SPF 50 vs 30 - How to choose the best sunscreen for your skin

What is SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects against UVB radiation. SPF is actually an oversimplification of the whole picture; it only indicates how much longer you can stay in the sun before getting burned.

In truth, there are two types of ultraviolet rays: UVA and UVB.

• UVB rays cause sunburns and immediate damage to your skin's cells, but they don't contribute to skin cancer development or aging.
• UVA rays penetrate deeper into your skin and are associated with premature aging as well as melanoma. They also contribute to wrinkles, sagging and brown spots on the face (freckles). As you can see, finding a high-quality SPF that also offers UVA protection is crucial, as this type of ultraviolet rays can also be harmful to our face and bodies.

SPF is a technical way of approximating for how long you’re going to be protected against the harmful sunrays. But this is a very relative number, as an SPF body lotion will usually wear off after a couple of hours, especially if you’re at the beach or a pool and you’re splashing around in water.

Here’s a golden rule: regardless of which SPF level you choose, it’s very important to reapply SPF every two hours. Moreover, it’s important to apply the same amount of cream as you did the first time. Don’t fool yourself thinking that you need less SPF the second time you apply it because your skin won’t be able to absorb it all, as this is usually how you end up with burned, red skin at the end of your wonderful beach day.

SPF 50 vs. SPF 30 – differences and how to choose the right SPF for you

Although higher-levels of SPF creams are marketed as being better, there isn’t much of a difference between SPF 50 and 30. Let us explain down below:

• SPF 15 will block 93% of UVB rays
• SPF 30 will block 97% of UVB rays
• SPF 50 will block 98% of UVB rays
• SPF 100 will block 99% of UVB rays

This is all technically speaking, of course – as we mentioned before, these measures are simply theoretical. As you can see, the higher the SPF level, the smaller the differences between them.

Okay, so why not use the higher SPF possible and save you a bit of hassle? Let’s say an SPF 75 or 100. Well, these sunscreens won’t offer greater protection, as the differences between them are too little to count. Instead, you should focus on choose a broad spectrum protection SPF that will block both UVB and UVA rays – and you must make sure you reapply sunscreen periodically, every couple of hours.

Protect your pimples with acne patches

Is there an SPF checker?

Yes, all sunscreens on the market must pass an FDA test in order to be truly named “SPF”. There are three tests that are being made, the same three ones for all SPF creams out there.

Another golden tip is to always read the labels before buying your sunscreen. Make sure you’re choosing an SPF that:

• is broad spectrum, protecting you both from UVB and UVA. Not all sunscreens are broad spectrum
• has a SPF of at least 30
• don’t believe claims such as “waterproof” – there is no such as thing as a waterproof sunscreen, as all of them will fade away after a while. When it comes to “water resistant” SPF, it’s just a matter of how long they last after applying – 40 or 80 minutes. As mentioned below, always reapply sunscreen after two hours to make sure you’re completely safe.

Products with SPF

Except for the classic sunscreens, there are countless other products on the market right now offering SPF protection. Some of them can be used as a make-up base, instead of make-up or they can come in useful shapes and forms that are fit for reapplying sunscreen during the day. Here are some innovative examples below:

• SPF with moisturizer – using an SPF moisturizer for face is an excellent idea because this is usually a 2-in-1 product. This basically means choosing a hydrating cream that also has a sun protection factor, that you can use right before applying your foundation and the rest of your make-up. Ideally, make sure you use an SPF moisturizer of at least 30.
• SPF tinted moisturizer – also known as tinted BB creams, this type of products work as a moisturizer, SPF and a light foundation as well, also known as a BB cream. SPF tinted moisturizers are a good choice during summer, when you’re not planning on applying a lot of make-up but you still want a dewy, uniform look and sun protection. Make sure you’re using a tinted moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30.
• SPF lip balm – although most people don’t pay attention to this, lips have some of the most sensitive skin on our entire face, which means they’re very vulnerable and susceptible to sun burn. Applying an SPF lip balm every two hours is a crucial aspect of protection your lips from damage and skin cancer as well.
• SPF powder – You probably didn’t hear about this one before, did you? SPF powders are specifically made to be reapplied on top of your make-up. An SPF powder will usually come in a small package that also comes with a brush for easy application. One thing to note, though: this type of products are only made for touch-ups, so it’s still important to apply a good layer of SPF underneath your make-up.
• SPF setting spray – Continuing the conversation about SPF for face, here’s another option for those days when you’re out in the sun and you need to reapply SPF on top of your make-up. An SPF setting spray is a very good choice to use together with your regular SPF lotion for your face.

After sun care

Let’s not forget about after sun care as well! After a full day of sun exposure, it’s crucial to offer a boost of hydration to both our face and body. Regardless of how much sunscreen you apply, the sun rays are a stress factor for your skin, often times leaving it less hydrated than before.

Hugs! 

Adrienne | Co-founder of OMMA Cosmetics

Photo sources: Unsplash.