If you’re all about that sun-kissed glow, there’s one essential you can’t skip: sunscreen. But how does this magic potion actually work, and why are SPF levels so important? Let’s break it down and give your skin the protection it deserves.

How Sunscreen Works

Sunscreen is like a shield between your skin and those harmful UV rays that can lead to everything from premature aging to skin cancer. It’s got a bunch of active ingredients that soak up, reflect, or scatter UV rays. There are two main types of UV rays you need to be worried about:

• UVB rays: These are the ones that burn you, causing sunburn, and, over time, can increase the risk of skin cancer.
• UVA rays: These rays damage your skin, leading to tanning, premature aging, and wrinkles.

A good sunscreen should protect you from both types of UV rays. Keep an eye out for the term “broad spectrum” on the packaging.

When you put on sunscreen, it helps block these rays, so your skin is less likely to be harmed by them. Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate. If you’ve got darker skin, you need to use sunscreen just as much as if you’ve got lighter skin.

The SPF Breakdown

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is the number you’ll see on every sunscreen bottle, but what does it really mean? Simply put, SPF tells you how long you can stay in the sun with sunscreen without getting burned compared to if you weren’t wearing sunscreen at all.

For instance, if you use SPF 30, it’ll take you 30 times longer to burn than if you didn’t wear sunscreen.

The higher the SPF, the better the protection:

• SPF 10: Blocks about 90 % of UVB rays.
• SPF 15: Blocks about 93 % of UVB rays.
• SPF 20: Blocks about 95 % of UVB rays.
• SPF 30: Blocks about 97 % of UVB rays.
• SPF 50: Blocks about 98 % of UVB rays.
• SPF 100: Blocks about 99 % of UVB rays.

Most people should use an SPF of at least 30.

Whatever the SPF, it’s crucial to slap on a full one ounce (two tablespoons) at least half an hour before you head outside, and then reapply every two hours or as soon as you’ve had a swim or a sweat.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher for any extended outdoor activity.

What Kind of Sunscreen Is Best?

Sunscreens come in two types: organic and inorganic. Organic compounds are like sponges, so they soak up UV radiation. Inorganic compounds shield the skin to reflect and scatter UV radiation.

Here are some tips from the pros at UChicago Medicine:

• Organic sunscreens are usually easier to rub in than inorganic sunscreens and won’t leave any white residue behind. If you’ve got sensitive skin, you should use inorganic sunscreen since it’s hypoallergenic and less likely to irritate your skin.
• Creams are best for dry skin. Lotions are thinner, less greasy, and usually better for larger body areas. Gels are great for those hairy parts of the skin, like the scalp.

Why SPF Matters for Your Skin

Sunscreen isn’t just about preventing sunburn; it’s about maintaining your skin’s health and beauty over time. Too much sun can make you look older (wrinkles, dark spots, and loss of elasticity) and increase your risk of skin cancer, so it’s important to protect your skin.

So, whether you’re relaxing poolside or just heading out for a quick errand, don’t forget your sunscreen. It’s the first step in keeping your skin looking flawless and radiant. If you keep it protected, it’ll keep glowing for years.