Admiring and loving the sun are so calming and easy. Sitting in cafés, sunbathing on holidays, and sitting near the poolside, who doesn’t love soaking in the sun? But maybe your skin doesn’t love that. Your skin needs sun protection throughout the day, it doesn’t matter whether you’re in the sun or not. A little sun enjoyment is good, but your skin needs SPF, as you need water throughout the day. You must have heard about the essential role of SPF in your skin care routine. But let us delve deeper into what is SPF, its role, and how your skin can benefit from SPF.

What does SPF mean?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. SPF30 allows about 3% of UVB to penetrate deeper into the skin, and SPF 50 allows 2%. Although it doesn’t appear much, it can make a big difference in different skin types. It is suggested to wear SPF of 30 or 50 or higher for extended outdoor activities. It is also recommended to reapply sunscreen after every 2 hours

What does SPF mean?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. SPF30 allows about 30% of UVB to penetrate deeper into the skin, and SPF 50 allows 2%. Although it doesn’t appear much, it can make a big difference in different skin types. It is suggested to wear SPF of 30 or 50 or higher for extended outdoor activities. It is also recommended to reapply sunscreen after every 2 hours

What do SPF numbers mean?

In general, the SPF number gives you an idea of how much longer your skin will be protected from sunburn-causing UVB rays compared to unprotected skin. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it generously and frequently for enhanced protection.

What is Broad-spectrum sunscream?

Broad spectrum refers to protection against both UVA and UVB.

Why is it important?

A sunscreen with higher SPF not only tells you about its ability to protect against harmful UVB rays. Without broad-spectrum, you might be well protected from sunburn, but still be vulnerable to aging, and potentially cancer causing effects of UVA rays.

What are UVA and UVB?

The sun emits three types of radiation. UVA, UVB and UVC. We only need to worry about UVA and UVB, as UVC doesn’t reach the Earth’s surface.

 What are UVA?

UVA rays have a longer wavelength, so that they can penetrate deeper into the skin and pass through clouds and glass. It is linked to skin cancer, premature ageing, and pigmentation.

What are UVB?

Even though these UVB rays don’t penetrate that deeply into the skin, they are responsible for causing sunburn and most skin cancers. UVB has higher energy levels than UVA. 

You can remember both of them as 

UVA = Ageing

UVB = Burning

Raising Cases of Skin Cancer in the UK

Skin cancer cases are concerningly rising, with incidence doubling every 10-20 years for some types or populations; in the UK, lifetime risk suggests around 1 in 3 to 1 in 4 individuals will develop some form, with melanoma cases significantly increasing by 30-40% in the last decade and over 100,000 non-melanoma and 16,000 melanoma cases diagnosed annually; crucially, over 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are preventable and highly treatable with early detection and intervention, which also significantly improves melanoma outcomes.

Effective tips to prevent sun damage and skin cancer risk

90% of the skin cancers are manageable and often curable if diagnosed early. Applying sa broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF will keep your skin protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Adopting the daily habit of applying sunscreen is also the best way to preserve skin’s youth. 

1. Use the two-finger rule for sunscreen. An easy way to remember it is to squeeze sunscreen along the length of your index finger- squeeze sunscreen to an ample amount to cover both the fingers and apply it over one side of the body, that is, the face.

2. Reapply every 2 hours when exposed to sunlight for longer periods or after swimming.

3. Seek shade and protect vulnerable areas by wearing a hat or sunglasses.

4. Always remember to apply the SPF over your ears or behind your neck.

5. UV rays can penetrate glass. Apply SPF when sitting in a car or by a window.

How to choose the right sunscreen?

To protect your skin from harmful UV rays, consider suncreams that are:

Broad spectrum: Protects against UVA and UVB rays.

SPF 30 or higher: Offers good protection against sunburn (UVB)

Water resistant (if needed): Remains effective for a set time while wet; consider applying again after swimming or sweating.

Suited for your skin type: Look for non-comedogenic for oily skin, moisturised for dry skin, and mineral-based for sensitive skin.

A formulation you will likely use: Choose a gel, lotion, stick or spray that suits best for your skin and you will use consistently.

Consider these carefully selected sunscreens:

Nivea Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Nivea Sun Lotion SPF30+ is an excellent sun care solution, aimed at safeguarding and hydrating your skin under the sun. Perfect for those in need of efficient UV ray protection while keeping skin moist, it brings together high SPF protection with moisturising advantages. With a formula rich in Vitamin E and Panthenol, it protects against harmful UV radiation, battles free radicals, and prevents premature skin ageing. For a day in the sun or every day sun defence, it provides the skin care necessary to remain healthy and glowing.

Eucerin Sun Allergy Gel Cream SPF 50+

Eucerin Sun Allergy Protect SPF50 is a high-protection, fast-absorbing creme-gel specifically for sun allergy-prone skin like PLE. Its Advanced Spectral Technology offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB defense, while Licochalcone A and Alpha-Glycosylrutin help prevent sun-induced allergies and neutralize free radicals. Unperfumed, non-greasy, non-sticky, and water-resistant.

Riemann P20 Kids Sun Cream Pump

P20 Kids provides long-lasting (up to 10 hours), high SPF sun protection with 3-hour water resistance for children’s delicate skin. This gentle, fragrance-free cream is dermatologist-tested, allergy-certified, offers 4-star UVA protection, and is vegan. P20: Trusted suncare for families since 1979.

Nivea Sunscreen Lotion SPF 15

Nivea Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF15 200ml serves as a dual-purpose skin care essential, offering both UV protection and hydration. It’s well-suited for any skin type, aiming to defend against the sun’s damaging effects while keeping the skin moisturised. The lotion is infused with moisturisers and Vitamin E, ensuring your skin remains hydrated and nourished when exposed to sunlight. Whether for a day at the beach or an outdoor adventure, this lotion is a reliable companion for sun safety and skin health.

Final Call

SPF helps protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays that are responsible for burning your skin and upto 80% of the signs of premature skin ageing. Remember to apply sunscreen every day even if you’re not going out, irrespective of the weather.

Follow the 2 rule: applying sunscreen with moisturiser to keep the morning skin care routine streamlined and to effectively hydrate and protect your skin.