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How Does Sunscreen Protect Your Face All Summer Long

Sunscreen use in protecting the skin from disastrous effects of UV rays was perhaps the best innovation and discovery of all times. Sunscreens are vital creams that protect the skin exposed to the sun from sunburns and accumulation of cell-damaging free radicals. These creams come in different formulations allowing the user to pick one in accordance to the individuals choice. They also come in different brands. This makes it difficult to find the best product.

Whereas some products achieve the stated claims, others do not provide satisfactory results. Searching for a suitable and quality sunscreen is probably the most challenging part of this process full of dilemma. This is why cautiousness is important when searching for a perfect product. Several guides may come in handy when undertaking this task. Among the principal factor is finding the best SPF for face.

What Is SPF ?

To begin, all sunscreen ought to be labeled their SPF values by manufacturers. Lengthily known as the Sun Protection Factor, it is an essential component when it comes to finding the best sunscreen to use. There are contradicting theories explaining the actual meaning and implication of this figure. The first one claims that this is a measure of how well the sunscreen will protect the skin from harmful UV rays. The other misconception is that it is a measure that relates to the time of solar exposure.

Being an important aspect that determines the effectiveness of a sunscreen, SPF has a myriad of speculations. The second definition is termed a misconception as SPF does not relate directly to the time of solar exposure but the amount of solar exposure. According to the time theory, an SPF of 15 allows you to stay in the sun 15 times longer. This is not true as other factors come into play during the period of exposure. Some of the factors include:

Just to mention, the intensity of solar energy has an impact on the amount one is exposed to. For instance, it would take less time to be exposed a similar amount of solar energy at midday compared to late evenings or early morning. Various other factors affect solar intensity. Some of these factors include latitudes and cloud cover. Therefore, the time narrative may not be true.

How Does SPF Work?

To be specific, SPF indicates the level of UVB protection offers by the sunscreen. There are two types of UV rays from the sun. They include UVA and UVB. UVA has superficial effects responsible for cellular skin damage at the surface level. Sunscreens are unable to protect the skin from this type. However, they are less damaging. The second type, UVB, has disastrous effects including skin cancer, sunburns, and development of premature signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.

SPF values range from 1 to 90. Applying the sunscreen forms a coat or a surface layer that protects the skin from the direct impact of the UV rays. Various other factors affect the level of protection of the sunscreen and effectiveness of the SPF value. They include:

Various sunscreens have varying SPF values. There are four levels of SPF values. The levels include:

1. Low ranges from 4 to 10
2. Medium or moderate that ranges from 15 to 25. This is the best SPF for face.
3. High level ranging from 30 to 50
4. Very high level that includes those of 50 and above

Increasing values of SPF does not necessarily indicate a higher level of protection. This is because the SPF scale is not that linear. For instance, a sunscreen with an SPF value of 15 blocks approximately 93%, that of 30 blocks 97% whereas that of 50 blocks around 98% of the UVB rays. Actually, sunscreens with high-level SPFs are not recommended. This is because they do not last long on the skin surface and may lead to irritations.

Besides the SPF, there are other essential factors to consider when searching for the perfect sunscreen for your face. The other factors include:

Conclusion

Sunscreens offer priceless benefits when it comes to skin protection. By forming a protective coat over the skin, be sure of minimal skin damage despite extensive sun exposure. However, you should also practice other preventive measures such as wearing protective clothing when engaging in outdoor activities and minimizing exposure to the sun.

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