why is spf important why is spf important

What is Sun Protection Factor? Why is SPF important?

Prolonged exposure to the sun can have long-lasting effects on your skin and is one of the leading causes of skin damage. Hyperpigmentation, sunburn, dark spots & sunspots, and an increased risk of skin cancer are just a few of the harmful effects of the harsh sun rays. A product with SPF or a sunscreen lotion is a must in your daily skincare routine regardless of the season. But with summer just around the corner, SPF is indispensable and you should not step out of your house without applying a generous amount of sunscreen or any product with SPF. Here is a quick guide for you to understand the importance of SPF and how it protects you from sun damage.

1. What is SPF?

SPF or Sun Protection Factor is a number assigned to your sunscreen or any face cream for sun protection that indicates the level of protection it provides against the sun. Products with a higher SPF rating are stronger are have a better percentage of protection. A common misconception is that double the SPF number will offer double the protection. For example, a product with an SPF 50 does not provide twice the amount of protection than a product with an SPF 25 does. An SPF is just a numbering or a ranking system and not an absolute representation of the percentage of coverage the product provides.

The SPF number denotes the amount of time for which a sunscreen can protect your skin from sun damage. On an average, human beings tend to experience sunburn within 15 mins of exposure to the sun, a cream with SPF40 can give 40X sun protection

(40x15 = protection for 600 minutes)

This is why it’s also important to keep re-applying the sunscreen every few hours

2. Products with SPF

Even though SPF is an absolute necessity in the summer, you should not skip SPF during the other seasons. One of the most common ways to shield your skin from the sun is to use a sunscreen. Depending on the type of climate where you live, you can opt for products with a lower SPF during winters and monsoons.

Another way to get adequate sun protection without using any additional sunscreen is to look for skincare products that contain SPF. A skin cream or a moisturizer with SPF is your best bet – it does the job of a sunscreen while also moisturizing and nourishing your skin. For example, the Garnier Sun Control Moisturiser is light enough for everyday wear and the SPF in the moisturizer protects your skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. You could also try Garnier Bright Complete SPF40 that contains Yuzu lemon and 3X Vitamin C for brightening, alongwith the power of SPF40 for spot-less, brighter skin - now even in the sun!

3. SPF Tips

Now that you know all about SPF and the different sunscreen lotions and products you can use to get your daily dose of SPF in, here are a few more things to keep in mind about SPF.

  • Look for broad-spectrum sunscreen or skin creams with SPF. Broad-spectrum sunscreens and products protect you against both, UVA and UVB rays of the sun.
  • Sunscreen takes time to get absorbed into your skin. So apply your sunscreen at least 15 to 20 minutes before stepping out in the sun.
  • Reapply your sunscreen every two to three hours if you are outdoors for a long duration. Reapply your SPF product every one to two hours if you are sweating a lot or have been spending time in the water.

With the information mentioned above, we hope that you have a better understanding of SPF and why it is a must-have product in your daily skincare routine. Now that summer is here, remember to take better care of your skin and protect it from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Read the Garnier blog to get more tips on how to take care of your skin and nourish it during the coming summer months.