Sunscreen Deets
☀️ Sun Protection Factor (SPF): This measures how much solar energy (UV radiation) is required to produce sunburn on protected skin. For quick reference, SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97%, SPF 50 blocks 98%, and SPF 100 blocks 99%. At minimum, opt for SPF 30 or above.
☀️ Broad spectrum: Broad spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays primarily stay on the surface, whereas UVA rays penetrate deeper.
☀️ Sun Protection Factor (SPF) refers only to UVB protection even though we now know both rays can cause damage; regulations written in prior decades hasn’t yet caught up to our current knowledge. Doh!