What does SPF stand for?
Before we go on to list out the numerous advantages associated with SPF, first, I think we should know what the heck SPF stands for? SPF stands for the Sun Protection Factor. In rough terms, it tells you how long skincare products will protect you from harmful UVB rays. In this instance, the skincare product we are examining or talking about is your typical sunscreen.
Usually, for the summer, you want to go with a product with the right SPF. This will protect your skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays all day long. As tempting as getting a really great tan is, it can be potentially dangerous for your skin. Not only do you damage your epidermis, but you also stand the risk of getting cancer.
What is the right SPF for me this summer?
A sunscreen with the SPF rating of 15 to 30 should do the trick. They offer numerous hours of protection and when applied right, could potentially keep your safe and cleared skinned for the entire day. It is recommended that you cover your whole body with sunscreen and try to keep the parts of your body that come in contact with direct sunlight covered in sunscreen at all times.
What are UVA and UVB, and why are they so important?
Well, we all know that UV stands for Ultraviolet rays. UV rays are rays that reach our planet courtesy of the big star at the center of our solar system. It is great for plant, potentially dangerous for humans after prolonged exposure. The ultraviolet rays can be categorized into two main categories. The UVA and the UVB. The Ultraviolet A rays are the long rays that penetrate into the skin and do damage to the dermis. Over time, it can cause premature aging, skin wrinkling, and affect the immune system. UVB rays are short rays that reach only the epidermis. They cause skin burn and coloration and can become permanent if left untreated. Prolonged exposure to both kinds of UV rays can cause cancer.
Which sunscreen should I buy?
Any sunscreen that checks all the right boxes is enough to keep you protected all summer long. The perfect sunscreen should offer protection from UV rays in the form of a decent SPF rating. It should be reasonably water-resistant and it should provide adequate protection from both types of UV rays. Most of all, it should come as a lotion and not a spray bottle. There is always the risk of not applying a lot with a spray bottle.
When you find a product that checks all these boxes, you should invest some money and buy enough to last you the entire summer.
How much sunscreen should I be using?
About one ounce of SPF 30 sunscreen every 2 hours should be sufficient to keep you adequately protected. A sunscreen with an SPF 30 rating is the best you could invest your hard-earned money in buying. The other sunscreen brands that offer a higher SPF rating don’t provide a significant increase in protection from both UV rays. The SPF 30 offers about 93 percent of protection against UV rays, while products with higher SPF offer about 1 or two percent more protection from harmful rays.
During summer months, we need to pay special attention to our skin. Granted, skin cancer is one of the least life-threatening forms of cancer, it’s still a real danger to your life. Having a decent sunscreen could save your life. Even if you don’t end up getting something as dangerous and life-threatening as cancer, having perfect skin is a lovely by-product of regularly using sunscreen.
