Sunscreen 101: Everything You Need To Know About SPF
Sara Al-Mansouri
Sun protection factor (SPF) measures how well a sunscreen can protect your skin from solar radiation that can cause sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. The higher the SPF number on the sunscreen bottle, the better it will protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB radiation. It is important to apply sunscreen daily to all exposed areas of skin, even when it’s cloudy to guard against UV radiation’s effects. Being vigilant about using SPF and UV protection for yourself and your family not only fights off a painful sunburn, but it also significantly reduces your risk for long-term consequences like melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. no matter your skin tone. Generally speaking, you’ll need ½ a teaspoon of sunscreen for your face and neck, then one ounce (enough to fill a shot glass!) for your entire body. Since sunscreens naturally break down over time, we recommend reapplying every two hours, and even more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating. Don’t forget—you need to apply your sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure!
Applying sunscreen is essential for protecting the skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays, yet many don't do so properly. It's important to know when and where to apply it, as well as how often. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 at least 15 minutes before going outside and re-applying every two hours. Areas that require more protection, such as ears, noses, and lips, should be given special attention. Be sure you're covering all exposed areas, including those not typically associated with sunburn - the tops of feet and hands may seem safe, but they need the same level of protection too! Do your best to keep up with proper application - your skin will thank you in the long run!
Choosing the right sunscreen: