in the English version as "sun protection factor", abbreviated to SPF.

Sun protection with a high sun protection factor ensures a high level of protection against UVB rays. Otherwise, they penetrate the upper layer of the skin and burn and inflame the skin cells - sunburn occurs. UV radiation also increases the risk of skin cancer.

The light protection

They are divided into four classes to make it easier to apply and understand the sun protection factors. For example, you can quickly find the product you need when you are abroad. The protection classes mean the following:

SPF 6 and 10:

  • Light protection (low)

SPF 15, 20, and 25:

  • Medium protection (medium)

SPF 30 Sunscreen and 50:

  • High protection (high SPF)

SPF 50 plus:

  • Very high protection with higher SPF (very high)
Calculate light protection

So that you don't get sunburn, you can use the sun protection factor to calculate the maximum amount of time you can spend in the sun every day. To do this, multiply the broad spectrum Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 by the self-protection time of your skin. This is the amount of time you can spend in the sun without sunscreen and without damaging your skin. Of course, it depends on your skin type.

A person with skin type II, for example, has a self-protection time of approximately 10 to 20 minutes. In the case of a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 20, this would theoretically mean a stay in the sun of 200 to 400 minutes.

However, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection advises that you should only use 60 percent of the calculated protection period for staying in the sun.

Because even with wearing Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 or sun protection factor 100, a residual amount of UV radiation penetrates the skin. And even this residue causes lasting damage to the skin and can cause cancer.

Which sun protection factor is the right one?

When you can finally get some fresh air again in spring, you should use at least one sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15. The skin is only slightly exposed to the sun's rays over the winter. It is therefore crucial that you slowly get your skin used to the sun again. This gives the skin enough time and builds up its natural self-protection.

Different outdoor activities also influence the choice of the correct sun protection factor. For example, when gardening for one to two hours, we recommend sunscreen applied with Gel SPF 50. For more extended bike tours, mountaineering, and water sports.

Also important: UVA and infrared filters

The sun protection factor allows a statement to be made about the UVB protection offered by sunscreen. Protection against other types of radiation is also important.

UVA protection

UVA light causes the skin to age prematurely - the skin becomes wrinkled and saggy more quickly, and the pores enlarge. Pigment spots and red veins can also appear.

For your skin to age as slowly as possible, you should ensure that your sun cream has sufficient UVA protection.

Infrared protection

As has been known for some time, other components of sunlight and UV rays can also cause human skin to age prematurely. The first cosmetics manufacturers have reacted to these research results: They offer sunscreens with infrared protection.

Often this is based on a complex of antioxidants. These are substances that defuse cell-damaging "free radicals." The term refers to aggressive chemical compounds formed in the skin under the action of sunlight, among other things.

However, there are still no uniform standards for infrared filters in sunscreens (in contrast to the sun protection factor). Research on this has only just begun.

This is the best way to protect you from the sun

Sunscreen SPF 50

Sunscreen SPF 50, protected skin when used correctly, can keep a large portion of the harmful rays away from the skin. They are primarily available in the form of sprays, creams, or milk.

Tips for the right sunscreen

When buying a suitable sunscreen, look for the following properties:

  • Broadband protection against UV-B and UV-A light
  • Sweat and water resistance
  • Sunscreen Gel SPF 50
  • Good adhesion to the skin
  • Stability against light, air, and heat
  • Good tolerance even with allergies
  • Good shelf life: Like most cosmetics, sun cream has a shelf life of 30 months or a specified best-before date

How to apply cream properly

For your sunscreen to work correctly, you should consider the following things:

  • Apply the cream for the first time a day about 30 minutes before exposure to the sun.
  • Use 40 milliliters for the entire body: A standard pack of 200 milliliters should be empty after the fifth use.
  • Apply enough cream to the so-called sun terraces such as the auricle, nose, lips, and the back of the hand and foot.
  • It would help if you also stayed in the shade during lunchtime when you have creamed.
  • Remember that you cannot stay in the sun indefinitely when sunbathing, even if you have cream on.

Check out the Derma Essentia’s Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 for better skin care.