What is spf in sunscreen means

What is a good SPF/PA sunscreen index?

Choosing the right sunscreen is one of the important steps to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.

However, many people still do not clearly understand the SPF and PA indexes on sunscreen and how to choose the right product.

In this article of with Dr Nguyen Giap, we will learn about sun protection factors, what they mean and how to choose the most effective sunscreen for your skin.

What is sun protection factor?

When looking to buy sunscreen, you often see the notation as SPF 30, SPF 50 or PA+++.

These indicators show the ability to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UVB rays and UVA, the main cause of sunburn, skin aging and skin cancer.

Understanding the correct sun protection factor will help you choose the right product. skin suitensuring efficient optimal protection without irritation or clogging clogged pores.

Index of SPF – Anti-UVB rays

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a measure of the skin's ability to protect against UVB rays, main causes sunburn, burning skin and skin cancer.

How your SPF:

• SPF as high time protect the skin from UVB rays as long.
• 1 SPF ≈ 10 minutes protects against UVB rays.
• However, the SPF does not reflect the resistance to UVA rays, which cause aging and darkening of skin pigmentation.

Degree of protection according to the index of SPF

🔹 Notes:

• SPF is not proportional with the ability to protect. SPF 100 does not mean that protect the skin twice SPF 50.

• SPF higher creamy texture as thick, easy to cause mystery skin, clogged pores and irritation.
• To protect the skin comprehensive, in addition to SPF, of interest to only some PA against UVA rays.

CONSULTING FACIAL SKIN CONDITION

What is a good sun protection factor?

Choosing a sunscreen with a high SPF is not necessarily good. Choosing a sunscreen index should be based on your needs and skin characteristics.

• SPF 15 – 30, PA++: Suitable for office workers with little exposure to sunlight.
• SPF 30 – 50, PA+++: Suitable for outdoor activities, helps protect skin better.

• SPF 50+, PA++++: for the skin and easy to catch sunny treat skin pigmentation or need intensive protection.

In addition, with sensitive skin, easy to irritation, you should choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 – 50, PA+++, avoid alcoholic products, or aromatherapy.

Sunscreen physics and chemistry – Type which is better?

Sunscreen is divided into two main types: physical sunscreen (Sunblock) and chemical sunscreen (Sunscreen).

Each type has the mechanism of action different to suit each skin type and needs different uses.

Sunscreen physics (Sunblock)

Physical sunscreen contains natural mineral ingredients such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, which help create a protective layer on the skin's surface and reflect UV rays before they penetrate the skin.

Advantages:

• ✅ Protects the skin immediately after application, no need to wait 15-20 minutes to cream of chemical.
• ✅ Less irritation, in accordance with sensitive skin, children.
• ✅ Well protected ago rays UVA & UVB rays, thanks to mechanisms reflect UV rays.

Cons:

• ❌ Easy to leave white streaks on the skin, causing a heavy face.
• ❌ Quality of thick cream, which can cause mysterious skin without makeup remover skills.
• ❌ Not sticking long time on skin, easy to drift when sweating or contact with water.

Sunscreen chemical (Sunscreen)

Sunscreen chemical-containing organic compounds, such as Avobenzone, Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, works by absorbing UV rays and convert them into heat energy, then release out.

Advantages:

1. ✅ Texture thin, lightweight, absorbent, fast, without causing mysterious skin.
2. ✅ Does not leave white streaks as sunscreen physics.
3. ✅ Fit oily skincombination skin because of potentially alkali, oil well.

Cons:

1. ❌ Need to apply before 15 – 20 minutes before going outside to exert their effects.
2. ❌ Can cause irritation for sensitive skin contains a lot of chemicals.
3. ❌ Some ingredients, such as Oxybenzone, Octinoxate can cause harm to the marine environment.

Should choose a sunscreen physics or chemistry?

• 🔹 If you have sensitive skin, easy to irritation: → Choose sunscreen physics.
• 🔹 If you need the background layer is thin, lightweight, non-greasy: → Choose a sunscreen chemical.
• 🔹 If outdoor activities, swimming: → Choose sunscreen physics + indicator against water well.
• 🔹 If everyday makeup: → Choose a sunscreen chemical osmosis fast.

📌 Tips:

• Whether taking any kind, also need to reapply sunscreen every 2 – 3 hours.
• Combine hat, sunglasses, jacket sunscreen to protect the skin comprehensive.
• Exfoliate periodically, remove makeup thoroughly at the end of the day to avoid clogged clogged pores.

Notes when using sunscreen

However, choosing a sunscreen physics or chemistry, you need to use properly to achieve maximum efficiency.

✅ Apply the right sunscreen quality: Use approximately 2mg/cm2 of skin to effectively reach optimal protection.

✅ Reapply sunscreen:

• If working in the office, reapplied after 4 – 5 hours.
• If outdoor activities or go swimming, reapply after every 2 – 3 hours.

✅ Use sunscreen even when the sun shady: UVA Rays can pass through clouds and glass, which cause skin lesions even when there is no sun.

✅ In combination with measures other sun protection: Use hats, sunglasses, shirt sunscreen to protect the skin comprehensive.

Conclusion

Choosing the right sunscreen is not only based on SPF or PA index but also depends on skin condition and exposure environment.

• SPF 30 – 50, PA+++ is the right level for the needs sunscreen daily.
• Do not abuse sunscreen with SPF too high because there can cause clogged clogged pores.
• Combine reapplied sunscreen and measures shielding to protect the skin optimally.

Hope this article help you better understand the just of sunscreen and how to choose sunscreen fit! 🌞

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