What Does SPF Mean?

Sunscreen comes in different levels of SPF, or sun protection factor, but what does that mean for your skin and the ultraviolet radiation hitting it? Olivia explains the science of SPF.

Hosted by: Oliva Gordon
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[secondsuccess]

Here is the obligatory _THE SUN IS A DEADLY LASER_

[Master_Therion]

"Spf..." Is the sound I make when someone tells me to wear sunscreen. I'm a rebel.

[TheFabrosi]

alright, I'm sure this has been asked, but I went through a lot of comments and didn't see it. is the fact that getting a tan bad? I work outside and I'm constantly in the sun, and I wear SPF 30 all day and reapply after 2 hours. do we know if a "healthy glow" is actually healthy? or does tan always mean damaged skin? also. if you're tanned and wear less than 30 and don't burn, is that more skin damage? no skin damage? maybe a video on dispelling tanning myths would be good!

[memeswiper]

Question: What's better spray-on or creme?

[mrnicomedes]

This was a nice episode that hit on all the important points; however, I'd've wished that: 1) it showed UVA/B on a depiction of the electromagnetic spectrum (sorry, physicist here); 2) mentioned some reason why they have different categories (UVA vs UVB: what do they mean; how do they act differently?); and 3) said anything about the mechanisms by which various sunscreens are effective (again, mechanisms, I'm a physicist). What about "physical" vs "chemical" sunscreens? This episode boiled down to, to me, "wear SPF 30+ and reapply often."

[onerandomnerdygirl]

This is super helpful! I'm a Lifeguard and I have very light, sensitive skin. Sunscreen is very important

[EliseLogan]

Surprised you didn't mention the difference between chemical sunscreen and physical sunscreen options (mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) - since they work differently, and the science of those differences makes for interesting pros and cons for the two types.

[Arwokid]

SERIOUSLY, how much is the "RIGHT AMOUNT"? shouldve done a demonstration or figure (eg 1ml/sqcm)

cmon, this is a SCI show, ffs.

[cup_check_official]

Your summer came now? we are getting roasted here since march. fcking 40+ C everyday

[d_wang]

What does spf mean?
*The Sun is a Powerful Laser*

[albertoavalos]

I'm so glad Olivia Gordon was added to the team!

[the_officials]

Short answer: Just stay Indoors, you'll be protected from deadly





Or will you? _Vsauce Music Starts_

[benparker]

I don't understand what all the hate is about, I think Olivia's been doing great.

[smkishtiak]

I came here to learn "Sender Policy Factor". By the way, thanks for the new lesson.

[Cujucuyo]

Apply sunscreen: No cool splotches in your skin.

Don't apply sunscreen: Radically cool splotches in your skin.


You decide.

[caincawkwell]

S- *I'll have two number 9's, a number 9 large*
P- *A number 6 with EXTRA dip, a number 7*
F- *Two number 45's, one with cheese and a large soda*

[jodinha]

Pro tip. Wear clothes. Normally blocks 100% of light on places it covers.

Also try staying inside. Guaranteed no sun burn.

I hear if you cover the top of the water with oil it will protect everything underneath from sunlight.

Curtains are also a good investment.

Umbrellas work too

Trees help.

[numshinfan]

love how you snuck in that beach towel product placement

[ozdergekko]

In Europe, they also must protect of UVA, and there is a standardized label for those that have a a UVA SPF of at least 30% that of UFB (letters UVA in a circle).

[eduAC.]

I only click "thumbs up" on Olivia videos.