Sun Protection Factors (SPF)

Sun Protection Factor (What is SPF? Should we trust the SPF scoring system?)

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which indicates to consumers the length of time that they can be in the sun without burning from UVB rays.

SPF numbers are an equation that factors in the time that it normally takes an individual to burn in the sun without protection. As a general rule, the number is determined by factoring in the time that an individual will turn red from the sun. So, if a person turns red after 10 minutes they should be able to use SPF15 for 150 minutes without burning. This is 15 times longer than if sunscreen wasn’t used. As the value of SPF increases, the protection against sunburn increases.

SPF is the generally guideline used in the United States but it has limitations. Since skin types vary with affects of the sun, product results will vary and differ based on an individuals skin type. In general, individuals with fair and sensitive skin will be most likely to absorb more UVB rays than individuals with dark skin. The effectiveness of SPF’s are also depends on the amount of applications, activities that can cause sunscreen to wear or rub off, and the amount of sunscreen the skin has absorbed. SPF is also generally regarded as a flawed measurement since it is a general guideline to the amount of sunburn protection provided by sunscreens and does not inform consumers of the time allotted in the sun without getting burnt. Additionally, SPF doesn’t measure how much protection is needed against the sun’s powerful UVA rays. This means that there is no sunscreen that gives total protection. In order to ensure that individuals are protected against UVA as well as UVB rays, a sunscreen should contain avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide. These ingredients in combination with other elements in a sunscreen are called broad-spectrum sunscreens, which protect against both UVB and UVA rays.

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