What level of SPF do I need? If you're inside most of the day with just short intervals in the sun, you can use a sunscreen or cosmetic product with an SPF of 15 or higher. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially when and where the sun is strongest, you need an SPF 30 or higher, water-resistant sunscreen.
Here's another way to think about all this: As a general rule, SPF 15 protects you against 93 percent of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97 percent, and SPF 50 blocks 98 percent of UVB rays. Higher than SPF 50 won't offer you any significant extra protection—if anything, it just gives people a false sense of security.
SPF 15 will block roughly 93% of UV rays when applied thoroughly. That's a huge benefit, but a simple upgrade to SPF 30 will shield 97% of rays. It only increases slightly from there. SPF 50 blocks 98%, and SPF 100 blocks 99%.
"Pigmented skin types – those which rarely burn and tan easily – usually Asian or black skin – are relatively more protected than fair skin types from UV radiation due to melanin. Therefore, wearing a sunscreen with SPF 15-30 is likely to be sufficient."
Do You Need to Wear Sunscreen Indoors? The short answer is yes. As Green mentioned, UV rays can pass through glass windows. Because of this, it's important to wear SPF inside your home, as well as inside your car.
Many so-called daily moisturizers are only SPF 15, and the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
If your skin would normally burn after 10 minutes in the sun, applying an SPF 15 sunscreen would allow you to stay in the sun without burning for approximately 150 minutes (a factor of 15 times longer).
A great choice for sensitive and acne-prone complexions, The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF15 with Antioxidants is made with Tasmanian Pepperberry to calm stressed out skin, and non-comedogenic (non-pore-blocking) silicones for a silky, lightweight feel.
What SPF is best for dark skin? The dermatologists we consulted recommend a minimum of SPF 30 — as does the American Academy of Dermatology. However, Henry recommends you apply SPF 50 if you're outside for more than an hour.
YES! It's true black skin has an inbuilt SPF of between 8 and 16 (depending on how dark it is) – but that's not enough to provide broad spectrum protection! For starters, SPF 15 is the minimum recommended SPF. Only the darkest skin tones have that much SPF inbuilt in their skin.
For the average Australian, SPF 15 will be sufficient for normal daily activities where you experience minimal sunlight, or work indoors. However, there's no harm in going for an SPF 30 on a daily basis to just add that little extra protection.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends SPF 15 every day you leave your house and SPF 30 if you plan to be in the sun most of the day.
"We commissioned an expert report on the use of sunscreen in preventing skin cancer in England. According to this evidence, which was presented to the committee, SPF 15 should be sufficient as long as it is applied adequately.
The board-certified dermatologist says it is “crucial” to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen while indoors all year long. "UVA light causes premature skin aging by breaking down collagen and elastic tissue, contributing to the formation of skin cancers.
For many people, regularly wearing water-resistant sunscreen—which they choose over non-water resistant formulas to hold up to summertime heat and sweat—can cause clogged pores, bumps, and breakouts.
Many people only have their sunscreen handy during the summer months, but you need to wear sunscreen everyday whether it's sunny or cloudy. It is really important to remember to wear your sunscreen every day or you may be putting your skin at risk.
Does sunscreen lighten skin? Sunscreen deactivates UV radiation and therefore protects the skin from its damage. As a result of reduced production of melanin – the darkening pigment, the skin tone becomes lighter over time.
Who Needs Sunscreen? Every child needs sun protection. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that all kids — regardless of their skin tone — wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
SPF explained
SPF describes how long it would take your skin to burn with sunscreen instead of without it. For example, if it would take your bare skin 10 minutes to burn, SPF 15 should increase that by 15 times. That means it will prevent sunburn for up to 150 minutes.
So, does sunscreen prevent you from getting tan? No, but this myth continues to prevail. When you look at the science, sunscreens allow people to stay out in the sun longer and protect against the UV rays that can cause skin cancer, but they do not prevent the skin from developing a tan.
You don't have to put on moisturizer before sunscreen, however, you really should if you care about the over health of your skin and keeping signs of aging at bay. If you are going to use both moisturizer and sunscreen in your skincare routine, putting it on before your mineral sunscreen is best.
Understanding SPF
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and refers to the theoretical amount of time you can stay in the sun without getting sunburned. For example, an SPF of 15 would allow you to stay in the sun 15 times longer than you could without protection.
Generally, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. If you work indoors and sit away from windows, you may not need a second application. Be mindful of how often you step outside, though. Keep a spare bottle of sunscreen at your desk just to be safe.
Experts say sunscreens with an SPF higher than 50 aren't worth buying. They only offer marginally better protection. They might also encourage you to stay out in the sun longer. Instead, choose an SPF between 15 and 50, apply liberally, and reapply often.