About spf
You can't talk about sun care without talking about SPF. If you want to learn how to protect your skin against the sun's rays, you'll want to know about this concept and the role it plays in sun care.
Those three letters stand for “Sun Protection Factor.” In a nutshell, it is the number found on the labels of sunscreen and sunblock that lets you know its ability to protect you from sunburn. A general rule of thumb to follow is that the higher the number on the product, the longer you can stay out in the sun before burning your skin. This number is calculated by multiplying the amount of time spent in the sun with the number itself. So if you tend to burn after being in the sun for 15 minutes, using a product with SPF 15 means you can stay safely under the sun's rays for about 225 minutes. Of course, this is just an approximation and shouldn't be taken too literally.
In general, most people choose products rated from 15 to SPF30. However, if you are prone to sunburns or are fair-skinned, you may want to look into a sunscreen or sunblock that has a higher rating such as 50. Additionally, it's important to remember that you need to choose the right sun care product with a number rating based on the activity you plan on having. For example, if you plan on playing sports, swimming, or doing something that will cause you to sweat a lot, you'll want to make a habit of reapplying every so often. While sunscreen and sunblock can protect your skin, once it comes off, you're at the mercy of the sun.
In order to find the right SPF number for you, it's important to know your skin and how it reacts after being exposed to the sun. If you're still at odds about what rating is best for you, be sure to talk to your doctor or a dermatologist who can help you select just the right product.
