What is spf 30

Using half the required amount of sunscreen only provides the square root of the SPF. So, while you may not be doubling your level of protection, an SPF 30 will block half the radiation that an SPF 15 would let through to your skin.

All sunscreen manufacturers must adhere to the exact same FDA approved tests, ensuring that the SPF claims are consistent across all sunscreens, chemical and mineral.

All SPF testing is conducted in vivo with human subjects. That may seem like a small difference until you realize that the SPF 30 is allowing 50 percent more UV radiation onto your skin. Under ideal conditions like in a laboratory , a sunscreen with higher SPF protection and broad-spectrum coverage offers more protection against sunburn, UVA damage and DNA damage than comparable products with lower SPF values.

But , real life is not like a lab. In real life, products with very high SPFs often create a false sense of security. People who use them tend to stay out in the sun much longer.

They may skip reapplying. It works by absorbing UV rays and then releasing them as heat. People with sensitive skin may find that chemical sunscreen can sting or cause irritation. Ingredients usually include octinoxate or avobenzone.

Both types are suitable for decreasing your risk of sun damage as long as you choose a product that has at least 30 SPF and is labeled broad-spectrum. Even though wearing a 30 SPF sunscreen is important, sunscreen alone is not enough to prevent skin damage. You should still protect yourself in other ways when possible. Other ways you can reduce your risk include:. Staying protected from the sun is incredibly important.

Even if it seems to be an inconvenience or hassle, applying sunscreen is critical in keeping your skin healthy and preventing cancer. Remember, the sun damages your skin over the course of your entire life, not just when you get a sunburn at the beach. Contact the office of Dr. Lisa Diaz at to schedule your skin check today! North Tampa. Blog Home. View Profile.

Author Lisa M. This means they usually get less than half the protection stated on the product label. Sunscreen can be easily wiped off, lost through perspiration and is often applied unevenly in the first place. Putting on more sunscreen every two hours helps keep you protected. It's important to remember to re-apply after swimming or water sports also. Many people mistakenly believe they only need sun protection on hot, sunny days.

However, it is Ultraviolet UV radiation from the sun, not heat, that is the major cause of sunburn, premature ageing, eye damage and skin damage leading to skin cancer. UV can't be seen or felt. Because of this, it can be damaging without us knowing it at the time. The UV index tells us the strength of UV radiation each day. Sun protection is recommended when the UV index is three or higher.

Often, the UV can be high on cool, cloudy days.