I have been really REALLY shocked this week, as I have heard a few people ask what does SPF mean?!
Well please take a minute just to read through this as it is quite scary to think that people don’t know how to look after their skin in the sun! ( I know we havent exactly had a good summer but the harmful rays still come through!!)
SPF is an acronym for Sun Protection Factor. The number you see associated with SPF represents the length of time you can stay out in the sun without burning, multiplied by the corresponding number. So a person who would normally start to burn in 10 minutes, could theoretically have 150 minutes of sun protection with a sunscreen that has an SPF of 15.
Regardless of SPF number, testing of sunscreen does not really correspond to the amount of time you can stay out in the sun without burning because sweating, clothing rubbing against the skin, and water sports will all wear the sunscreen off. Tests also use much more sunscreen than do most people, so SPF number results can be inaccurate. Usually, an SPF 15 rated sunscreen will give you about an hour of protection before you should reapply sunscreen. This, of course, varies from person to person. It also helps to wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses.
The SPF number only relates to ultraviolet B (UVB) protection. Ultraviolet A (UVA) protection is not measured through SPF numbers, and until recently, frequently was not available in sunscreens. UVB rays are more potent, quicker to produce sunburn, and have been linked to skin cancer. UVA is associated with aging of the skin, and along with UVB exposure, may increase risk or facilitate skin cancer. UVA though milder, is still not safe.
There are some parts in Cornwall that have areas of the most UV RADIATION IN THE COUNTRY! Hense the high incidence of skin cancer down here.
Recommend AT LEAST a factor 50 on a daily basis in the summer and 30 in the winter!
Ok guys lecture over be safe and take care in the sun!
PS Any pink the skin is sunburn and increases your chances of skin cancer by 50% each time it happens!
