Why your skin care routine isn't complete without SPF

Have you ever wondered what SPF really means? SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it's more than just a number on a sunscreen bottle. It's your skin's shield against the sun's harmful UV rays. SPF helps to shield your skin from the sun's damaging UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging.


So, what exactly does SPF measure? Well, it tells you how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays, the type of radiation that causes sunburn and contributes to skin cancer.


Here's a quick breakdown of how SPF is calculated: Let's say it takes your skin about 10 minutes to burn without sunscreen. Using a sunscreen with SPF 30 means you could theoretically stay in the sun about 30 times longer without burning, or approximately 300 minutes.


But why is daily sunscreen use so important you ask? As per the Dermatologist’s, SPF primarily protects your skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which come in two main forms, UVA and UVB:


  • UVB Protection: By providing a barrier against UV rays, SPF shields your skin from UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn and play a key role in the development of skin cancer.
  • UVA Protection: Many SPF products also offer some protection against UVA rays, which contribute to premature aging, and can also lead to skin cancer.
  • UV Protection: Sunscreen with an SPF between 30 – 50 provides the best protection against UV radiation.
  • Protects Against Skin Damage: SPF helps to prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and sunspots, keeping your skin looking youthful and healthy.
  • Hydration: Sunscreen also helps to combat dryness, keeping your skin looking and feeling healthy.

Here are a few tips to make sure you're using sunscreen effectively:


  • Broad-Spectrum: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Works Well with Makeup: Many SPFs are designed to be worn under makeup, providing an extra layer of protection without interfering with your beauty routine.
  • Easy to Use: SPF comes in various forms such as lotions, creams, and sprays, making it easy to incorporate into your daily skincare routine.
  • Skin Tone: While it is true that if you have a darker skin tone you have more natural protection against UV rays due to higher melanin levels, however, you are still at risk of sun damage and skin cancer. Therefore, it's essential for everyone, regardless of skin tone, to wear sunscreen daily.
  • Regular Application: Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
  • Cloudy Days: Don't forget to wear sunscreen even on cloudy days, as UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds.


By understanding SPF and making sunscreen a part of your daily skincare routine, you can keep your skin healthy, youthful, and protected. So, don't forget to apply that SPF every day, your skin will thank you for it!