Sunscreens and SPF

Sunscreen is a kind of substance or material for sun-protection such as a topical cream, lotion, ointment, gel, or spray that is applied to the skin; a salve or stick that is applied to the lips, nose, and eyelids; a moistener in towelettes that is rubbed against the skin; sunglasses that protect the eyes; some certain types of sun-protection clothing; and film screen that can be affixed to the windows of a car, room, or office.
Shortly, it can be defined as “Sunscreen is any substance or material that protects the skin from UV radiation.”

Sun protection is simply guarding a body from the dangerous effects of sunlight. In addition to heat hazards, the sun can permanently damage the skin by burning it, cause skin cancer and also wrinkling and signs of aging. Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun is a known risk factor for the development of skin cancers. 

SPF is an abbreviation for sun-protection factor, which is a number such as 15, 30, or 50 that indicates the degree of sunburn protection provided by sunscreens. SPF numbers on a package can be as low as 2 and as high as 100. These numbers refer to the product's ability to screen or block out the sun's burning rays. SPF is related to the total amount of sun exposure rather than simply the length of sun exposure. Be aware that the amount of sun exposure depends on a number of factors in terms of the length of exposure, time of day, geographic location, and weather conditions.

If you apply too little sunscreen, this can only reduce the effective SPF of the product. It is recommended that about 1 ounce (5-6 teaspoons) of sunscreen should be applied to cover the entire body. Another crucial point is that sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours when staying outdoors for a prolonged period of time. Remember that sunscreen should also be applied at least 30 minutes before going outdoors. On average, a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more is recommended especially for people with sensitive skin if they spend most of their time outdoors.
Enjoy the sunny days of the summer without any risks!