You’re standing in the skin care aisle at the pharmacy, contemplating which sunscreen to include in your daily routine. Each one has “SPF protection,” but no two seem to be the same. Should you choose the one with the highest number, just to be safe?
You’re pretty sure your decision would be easier if you could confidently answer the question, “What does SPF mean?”
While you know skin protection is essential, the science behind the safety can get complex. We’ve created this guide to help you understand how to choose a daily sunscreen that can get the job done. Plus, we’ll include a few style tips for keeping harmful rays at bay.
Read on to finally figure out what SPF stands for!
What Does SPF Mean?
What is SPF? It stands for “Sun Protection Factor.” The number reflects how long it takes protected skin to burn when exposed to ultraviolet rays.
With that in mind, a higher number will protect your skin longer, but only if applied correctly. A thick layer of lower SPF sunscreen offers more protection than a thin layer of high SPF lotion.
Even if you’re far from the beach, you expose your skin to sunlight throughout the day. Think about how much time you spend in traffic or sitting next to sunlit windows. A low SPF daily face cream can guard against damage from incidental sun exposure.
What Does Sun Damage Do?
Sun damage is cumulative. Harmful UV rays break down healthy skin cells over time. They can change and damage your DNA, causing premature aging and discoloration.
UV radiation is also a leading form of cancer in Americans. One in five adults will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. This can range from harmless growths to deadly melanoma.
Needless to say, it’s worthwhile to apply sunscreen daily.
Cute Ways to Stay Safe
Protecting yourself from the sun doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it can be a fashion choice! In addition to using a daily moisturizer, here are our favorite ways to incorporate SPF protection into your style:
- Choose sunglasses with UV protection
- Wear a UV-blocking wrap on the beach
- Look into where to buy sun hats and start a collection
- Grab a versatile hoodie with built-in UV protection for runs or hikes
Your face is the body part most often exposed to direct sunlight. It’s also the most likely to show premature signs of aging. Cover your face with cute UV-blocking accessories, and you’ll look great for years to come.
How to Protect Your Skin From the Sun
We all love soaking up the sun on a warm summer day, but those relaxing rays will permanently damage the skin over time. Now that you can answer “What does SPF mean?” it’s up to you to choose the products and develop the habits that will keep you safe. Luckily, safety can be stylish!
You’ll need to wear more than sunscreen and a hat on the beach this summer. Check out the rest of the blog to discover what styles will be trending as things heat up.
