Many of us may have heard about the importance of wearing SPF regularly, but not everyone religiously implements this rule in their daily life. When you’re wondering what SPF is and why everyone talks about its importance, you’re not the only one.
Many brands have sunscreens for all ages, and needs, like the Bioderma Sunscreen range. Whether it’s summer or winter, rainy or sunny, here’s everything you need to know about SPF and why it’s so important to have it on.
What is SPF?
SPF is the shortened version for Sun Protection Factor, and it is an indicator of how experts use it to measure protection from the sun’s UV rays. The different numbers after the SPF, like 10, 15, 50, etc., actually indicate how effective the sunscreen is in protecting you from the sun’s harmful rays.
Depending on the climate and amount of sun you get where you live, the amount of SPF recommended can differ. SPF 30 blocks up to 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks approximately 98% of the UVB rays. Experts usually recommend anywhere from SPF 30 to 50 for most locations globally.
SPF should generally be in the ‘broad spectrum’ category, which protects you both from UVA and UVB rays. You can find products from the Bioderma Sunscreen range that help protect from both as well.
Protecting Against Cancer
The most crucial reason everyone should wear sunscreen is that it helps reduce the risk of skin cancer and actively protects your skin from harmful rays that can lead to uncontrolled cells in your body.
When you’re wearing sunscreen, it forms a protective layer around your skin, which prevents the rays from reaching your skin. You will need to constantly wear SPF every few hours to ensure that the effect lasts on your skin throughout the day.
Prevent Signs of Aging and Inflammation
Many people end up wearing sunscreen while they’re going to the beach to prevent painful sunburns. However, many are unaware that sunscreen can also help prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
People often believe that if you have a darker skin tone, you don’t need to wear sunscreen. However, that is a very wrong assumption and can actually cause irreversible damage to your skin before you know it.
Wrinkles and sagging skin are also likely to occur when you’re out in direct sunlight without any protection. Sunspots, discoloration, and fine lines are also prone to occur even when you’re not out in direct sunlight.
Types of Sunscreens
There are mainly two types of sunscreens, chemical, and mineral (physical). It can’t be said that one is better than the other since both use different ingredients. At the same time, both absorb the harmful effects of UV rays and prevent skin damage. However, minerals in sunscreens also help reflect some of the UV rays.
You should test out both types of sunscreens to find which one is more suitable for your skin. Many brands offer varying types of sunscreens that are suitable for all skin types.
Multiple Variants Available
Many tend to think that sunscreen is thick, oily and will break them out. However, this is a myth that doesn’t hold true for sunscreens that are available today. Whether you have dry or combination skin, you can find the ideal type of sunscreen, no matter what your requirements are.
Sunscreens are available for different types of people, including those who:
- Wear makeup regularly
- Those who spend a lot of time in front of digital screens
- Have acne-prone skin
- Have sensitive and dry skin
Regardless of what kind of requirements you have and what type of formulation you’re looking for in a sunscreen, you’re guaranteed to find all kinds available. From water-resistant sunscreens to fragrance-free varieties, there’s definitely an SPF product out there for everyone!
Wear SPF Daily to Be Safe and Protected
Sunscreen shouldn’t just be for the days when you’re stepping out of the house. Regardless of whether you’re planning to go out or stay in, SPF is crucial to always wear from the time you wake up.
You can find 2-in-1 types of sunscreens as well that have moisturizing or tinted variants available, ideal for those who love to use multi-functional products. Sunscreen can help maintain an even skin tone and reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes on your face through regular use.
Keep your SPF game strong and your skin protected at all times when you’re using sunscreen meant for your skin. If you’re confused about which one to invest in, it’s best to start by knowing what type of skin you have and researching from there. You can find a lot of customer reviews about every sunscreen product that can help make your search more straightforward as well.