Exactly What Does SPF Stand For On Sunscreen Bottles?

SPF: three little letters that you’ll find displayed on every single sunscreen bottle being sold across America. The thing is, most users don’t think too much about what they mean. We know that the higher the number, the better… right? Well, not exactly. Let’s break it down and answer the question: What does SPF stand for?

The Basics: What Does SPF Stand For?

So, first things first, SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, a measure of how long the sunscreen can prevent UVB rays from causing sunburn. As such, “What does SPF stand for?” also requires some explanation about the following numbers.

Here’s how it works…

Typically, a person’s skin will burn after 10 minutes in direct sunlight without any protection. The number after SPF (15, 30 or 50) relates to how long each product will give you out in the sun without burning.

• SPF 15 gives you 15x 10 minutes = 150 minutes
• SPF 30 gives you 30x 10 minutes = 300 minutes
• SPF 50 gives you 50x 10 minutes = 500 minutes

Of course, this level of protection is only provided to the wearer if they follow the guidelines and reapply the product every 2 hours or sooner if the skin gets wet. 

So, Does a Higher SPF Offer Better Protection?

To some extent, yes, but there’s a catch. SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97%, and SPF 50 blocks 98%. Beyond that, the differences are minimal. SPF 100 might sound like you’re invincible under the sun, but no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays. It’s more about how well and how often you use it than how high the number is.

You’re likely asking yourself – “Which is right for me?” Well, that depends on what you want from your sunscreen. Let’s take a closer look…

• SPF 15 is best for daily casual use when spending limited time outdoors, such as commuting to work or running errands. Blocking about 93% of UVB rays, it’s suitable for those with darker skin tones or living in areas where the sun isn’t too intense.

• SPF 30, on the other hand, is ideal for people partaking in outdoor activities, providing solid protection by blocking about 97% of UVB rays. It’s recommended for light-to-moderate sun exposure, meaning it’s great for hiking, gardening, or walking in the park – and for people with fair-to-medium skin tones.

• SPF 50 is necessary when experiencing prolonged or intense sun exposure, such as having a day at the beach, playing outdoor sports, or engaging in high-altitude activities like skiing. It blocks about 98% of UVB rays and is particularly beneficial for people with fair skin or who are prone to sunburn.

What Does SPF Stand For? It Stands For Sun Protection

SPF may officially stand for Sun Protection Factor, but it’s a handy gauge designed to allow users to get the right sunscreen. Whether you prefer SPF 15, 30, or 50+, the best sunscreen is the one you’ll use and reapply. So, next time you buy sunscreen, think about exactly how you’ll use it. It will go a long way in protecting your skin for the future.