SPF: What is it?

We live in a culture that worships the sun—not literally, perhaps, but in that a tanned skin is still viewed as a healthy and attractive condition.

With that in mind, it is important to think about protecting your skin from too much exposure, especially if you participate in many outdoor activities.  Let’s take a look at this term SPF.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor.  It is a measure of UVB protection and is determined by how long sunscreen protected skin is exposed to sunlight before redness occurs versus how long unprotected skin takes before redness occurs.  The SPF of 15 will protect a person who otherwise would burn in about 10 minutes 15 times longer, or about 150 minutes.

It makes sense, then, to protect ourselves when out in the sun.  SPF can range from 1 to 45 or more.  The larger the SPF number, the longer the protection.

Be sure when you purchase makeup, whether it is in mineral form or liquid, that you have at least an SPF of 15 or more.  Protecting the skin is vital to maintain healthy skin.

Wrinkles can happen as skin ages and is exposed to the sun, but even more important is the prevention of skin cancer.

It is even advisable to use a sun block under your makeup when heavy sun exposure is a possibility and it isn’t a bad idea to use sun block even if you are not planning to be in the sun for a long period of time.

Caution and protection are important.  Keep all of this in mind when the summer months are just around the corner and activities that expose you to the sun are more frequent. When picnics, swimming, sports, and other outdoor events are on the horizon—especially since these events usually occur when the sun is at its highest in the sky, it is important to be cautious.

However, a good rule of thumb in any season is to use sun protection in your facial makeup and on other exposed areas of skin no matter the time of year.