Simplifying SPF
Have you ever wondered what the numbers on your sunscreen bottles really meant? Pure + Simple is here to simplify so you can focus on vacation instead of calculation.
Most of us are familiar with SPF, but you may not know what it stands for. SPF is actually short for Sun Protection Factor. Ratings can range from anywhere between 10 and 150 - but unless you know what these numbers mean, how can you be sure you're getting the protection you need?
A common misconception is that a higher SPF rating means more protection. In truth, the SPF rating has nothing to do with the effectiveness of that product's protection. Instead, it deals with the duration of that product's protection - so think time, not value!
So in order to know how to read these ratings properly, you just need to compare the amount of time it would take for your skin to burn without protection.
For example, if it takes 15 minutes for your skin to burn without sunscreen, and you apply a product with an SPF rating of 10, your skin will now take 10 X 15 minutes to burn (or 2.5 hours)
Essentially, the number in the SPF rating tells you how long you can stay in the sun without getting burned while wearing the product, in comparison to when you are not wearing it. An SPF 10 product is just as effective as an SPF 120 product - its effects just don't last as long.
Make sense? Great! Now you can be sure you're choosing the right SPF products for your needs. Get out there and enjoy that summer sun safe and worry free!
