Understanding Your Sunscreen’s SPF
What SPF do I buy for my family? What does SPF even mean? These are just some of the questions that pop into your head when you enter the sunscreen aisle of the drugstore. Having the right information is key when purchasing sunscreen. The goal is to pick a lotion that will provide effective protection from the harsh rays of the sun. Here are some tips for choosing the right SPF for you and your family.
What does SPF mean?
SPF = Sun protection factor. It is the measure of how much protection that particular sunscreen can give. It involves math calculations and the way your own personal skin reacts in the sun. For example, if you start to get red after 20 minutes in the sun, an SPF 15 is made to protect you 15 times longer, so about 5 hours. Although, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the SPF model is flawed and they recommend that everyone should reapply their sunscreen every two hours.
What SPF should I choose for my family?
It is recommended that you choose a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 for you and your family. And remember to choose the right fit and type of sunscreen for your family; use a baby/child formulated sunscreen for your kids.
How much should I apply?
Make sure you use enough to cover the entire body (from forehead to toes), including the back of the neck and the face. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to leaving the house, and make sure to reapply often!
Now that you have a better understand of what SPF actually is, choosing the right sunscreen for your family shouldn’t be as challenging. Whatever sunscreen you do choose remember, the key to protection is reapplying often!
Originally published at wellthyliving.ca on June 28, 2017.
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