2006-09-03 11:18:26 · 13 answers · asked by mrs.rios 1 in Beauty & Style ➔ Skin & Body
No, it simply means how much longer you can stay in the sun with it. The higher the SPF the longer you can go without reapplying it.
SPF refers to Sun Protection Factor and applies only to UVB radiation. It is a multiple of how much time you can stay in the sun without burning your skin. For example, if you burn without any sunscreen in 10 minutes, a sunscreen with an SPF 15 would allow you to stay in the sun for 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) without burning. (SPF15 x 10 minutes = 150 minutes)
The highest I have ever seen is what my daughter brought back from her tour of duty in Iraq, it was SPF 70! I used it this summer and didn't even have a hint of a burn.
2006-09-03 11:19:47 · answer #1 · answered by BlueSea 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
SPF stands for sun protection factor. It refers to how much longer you can stay in the sun without burning, than if you were to wear no sunblock at all. However, scientists are now saying this may not be accurate.
An SPF 15 blocks about 92% of UVB rays and an SPF 60 blocks about 98% of UVB rays. As you can see, there is only a difference of 6% more blockage between a relatively low SPF a relatively high SPF. So just because the SPF is higher, it does not mean it will give you much more protection from the rays penetrating to your skin, it just means you would be able to stay out in the sun longer before burning. However, this can give a false sense of security and people forget to reapply the sunblock every two hours. The SPF of any sunblock drops after 2 hours and needs to be reapplied at this time to keep the higher SPF level. HTH : )
2006-09-03 12:14:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well your friend is correct in that sense and I think as long as the spf is 35 and under you should be okay. Ive been taught the same way as your friend and there are many other reasons why not to use the higher spf. Just stick with an spf of 30. Good luck and I wish you healthy skin
2016-03-26 20:59:47 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The number is the extra amount of UVA/ UVB protection the lotion gives you. The SPF means "sun protection factor", and the number is the amount of times longer protection from the sun you will get. For example, if you can stay in the sun for 10 minutes without burning with no sunscreen on and wear SPF 15, the sunscreen gives you 150 minutes of sun protection. Your skin, the strength of the sunlight, and the type of sunscreen are all variables you should consider when choosing a sunscreen.
2006-09-03 11:22:36 · answer #4 · answered by starlet_8 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes the higher the number the better the protection. SPF 40 is a great one to go with.
2006-09-03 11:29:30 · answer #5 · answered by totally_luvable 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, the higher the power the more effective it is against the Ultraviolet Rays of the Sun (ultraviolet radiation causes sunburn).
The SPF indicates the time a person can be exposed to sunlight before getting sunburn with a sunscreen applied relative to the time he or she can be exposed without sunscreen. For example, someone who would burn after 12 minutes in the sun would expect to burn after 2 hours (120 min) if protected by a sunscreen with SPF 10.
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2006-09-03 11:28:17 · answer #6 · answered by velociation 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
SPF stands for sun protectant factor. and the higher the number the more ultraviolet rays will be blocked out. no uv rays are healthy for your skin so you should always have some # of spf on. everyday moisturizers especiallly for your face usually contain an spf 15 to avoid uv rays even in the winter. 45 is usually the # used on babies or people with fair and sensitive skin. spf is important to prevent skin cancers, wrinkles etc. hope this helps!
2006-09-03 11:26:16 · answer #7 · answered by cali13 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the highest i have seen is 60, usualy for babies its 50 spf.
its to protect your skin from the harmful rays from the sun.
you should wear it at the beach, and the higher the number the more protection you will get. if you go lower, you will get a sun tan.
2006-09-03 11:35:11 · answer #8 · answered by Jeannie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
spf stands for sun protection factor. the higher the #, the more protection you get from the sun....
hope that helps!!
2006-09-03 11:20:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
To a point, the higher the better. You will find that the larger numbers are irritating to the skin.
2006-09-03 11:20:49 · answer #10 · answered by TxSup 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋