SPF 50

If you have purchased sunscreens, chances are you've already seen this label: SPF 30, SPF 50, and so forth. In a nutshell, SPF means 'sun protection factor', while the number refers to the amount of protection a sun cream offers compared to unprotected skin.

When buying UV sunscreen , a good rule of thumb is to choose something that offers at least SPF 30 and not lower to make sure that you enjoy additional protection from UV radiation. If your plans require you to stay a little bit longer outside, then you'll want to stick to a sunscreen with SPF 50, but it should never be without frequent reapplication for optimum protection.

At Ultraceuticals, we have a line of skin care products that have specific formulations for different skin types, concerns, and beauty goals.

What does SPF 50 mean?

The SPF number you see on sunscreen products refers to the 'theoretical' amount of time you can stay under the sun without getting sunburn compared to unprotected skin. For example, SPF 50 allows you to go outdoors with a lower risk of sunburn for longer than you would if you're not wearing any sun cream.

A good rule of thumb is to apply sun protection cream 20 minutes before venturing outside to let it create the intended protective barrier. Then, reapply it every two hours and immediately after excessive sweating and swimming to maintain the same protective effect.

However, SPF is not the only factor that can influence your sunscreen's level of protection and effectiveness. Keep in mind that your skin tone, the physical activities that cause the product to rub off, and the use of other sun protection like clothing and an umbrella can also influence the amount of protection these products can provide.

Nevertheless, it's always a good idea to carry around a bottle of SPF50 sunscreen; keep in mind that up to 80% of UV radiation from the sun reaches earth even when it is cloudy and rainy.

It's also important to note that SPF only refers to protection from UVB and not from UVA, which has a deeper penetrating effect. This means that when choosing a sun cream, check the label and see if the product can protect you against these two types of UV rays.

The main difference between UVA and UVB radiations:

● UVA rays penetrate more deeply into your skin, causing premature aging, usually in the form of fine lines and wrinkles. Take note that there are about 500 times more UVA rays than UVB rays in sunlight.

● UVB rays are the ones causing sunburn, which increases your risk of cell damage and skin cancer. In smaller doses, they are considered beneficial because they help your body produce vitamin D.

Contrary to popular belief, an SPF 100 sunscreen does not give you double the amount of protection an SPF 50 sun cream provides. Take note that higher-SPF products are only marginally better at protecting your skin from UVB rays. To put this into perspective, an SPF 50 sunscreen lotion blocks around 98% of UVB radiation, while SPF 100 blocks about 99%, and SPF 30 blocks nearly 97%.

How long does SPF 50 last?

One of the most common misconceptions about sunscreen lotions is that a higher SPF means you don't need to reapply it as much as you would using lower-SPF sun creams. But to reiterate, the difference in their level of protection is only marginal - 97% for SPF 30; 98% for SPF 50; and 99% for SPF 100.

To make sure that you protect your skin from UVA and UVB radiation, it is recommended that you apply a liberal coating of sunscreen and reapply it every two hours or sooner if you sweat a lot or you're doing an activity that rubs off the sunscreen. But if you work indoors, you may not need a second application.

Also, pay close attention to sun-exposed areas such as your face (especially the nose), hands, back of the neck, top of the ears, hands, shoulders, arms, and top of the feet.

And lastly, don't just rely on sunscreen alone. This means that you should also use other sun protection methods such as clothing, shades, hat, or umbrella to further protect your skin from UV radiation.

Where can I get SPF 50 face creams?

If you don't know where to buy high-quality broad-spectrum sunscreens, visit Ultraceuticals stores . Aside from UV face creams, we also offer a wide range of moisturisers , cream moisturiser and eye cream .

When looking for sun cream, make sure that you choose a product that comes with SPF 50 UVB protection and ingredients that block UVA rays. (They are called broad spectrum sunscreens because they protect your skin both from the UVA and UVB rays.)

Also, opt for sunscreen products that include antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin hydrated while at the same time protecting your skin from UV radiation.

Meanwhile, the 'right' sunscreen also depends on your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, the ideal product must have a formulation that won't clog your pores and contain ingredients that absorb excess sebum, creating this fresh, clean look to the skin.

While it is important to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from UV rays, you should always wash it off before going to bed using a gentle foam and followed by hydrating serum . Again, you can visit our online store to find the right products for your skin and beauty goals.

Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your healthcare professional.