Sun protection factor Meaning: All information

We attach great importance to the importance of the sun protection factor when choosing a sunscreen. Numbers like 20, 30 or 50 can be read on tubes and sprays - but what does this really say about sun protection? With us in the practical tip you can read what you have to pay attention to when choosing your sunscreen.

The importance of the sun protection factor: protection against UV-B rays

Sunlight is made up of different radiations. Above all, UV-A and UV-B rays are the ones that people should protect their skin from.

• UV-B rays can be harmful to the skin - but you cannot completely block them with any sunscreen in the world.
• UV-A radiation is also harmful and also penetrates into deeper skin layers. This is the radiation that is used for tanning in the solarium, for example.
• The sun protection factor is given for protection against UV-B rays. For optimal protection, your skin should also be protected from UV-A rays. If so, you will see a sign with UV-A on the sunscreen.

That means the sun protection factor

The higher the better - that much is known. What the value of the sun protection factor actually indicates is not on the sunscreen.

• There are six different skin types that can protect themselves from sunburn for different lengths of time.
• Skin type I is very light and sensitive and can only withstand strong sunlight for about 10 minutes without the skin becoming red.
• Skin type II 10 to 20 minutes
• Skin type III 20 to 30 minutes
• Skin type IV 30 to 45 minutes
• Skin type V 60 minutes
• Skin type VI up to 90 minutes
• This time of self-protection is multiplied by the sun protection factor of a sunscreen. If someone with skin type I uses a sunscreen with sun protection factor 20, he should be able to spend 10 minutes x SPF 20 = 200 minutes in the sun according to the laboratory's determination of the protection, without the skin becoming red or threatened with sunburn.
• However, the laboratory tests are not exposed to as many environmental factors as your skin is in the real sun. You should therefore only count about 60% of this value, which you are actually protected from the sun.

Sunscreen and sun protection factor: how to protect yourself properly

You can use the sun protection factor to roughly calculate how long your skin will be protected from sunburn - but always keep in mind that these are only guidelines.

• You can assume that a sunscreen with a higher sun protection factor can actually protect you from the sun longer.
• But don't make the mistake of choosing a high sun protection factor, applying the sunscreen in the morning and then spending the whole day in the blazing sun because it is mathematically sufficient.
• Various factors influence how long the cream actually lasts. For example, clothing can wipe off part of the cream.
• The effect is also reduced by bathing or showering. Always apply new cream when you come out of the water.
• Sunburn is extremely uncomfortable: So cream your skin once more!