What is SPF? Benefits & How to Choose it Right

young women applying sunscreen in the beach

Sun exposure can provide benefits to the body, such as helping with vitamin D production. However, excessive UV exposure without protection can cause various skin problems, ranging from sunburn to premature aging and even skin cancer. One of the best ways to protect the skin is by using products that contain SPF.

But what exactly is SPF? How does it work, and how do you choose the right SPF for your skin’s needs? In this article, L’Occitane will comprehensively discuss SPF, its benefits, how to choose it, and common mistakes people make when using sunscreen.

Understanding SPF and Its Function

Before choosing the right sunscreen, it is essential to understand what SPF is and how it works to protect the skin from the sun.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a measure of how well a product protects against UVB rays, a type of ultraviolet light that causes sunburn. The higher the SPF number in a product, the longer the skin can be protected from UVB exposure.

For reference:

SPF 15 protects the skin from approximately 93% of UVB rays,
SPF 30 protects about 97%,
SPF 50 protects around 98%.

Although these numbers indicate effectiveness, no sunscreen can provide 100% protection from UV rays. Therefore, using sunscreen should be accompanied by other protective measures.

In addition to preventing sunburn, SPF plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of skin cancer caused by excessive UVB exposure. That’s why using sunscreen with the appropriate SPF daily is highly recommended for maintaining long-term skin health.

The Difference Between SPF and PA

Aside from SPF, you may often see the label PA on sunscreen products. What is the difference between SPF and PA, and why are both important?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) protects the skin from UVB rays, which cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer.
PA (Protection Grade of UVA) protects the skin from UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and cause premature aging, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

The level of UVA protection is indicated by a PA+ to PA++++ system:

PA+: Low UVA protection.
PA++: Moderate UVA protection.
PA+++: High UVA protection.
PA++++: Very high UVA protection.

Using a product that only has SPF but no PA may not provide complete protection. Therefore, choose a sunscreen with sufficient SPF and at least PA+++ for full protection against both UVB and UVA rays.

How to Choose the Right SPF

With various SPF options available, how do you choose the most suitable one for your needs? Here is a guide to selecting SPF based on your activities and skin conditions:

1. SPF 15

Protects about 93% of UVB rays.
Suitable for light indoor activities with minimal sun exposure.

2. SPF 30

Provides up to 97% protection from UVB rays.
Recommended for daily use, especially if you frequently go outdoors for short periods.

3. SPF 50

Offers about 98% protection against UVB rays.
Ideal for outdoor activities, especially in tropical countries like Indonesia.

4. SPF 100

Provides around 99% protection from UVB rays, but its effectiveness is not significantly different from SPF 50.
Suitable for extreme conditions, but still needs to be reapplied every two hours.

If you are frequently outdoors or in areas with high sun intensity, use SPF 30 or higher for optimal protection.

One of L’Occitane’s best sunscreen recommendations is Reine Blanche Illuminating UV Shield SPF50. This sunscreen has a satin-smooth texture that provides optimal UV protection while helping to brighten and even out the skin tone. It contains Meadowsweet extract, which keeps the skin radiant and balanced.

l'occitane's reine blanche illuminating uv shield spf50

Benefits of Using Sunscreen with SPF

Sunscreen is not just a beauty product but a long-term investment in your skin’s health. Using sunscreen with the right SPF provides numerous benefits, from preventing sunburn to reducing the risk of skin cancer.

Here are some key benefits of using sunscreen with the appropriate SPF:

1. Prevents Sunburn from UVB Rays

Excessive sun exposure can cause sunburn, which appears as redness, pain, and even peeling skin.

Sunburn is not only uncomfortable but can also lead to skin cell damage that increases the risk of skin cancer in the future. Using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn.

2. Protects the Skin from Premature Aging and Cell Damage

UVA rays have longer wavelengths than UVB and penetrate deeper into the skin. Long-term UVA exposure can cause skin cell damage, premature aging, fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of skin elasticity.

Sunscreens with broad-spectrum protection (SPF and PA+++) help slow down premature aging and keep your skin healthy and youthful.

3. Reducing the Risk of Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots

Continuous sun exposure without protection can trigger excessive melanin production, leading to hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. This condition is common in individuals with sensitive skin or those prone to discoloration. By regularly using sunscreen, you can prevent the formation of dark spots and maintain a bright and even complexion.

4. Preventing Skin Cancer Due to Excessive UV Exposure

One of the most crucial benefits of sunscreen is reducing the risk of skin cancer. Unprotected UV exposure can damage DNA in skin cells and increase the likelihood of cell mutations leading to skin cancer. Daily sunscreen application, even on cloudy days, can significantly lower the risk of developing skin cancer such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

With all these benefits, it's clear that using sunscreen is a vital step in maintaining skin health and beauty.

Effective Sunscreen Application Tips

Using sunscreen alone is not enough if it's not applied correctly. To maximize sun protection, here are some important steps to follow:

1. Apply Sunscreen 30 Minutes Before Sun Exposure

Sunscreen needs time to absorb and start protecting the skin. Therefore, it is best to apply sunscreen about 20-30 minutes before stepping outside to allow the skin to absorb its ingredients properly. If you expose your skin to sunlight immediately after application, the sunscreen won't work optimally, reducing its UV protection effectiveness.

2. Reapply Sunscreen Every 2 Hours

Many people think applying sunscreen once a day is sufficient. However, its effectiveness diminishes after a few hours, especially if you sweat a lot or get wet. It is highly recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours, particularly if you're engaging in outdoor activities or swimming.

3. Choose Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen for UVA and UVB Protection

Not all sunscreens protect against both types of UV rays. Ensure you choose a product labeled "broad spectrum," which guards against UVA (causing premature aging) and UVB (causing sunburn). A product with SPF 30 or higher and PA+++ is ideal for daily use.

4. Use a Sufficient Amount of Sunscreen

For maximum protection, apply an adequate amount of sunscreen. The ideal amount for the face is two full finger-lengths, while for the whole body, around half to one tablespoon is needed. Using too little can reduce UV protection effectiveness.

5. Use Additional Protection for Maximum Coverage

While sunscreen is essential, additional protection is also necessary. You can wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, long-sleeved clothing, and carry an umbrella when exposed to direct sunlight. Combining sunscreen with physical protection will help keep your skin healthy and shielded from the negative effects of UV rays.

Common Mistakes When Using Sunscreen

Many people use sunscreen but still make mistakes that reduce its effectiveness. Here are some common errors to avoid:

1. Applying Too Little Sunscreen

One of the most frequent mistakes is applying sunscreen too sparingly. For it to be effective, sunscreen must be applied in a sufficient amount. For the face, use around two full finger-lengths of sunscreen. Applying too little will not provide adequate UV protection, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage.

2. Not Reapplying After Sweating or Swimming

Sunscreen can wear off due to sweat or water exposure. Even "waterproof" sunscreen needs to be reapplied after swimming or excessive sweating. Without reapplication, UV protection diminishes, leaving your skin vulnerable to sunburn and sun damage.

3. Relying on High SPF Without Additional Protection

Some people believe that using high SPF sunscreen means they can stay longer in the sun without additional protection. However, even SPF 50 or 100 cannot fully prevent UV damage, especially with prolonged exposure. Therefore, always wear a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing as extra precautions.

4. Only Using Sunscreen on Sunny Days

Many people only apply sunscreen when it's sunny. However, UV rays are present even on cloudy or rainy days. About 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds, meaning your skin can still be damaged even if it doesn't feel hot. That's why sunscreen should be used daily, regardless of the weather.

Using the right SPF sunscreen is an essential step in maintaining skin health. By understanding the differences between SPF and PA, selecting the right product, and applying it correctly, you can enjoy maximum skin protection benefits.

Don't forget to apply sunscreen daily, reapply it regularly, and complement your protection with accessories like hats and sunglasses. Well-protected skin will remain healthy, radiant, and youthful for longer.