SPF means (Sun Protection Factor) – an SPF rating is a measure of a sunscreen’s effectiveness in helping to prevent sunburn. The SPF number explains the level of protection a sunscreen offers against those rays. UVA rays age our skin, UVB rays burn our skin. Broad spectrum sunscreens protect against both by reflecting and absorbing these UV rays.
The higher SPF rating, the greater the protection
SPF ranges can start from 15 and can go up to 100+. Higher SPF numbers indicate a greater level of protection.
SPF indicates the length of time you can stay in the sun without getting sunburned compared to not wearing sunscreen. For example, if you normally get sunburned within 10 minutes of sun exposure, an SPF 30 sunscreen should allow you to stay in the sun for 300 minutes (10 minutes x SPF 30).
Following on from this, regardless of the SPF rating, it is essential to reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if you are sweating or swimming. Sunscreen can wear off or become less effective over time.
While higher SPF numbers provide more protection, the difference in protection between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is not huge. No sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays, so it is still important to use other sun safety measures even when using high SPF sunscreens. Like staying out of the midday sun and wearing a sunhat and sunglasses.
Buy Australian made
Sunscreens – regulated in Australia but not in New Zealand yet. This means that those made here don’t have to follow some of the strict requirements of other countries, like Australia. When buying a New Zealand-made sunscreen make sure it meets Consumer New Zealand guidelines or buy Australian made.
Ultimately, the best SPF for you depends on a number of things, like your skin type, the time of day you’re in the sun and how long you’re in the sun. It’s best to choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30, like Aspect Sun, and to talk to someone experienced in skin conditions.