What does SPF mean? How much SPF do I need in sunscreen?

Do you ever wonder "how much SPF do I really need when I buy sunscreen?" and "what does it really mean anyway?". This video answers those questions in detail.

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. So, if your skin starts to redden in 20 minutes without sun block, applying a product with SPF15 increases that time by a factor of 15, meaning you could stay in the sun for 300 minutes.

In addition, a higher SPF blocks out more rays–a product with an SPF of 15 will filter out approximately 93% of UVB rays; SPF 30 filters out about 97%.

The key is choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB. Look for products containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because they protect against the full spectrum of UVA rays.

Also reapply sunscreen at least every two hours or sooner if you swim or exercise because water, sweat, and clothing can remove it from the skin.

So, while many people think they will be protected better from the sun by using a higher SPF sunscreen, this isn’t particularly the case, in fact the FDA does not regulate SPF higher than 50 and there’s no scientific proof they work better than lower SPF. Many of the higher SPFs do not provide any additional protection and studies have suggested that users are exposed to as many or more ultraviolet rays as those who use lower-SPF products.

There you go, you learn something new everyday!

So...what sunscreen is best for you?

•Look for titanium dioxide and zinc oxide based mineral sunscreens, which do not penetrate the skin and provide UVA protection against the sun’s most damaging rays.
•Brands that have no parabens
•Choose non-nano products that do not have small particles that can absorb into skin
•Choose sunscreens that are unscented or use essential oils or plant based products as fragrance
•Pick lotion based sunscreens with water resistance (preferably biodegradable and reef safe as well)
•Pick sunscreens that protect against UVA and UVB rays
•Have a range of SPF 15-50

Thanks for watching! Inspire beauty, naturally.

[MrRook]

That actually makes sense. I always before just grabbed the higher SPF. Great video.

[LissaDale]

Really informative. Love what you guys are doing at Beauty By Earth. This is stuff I didn't know and I'm sure many others don't either!

[timothycarleton]

Love this Sunscreen, thanks for the additional information on SPF!!

[codymoore]

good to know. its always easier to watch a video and be told about something than to read about it. it just simplifies things. thanks for info. 

[Ryan-qhth]

Never understood that actually! Awesome info

[Beautybyearth]

Do you ever wonder "how much SPF do I really need when I buy sunscreen?" and "what does it really mean anyway?". This video answers those questions! Check it out: 

[susannewilliams]

Very useful information.  Never knew that!

[Dr_Abdi]

Thanks a lot that is very informative.

[cupfcoffee]

too bad 50 spf products r not that good.. i like how the skin looks in them thu:)

[Ramjangaming]

Which is the best sunscreen for oily skin ?

[khushikhan]

why spf in nite creames? hows it work in as nite

[vanessacardiente]

sunblock SPF 80 this is good also for the skin or not?
thanks for info