How Does It Work?
SPF ratings are determined in a laboratory setting. For example, SPF 50 products are estimated to allow 1/50 of the sun’s burning rays to get through to the skin (protects against approximately 98% of the sun’s burning rays).
WHICH SPF SHOULD I USE?
It depends on your skin tone! If it takes 20 minutes for your unprotected skin to start turning red, using an SPF 15 sunscreen should prevent reddening for 15 times longer (about 5 hours), and SPF 30 should prevent reddening for 30 times longer (about 10 hours).*
| Hours outdoors |
Skin tone | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very fairNever tans,always burns | FairTans slowly,burns easily | LightUsuallyburns first | MediumBurnsminimally | DarkBurnsrarely | |
| 1 | SPF30 | SPF15 | SPF15 | SPF8-14 | SPF8-14 |
| 2 | SPF30 | SPF30 | SPF30 | SPF15 | SPF8-14 |
| 3 | SPF50+ | SPF50+ | SPF30 | SPF15 | SPF15 |
| 4 | SPF50-100 | SPF50+ | SPF30 | SPF30 | SPF15 |
| 5 | SPF50-100 | SPF50-100 | SPF50-100 | SPF50+ | SPF30 |
Use this chart to choose an SPF based on your skin type and amount of time you plan to spend in the sun on an average day. SPF ratings are determined in a laboratory setting.
- SPF 30 products are estimated to allow 1/30 of the sun’s burning rays to get through to the skin (protecting against almost 97% of the sun’s burning rays).
- SPF 50 products are estimated to allow 1/50 of the sun’s burning rays to get through to the skin (protects against approximately 98% of the sun’s burning rays).
Actual protection may vary and will depend on the user applying adequate amounts of sunscreen. Reapply at least every 2 hours or as directed on the package to help ensure sufficient protection.
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