We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Beauty

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Determine Sunscreen Protection?

By Gregory Hanson
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,713
Share

Sunscreen protection stems from a product's ability to deflect two different types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB. Products that protect against one do not necessarily protect against both. Sunscreens are rated for their ability to protect against UVB radiation, but ratings for protection against UVA radiation are not yet standard. Resistance to sweat and resistance to water also factor into the overall sunscreen protection offered by a product.

The sun emits two different types of ultraviolet light. UVB radiation has a pronounced impact on the skin and is the main cause of sunburn but does not penetrate deeply into the body. UVA radiation is less important in causing sunburn but penetrates the skin more deeply and is a main cause of the weathered appearance that skin takes on after prolonged sun exposure. Both types of ultraviolet light can cause cancer.

Most sunscreens are rated with a sun protection factor, or SPF. This number roughly translates to the factor by which effective sun exposure is reduced. An SPF of ten reduces sun exposure by a factor of ten, so that ten hours of exposure would be needed to produce the results normally seen after one hour. This factor indicates only the UVB protection offered by a given product and is a rough guideline rather than an absolute rating. It is best to err on the side of caution and choose products with a higher SPF rating.

UVA protection is not rated on a standard scale. In most nations, sunscreens will now indicate whether they offer this sort of protection, often by advertising “full-spectrum” protection. This type of sunscreen protection should be chosen whenever possible.

Proper application of sunscreen is essential. For maximum sunscreen protection, application directions should be followed exactly. Many people under-apply sunscreen, leading to reduced protection. The periodic re-application of sunscreen, as directed, is also essential for maintaining full sunscreen protection, as all types of sunscreen wear off and lose their effectiveness over time. Re-applying every two hours is typically necessary.

Each sunscreen formula is different, and some are better at resisting wear and water. Sunscreen protection is greatly influenced by these differences. All sunscreens degrade when exposed to water and as the body sweats. Products designed for aquatic or sport use, however, are more resistant to this degradation. Each product should include specific directions relating to activity and water exposure, and directions for application and re-application should be followed to ensure maximum sunscreen protection.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-determine-sunscreen-protection.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.