UV-STOP
Reading time: 4 minutes
When you buy sun cream, you’ll always see a factor listed on the packaging, such as SPF 15, 30 or 50. Yet for many people, it isn’t immediately clear exactly what that number means. This often raises the question of what the factor on sun cream means and what it actually says about the protection it offers your skin. In this article, we explain step by step what the SPF rating on sunscreen means, so you can make a choice that suits your skin and your time spent outdoors.
The SPF on sunscreen indicates the extent to which a product helps protect your skin against UVB radiation. This is the type of UV radiation primarily responsible for causing sunburn.
In other words, the SPF on sunscreen indicates the strength of the protection. The higher the SPF, the more UVB radiation is blocked. This means your skin is protected against sunburn for longer, provided you apply enough and reapply it in good time.
It is important to note that no sunscreen offers complete protection. Even with a high SPF, UV radiation will still reach your skin, especially if you are outdoors for a prolonged period.
In practice, the SPF helps you gauge how strong the sunscreen’s protection is, but it doesn’t tell the whole story about how to protect your skin in the sun.
For example, other factors come into play, such as how long you’re outside, how strong the sun is at that moment, and whether you’re sweating or coming into contact with water. As a result, the protection can wear off more quickly than you might expect.
That is why it is important not only to rely on the SPF, but also to reapply sunscreen regularly and be mindful of your sun exposure. In addition, sun-protective clothing can offer extra protection against UV radiation. With UV-STOP Protection Wash, you can make ordinary clothing UV-resistant up to UPF 50+, giving your skin an extra layer of protection alongside sunscreen.
The question of what the SPF on sunscreen means ultimately comes down to how well your skin is protected against damage caused by UV radiation. A higher SPF means your skin is less likely to burn, but that protection does not remain equally strong throughout the day.
Sweating, drying off or friction can reduce the layer of sunscreen. In practice, forgetting to reapply it also often plays a role. As a result, protection diminishes throughout the day, even if you use a high SPF.
That is why it is important to view sun protection as something you need to repeat throughout the day, not as a one-off action.
For people with sensitive skin, the question of what the SPF rating on sunscreen means is often particularly important. You want to protect your skin as effectively as possible, whilst also avoiding irritation or discomfort.
A higher SPF can help protect your skin better against UVB rays, especially during longer periods outdoors. However, it remains important to remember that everyone’s skin reacts differently and that no sunscreen completely blocks all UV rays.
That is why some people choose to combine sun protection with clothing. With UV-STOP Protection Wash, you can make ordinary clothing UV-resistant up to UPF 50+. This gives your skin an extra layer of protection against UV radiation, on top of your sun cream. This can be particularly useful during daily outdoor activities, when reapplying sun cream isn’t always done in time.
The SPF on sun cream provides a good initial indication of protection, but it is only one part of effective sun protection. How you protect your skin in practice is just as important as the number on the packaging.
By combining sunscreen with protective clothing and being mindful of your time in the sun, you give your skin greater protection during daily outdoor activities. This allows you to better manage UV exposure in a way that suits your skin and lifestyle.
Get in touch with us and discover the many possibilities, or let us answer the questions you have
UV-STOP
What exactly does the sun protection factor (SPF)
The sun protection factor (SPF) indicates how well a product protects your skin against UVB rays, the type of radiation responsible for sunburn. The higher the SPF, the more protection your skin receives, provided you apply the product properly and in sufficient quantities.
What is the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50?
SPF 50 offers more protection against UVB rays than SPF 30, but the difference is smaller than is often thought. More important than the SPF factor is how thoroughly and how often you apply the sun cream.
Does a high SPF protect your skin all day long?
No, even a high SPF factor diminishes over the course of the day. Sweating, water, drying off and friction all reduce the level of protection. It is therefore still necessary to reapply the sun cream regularly.
Is a higher SPF always better?
A higher SPF offers greater protection against sunburn, but it doesn’t mean you can stay in the sun for as long as you like. It’s always important to be sensible and take care when out in the sun.
What does the sun protection factor mean for sensitive skin?
If you have sensitive skin, a higher SPF can offer extra protection against UVB rays. However, everyone’s skin reacts differently, so it’s still important to find out what works best for your skin.
Does clothing also protect against UV radiation?
Yes, clothing can provide extra protection against UV rays. With UV-protective clothing, such as garments treated with UV-STOP Protection Wash, your skin gets an extra layer of protection in addition to sun cream.