Facial Sunblock

Today I’m going to talk about the SPF rating in Facial Sunblock.

So what is SPF? Well, it stands for Sun Protection Factor. SPF has a numeric value and can go as high as 50+. So for example, facial sunblock SPF 30, or SPF 45. Also, the higher the number, the stronger the protection. It’s used in conjunction with measuring the time it takes for a person to burn when exposed to the sun, from UVB radiation.

The formula goes like this:

Take me for example. On a hot summer day I might start to burn after 15 minutes of being in the sun. If I use a facial sunblock that has an SPF rating of 30, I can theoretically be in the sun for 7.5 hrs. before I start to burn.

SPF rating X 15 (the amount of minutes it takes for you to burn) = 450 minutes or 7.5 hrs.

Another way of looking at this would be as follows. Using a facial sunblock with an SPF rating of 50 means that you would not start to burn until you have been exposed to 50 times the amount it would normally take to burn.

Now, getting back to the 7.5 hrs in my previous example. That is a long time to be in the sun without burning. So let’s talk about different variables.

The SPF rating in facial sunblock and any other sunblock is done in an indoor lab. It does not take into account, heat, wind, shade from passing clouds, or the time of day. And speaking about the time of day, the sun’s rays are the strongest from 10:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M.

Another factor is skin type. Light skinned people will burn sooner than dark skinned people. The amount of facial sunblock that you apply is also a factor, as well as the amount absorbed by the skin.

And what about the activities we do? Swimming? Drying yourself off with a towel. Sweating? The list goes on.

You’re probably saying to yourself, “What good is that formula then?”

I look at it this way. Use a facial sunblock that has a high SPF rating and take into account your skin type and how easy you burn. Read the directions and apply liberally ½ hour before going outside. Re-apply every 2 hours and take into account any type of activities your doing.

Well, for now that’s enough on facial sunblock. Tune in again…