Sun protection is one of the fundamental pillars of skin care. Although there is increasing awareness about the importance of protecting oneself from solar radiation, many people are still unaware of some of the most basic terms when choosing a sunscreen, such as SPF.
Understanding how our skin works and how to protect it correctly is key today to prevent short- and long-term damage. In this article, we explain what SPF is, how sunscreens work, why it is important to choose the right protection factor, and how to apply sunscreen correctly to effectively protect your skin.
What is SPF and why is it important?
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is an indicator that shows how long skin can be exposed to the sun without getting burned compared to not using sun protection.
To understand how SPF works, you first need to know that there are six different skin types, classified according to their tone and their tendency to burn or tan. Lighter skin types belong to the first group, as they are the ones that burn most quickly, sometimes in just five minutes of sun exposure.
For example, if a person in this group applies a sunscreen with SPF 50, the time it would take for a sunburn to occur is multiplied by that number. This means that if their skin would normally burn in five minutes, with an SPF 50 sunscreen, it could take approximately 250 minutes for the burn to appear.
However, there are factors such as the effectiveness of the creams or water resistance that can reduce the useful protection time. For these reasons, many professionals recommend reapplying sunscreen every two hours, especially if you are going to spend a lot of time in the sun.
It is also important to note that SPF refers to protection against UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn and direct damage to skin cells.
Differences between SPF
To choose the appropriate sun protection factor, it is essential to know your skin type and how it reacts to sun exposure. The higher the SPF, the longer the protection time against radiation. These are the most common protection levels:
- SPF 15: This is adequate protection for short exposures or less sensitive skin.
- SPF 30: This is the most common protection for daily use and moderate exposures, although it does not block all radiation.
- SPF 50: This is ideal for very fair skin, children, or prolonged exposures, and is the most recommended sun protection by experts.
Banbu's sunscreen has SPF 50+, which guarantees very high and long-lasting sun protection for the entire body. In addition, its fluid texture leaves a light and comfortable sensation on the skin, making it easy to apply.
It is very important to remember that any sun protection used should be reapplied if we are going to be outdoors for a long time. It is also essential to avoid peak radiation hours to protect our skin.
Sun protection is necessary even on cloudy days. According to various studies, up to 80% of radiation can penetrate clouds, meaning the skin is still exposed even if we don't see the sun directly. In addition to preventing sunburn, using sunscreen also helps to prevent premature skin aging and the appearance of sunspots.
How to apply sunscreen correctly
For sunscreen to be effective, it is not enough to choose the right SPF; it is also crucial to apply it correctly.
To begin protecting the body from radiation, apply a generous amount to the skin, distributing it evenly with a gentle massage until it is completely absorbed. Banbu's sunscreen has a very fluid texture, which makes it very easy to spread and quickly blend into the skin.
It is recommended to apply it 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours to maintain optimal protection. Banbu's cream is water-resistant, although it is recommended to reapply it after sweating.
For more complete protection, don't forget to apply the cream to your shoulders, décolletage, arms, and legs, as these are the areas where most sun damage usually occurs.
Use sunscreen for complete protection
Sunscreens are a fundamental tool for protecting the skin from sun damage and preventing short- and long-term problems, such as burns or spots. Understanding how SPF works makes it easier to know which type of cream suits you best according to your skin type, and how to apply it correctly for effective protection.
Incorporating sunscreen into your routine, even on cloudy days or during daily outdoor activities, is one of the most important habits for caring for your skin's health, and it will make a difference over time. By following these recommendations and using appropriate sun protection products, you will be able to keep your skin healthy, protected, and radiant for many years.
