Things You Need to Know About Everyday SPF

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Some of you may not notice the effects of the sun. But it can seriously damage your skin. For this reason, experts advice protecting your skin, especially if you frequently spend your time outdoors. You can do it by applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. So, what is this number, and its benefits for your skin? Here are details you need to know about everyday SPF. 

What is SPF? 

Sun protection factor (SPF) measures the ability of a sunscreen to shield your skin against the sun’s harmful effects. Remember, UVB and UVA rays can penetrate your skin, causing sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. The difference is that UVA can go deeper into your dermis.

SPF is an indication of a sunblock’s protection level. Take SPF 30 as an example. This level signifies that it will take 30 times longer for the UVB rays to damage your skin compared to unprotected skin. This number also means it can deflect about 97% of the sun’s UVB rays. A higher SPF level can offer more protection, but no sunscreen can block 100% of the light emitted by the sun.

SPF defends your skin in two ways. For a physical sunscreen, its active ingredients work by reflecting the beams. A chemical sunblock, on the other hand, can absorb UV rays. The amount of light a sunscreen can filter will depend on its SPF level.

  • SPF 15 – 93% UVB rays 
  • SPF 30 – 97% UVB rays
  • SPF 50 – 98% UVB rays 
  • SPF 100 – 99% UVB rays 

Because no sunblock can deflect 100% of the sun’s rays, experts recommend reapplying it at least every two hours to ensure optimum protection. 

Benefits of Everyday SPF

Including a suncreen in your daily routine can offer numerous advantages. The benefits of everyday SPF are the following:  

Protects Your Skin Against Sun Damage

Because SPF is like a shield, it can defend your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. Depending on the type of sunblock you’re using, it can work by reflecting or absorbing the UV rays. As such, regular application of sunblock can help reduce the immediate and long-term damage of prolonged sun exposure. 

Prevents Premature Aging 

UV light damages your skin’s elastin and collagen, the proteins responsible for keeping your skin supple and firm. If you constantly leave your skin without protection, collagen breakdown may happen, leading to premature aging. You may also develop sunspots due to UV light exposure. Nevertheless, you can ensure you’ll have a youthful complexion through everyday SPF. 

Lowers Risk of Skin Cancer

Too much exposure to UV rays can damage the DNA of your skin cells. Unfortunately, this effect may lead to the uncontrollable growth and replication of damaged cells, resulting in skin cancer. Fortunately, SPF can act as a barrier that shields your skin from these harmful beams of light, lowering your risk of skin cancer. 

Prevents Sunburn

Most of us have already experienced a painful sunburn, which happens when the sun damages the outer layer of our skin. A sunblock can deflect UVB rays. But you should frequently apply it, especially if you’re spending time outdoors in the middle of the day. That reason is that UVB rays are at their strongest during that time. Also, they can penetrate clouds, so you should wear SPF during cloudy days. 

Keeps Certain Skin Conditions From Flaring 

Some skin conditions like rosacea can worsen with prolonged sun exposure. Even so, you can prevent it from flaring through everyday SPF. Certain medications, like hydrochlorothiazide and doxycycline, can also make your skin sensitive to the sun. When you’re taking these kinds of drugs, you can prevent skin irritation or redness by applying sunscreen. 

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Tips for Buying Sunscreen

If you want optimum sun protection, you have to choose the right sunblock. To help you pick the best product, here are some tips for buying and applying everyday SPF: 

  1. Opt for a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen 

A broad-spectrum sunscreen can shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. As such, it provides better sun protection compared to its counterparts. You should also consider a water-resistant sunblock if you sweat a lot or will go swimming. 

  • Choose the Right SPF for Your Skin Type 

Keep in mind that melanin present in your skin doesn’t affect your required SPF level. Meaning, women with darker skin should still wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30. But those with a lighter complexion must apply more because their melanin might not resist prolonged sun exposure. 

Women with mature or sensitive skin must choose a sunblock with SPF 50. That’s because your skin is already fragile and more susceptible to sun damage.

  • Consider the SPF Level 

SPF 30 is an acceptable level for daily use. But if you’re outdoors for a long period, SPF 50 or above is a better choice. Of course, don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen after swimming or sweating. Experts also recommend reapplying your sunblock at least every two hours for optimal sun protection. 

The Bottom Line 

Sunblock is an essential item of your beauty routine. That’s because it helps protect your skin from the sun’s damaging beams, which can cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.  The best way to ensure your skin is safe from these harmful rays through everyday SPF. You can also add extra protection by wearing a hat or a long-sleeved shirt.  

Written by Katarina Van Derham
Katarina Van Derham has worked in Hollywood for over a decade, gaining experience in every aspect of media and show business. Knowing the science behind beauty has made her one of the most sought after beauty specialists in the entertainment industry. She is often a judge for model searches and beauty pageants around the world. With a philanthropic heart and passion for leading an ethical lifestyle, Katarina is quickly becoming one of the leading influencers in the vegan and cruelty-free community.