You’re standing in the skincare aisle at the drugstore, contemplating which sunscreen to include in your daily routine. Each has “SPF protection”, but no two are the same. Should you choose the one with the highest number, just to be sure?
You are pretty sure that your decision would be easier if you could confidently answer the question: “What does SPF mean?”
While you know that skin protection is essential, the science behind 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 some styling tips to keep those harmful rays at bay.
Read on to finally find out what SPF means!
What does SPF mean?
What is SPF? It means “Sun Protection Factor”. The number reflects how long it takes for protected skin to burn when exposed to UV rays.
With that in mind, a higher number will protect your skin longer, but only if applied correctly. A thick layer of sunscreen with a lower SPF offers more protection than a thin layer of lotion with a high SPF.
Even if you are far from the beach, you expose your skin to sunlight throughout the day. Think about how much time you spend in traffic or sitting by sunlit windows. A low SPF daily face cream can protect against damage caused by incidental sun exposure.
What does sun damage do?
Sun damage is cumulative. Harmful UV rays destroy healthy skin cells over time. They can change and damage your DNA, causing premature aging and discoloration.
Ultraviolet radiation is also one of the leading forms of cancer in Americans. One in five adults develop skin cancer in their life. This can range from harmless growths to deadly melanomas.
It goes without saying that it pays to apply sunscreen every day.
cute ways to stay safe
Protecting yourself from the sun does not 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 at the beach
- Examine where to buy sun hats and start a collection
- Get a versatile hoodie with built-in UV protection for running or hiking
Your face is the part of the body that is most often exposed to direct sunlight. It is also the most prone to showing 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 to soak up the sun on a hot summer day, but those soothing rays will permanently damage your 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. Fortunately, security can be elegant!
You’ll need to wear more than sunscreen and a hat at the beach this summer. Check out the rest of the blog to find out what styles will be trending as things heat up.
