What SPF actually means and how to choose the right sunscreen for you

Where once sun protection was only talked about in beach season, dermatologists now emphasise the importance of SPF all year round. Even in short bursts of intensity, UV rays can cause sun damage, so SPF should be a part of your daily beauty regime. We chat with specialist dermatologist, Dr Rakesh Newaj to find out more about SPF and why it’s important. 

So, what exactly is SPF?

“SPF stands for sun protection factor. It denotes the protection against UVB rays of the sun,” Dr Newaj explains. “The higher the SPF, the stronger the protection against UVB rays, which are implicated in skin cancer formation. A SPF 15 blocks around 93% of sun rays, and SPF 30 blocks around 97% of sun rays. However, these tests are performed in laboratory conditions and in true scenarios, the protection is lower.”

Read the fine print

There are a range of different sunscreens on-shelf, each with their own special ingredients and levels of SPF. But how do you choose the right one? 

“Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens. Usually the SPF for UVB is listed. However, you should also check the SPF for UVA, which is listed in small characters. The higher the SPF, the better the protection. UVA penetrates the skin deeper and is more likely to contribute to early skin ageing and to aggravate diseases that are intolerant to sunshine, like pigmentation problems,” Dr Newaj advises.

The number one ingredient

“There are many different ingredients used in sunscreen these days,” Dr Newaj continues. “Products that contain titanium dioxide, however, are more broad-spectrum and tend to offer better protection. People do not like titanium dioxide as it shows up white on the skin, but there are other choices which are available nowadays that contain tints to make sunscreen more cosmetically appealing.”

Advice to live by

“The most common perception is that sunscreens provide 100% protection from sun rays. This is not the case, even with a SPF of 100. You should still be careful and follow the advice below for added protection,” warns Dr Newaj.

•    Protect your skin from a young age
•    Stay out of direct sunlight for long periods of time, between 10 am and 3 pm
•    When in the sun, wear a hat that is at least 10cm wide to help protect your face and neck
•    Get regular dermatological check-ups 
 

IMAGE CREDIT: shutterstock.com