When it comes to protecting our skin from the harmful effects of the sun, sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare routine. Whether you’re enjoying a day outdoors, commuting, or even staying inside near windows, the sun’s UV rays can still cause damage to your skin. However, with so many options available in the market, choosing the right sunscreen can be overwhelming. Among the most commonly discussed options are SPF 30 and SPF 50 sunscreens. But what is the difference between the two, and which one should you choose?
In this blog, we will explore the nuances of SPF 30 and SPF 50, and help you decide which one is best suited for your skin type and lifestyle. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of factors such as PA+++, sunscreen for oily skin, and suitable sunscreens for various skin types, including light skin, to make sure you get the best protection possible.
What Does SPF Mean?
Before you buy sunscreen, it’s important to understand what sun protection factor, or SPF, means. That’s the number you see on the bottle when you’re picking out your sun safety products. A sunscreen’s SPF is a measure of how well it protects you from getting a sunburn.
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how well a sunscreen can protect your skin from UVB rays, the primary cause of sunburn. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection it offers against UVB damage.
For example:
- SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays.
- SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays.
While the difference in protection may seem minimal (only a 1% difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50), it can make a significant impact, especially for people with fair skin or those spending extended periods outdoors. However, it is essential to remember that no sunscreen can provide 100% protection.
When to use SPF 50
- If you have sensitive or fair skin
- If you spend a lot of time outdoors
- If you’re going to be in areas with intense sun exposure, like coastal areas or high altitudes
Other sunscreen considerations
- Use a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays
- If you’ll be swimming, choose a water resistant sunscreen
- Find a sunscreen that’s easy to reapply
- Try different products until you find one you like
Key to sun protection
Regardless of the SPF, regular use and correct application are key to effective sun protection. Sunscreen is only at its most active for about two hours.
SPF 30 vs. SPF 50: Which One is Right for You?
1. SPF 30: Ideal for Daily Use
SPF 30 is perfect for people who have moderate sun exposure throughout the day. If you’re simply commuting, walking around the city, or spending a few hours outside, SPF 30 provides sufficient protection.
- Best Daily Sun Protection for Face: SPF 30 is a great option for everyday use. It protects your face from the sun while allowing you to enjoy daily activities without feeling overly greasy or heavy.
- Suitable for All Skin Types: If you have normal or combination skin, sunscreen for all types of skin with SPF 30 is a suitable choice. Many sunscreens with SPF 30 also include moisturizing ingredients, which help maintain the skin’s hydration without clogging pores.
- Lighter Texture: For individuals with oily skin, SPF 30 sunscreen for oily skin can be a good option because it tends to have a lighter formula. It doesn’t feel heavy or greasy, which is especially beneficial if you have acne-prone skin.
2. SPF 50: Extra Protection for Extended Exposure
For those who spend extended periods in the sun, SPF 50 offers enhanced protection against UV damage. Whether you are going for a beach vacation, participating in outdoor sports, or just spending a lot of time outdoors, SPF 50 is ideal for reducing the risk of sunburn.
- Best Sunscreen SPF 50: If you want extra protection, especially for sensitive skin or for outdoor activities, SPF 50 sunscreen is the best choice. It offers higher protection, which is important for people with fair skin, who are more prone to sunburns.
- Sunscreen for Light Skin: If you have light skin, you are more susceptible to UV damage and sunburn. In this case, SPF 50 will give you the added protection you need. It is especially helpful for those who tend to burn easily under the sun.
- Sunscreen for Both Face and Body: SPF 50 sunscreen is often formulated for both the face and body, providing consistent sun protection for your entire body. This versatility makes it a convenient choice for a day at the beach or a hike in the sun.
How to choose the correct SPF sunscreen?
First of all, you should choose a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. If you want the highest protection, choose SPF 50+. If you’re happy with a lower protection, use SPF30+. Don’t forget to choose a sunscreen that’s water resistant if you’ll be swimming.
When choosing an SPF for sunscreen, you can consider your skin type, how much sun you’ll be exposed to, and the climate. You should also look for a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Skin type
- Fair or sensitive skin: May benefit from a higher SPF, like 50
- Darker skin tones: May find SPF 30 sufficient
Sun exposure
- Longer or more intense sun exposure: Requires higher SPF protection
- Shorter or limited exposure: May be covered by SPF 30
Climate
- Strong sun or high-altitude areas: May require higher SPF
- Milder or cloudy climates: May be suitable for SPF 30
Water resistance
- If you’ll be swimming, choose a water resistant sunscreen
- Water-resistant sunscreens are designed to withstand water and sweat
Broad spectrum
- Look for a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays
- UVA rays have longer wavelengths and can penetrate deeper into the skin
Mineral-based
- Mineral-based sunscreens containing Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide are more suited and do not irritate the skin
Here are 5 simple steps to apply sunscreen effectively:
- Cleanse your skin: Wash your face and body thoroughly to remove dirt and sweat.
- Apply generously: Use about 1 teaspoon for your face and 1 ounce for your body.
- Massage evenly: Dot sunscreen on all exposed areas and rub it in, including ears, neck, and hands.
- Wait before dressing: Allow sunscreen to absorb for 15–20 minutes.
- Reapply regularly: Reapply every 2 hours, or more often if swimming or sweating. Remember to use sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, for continuous protection.
FAQ
1 Is it better to use SPF 30 or 50?
We recommend using any sunscreen that is labelled broad spectrum, water-resistant and SPF30 or above. Interestingly, SPF50 offers only marginally better protection from UV radiation than SPF30 filtering out 98 per cent of UV radiation compared to 96.7 per cent blocked by SPF30.
2 How to choose the correct SPF sunscreen?
First of all, you should choose a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. If you want the highest protection, choose SPF 50+. If you’re happy with a lower protection, use SPF30+. Don’t forget to choose a sunscreen that’s water resistant if you’ll be swimming.
3 Should I use 30 or 50 sunscreen?
It is generally recommended that most people use at least an SPF 30 sunscreen all year round. People who use SPF 50, however, sometimes acquire a false sense of security, thinking they are invincible to the sun.
4 Is SPF 50 too high for face?
Meaning that despite having twice as much SPF, it’s only 1% more effective. There’s not as much of a difference in protection as you’d think! If used correctly, an SPF 30-50 will be just fine for sunburn protection, no matter how sensitive your skin is.
5 Why wait 15 minutes after sunscreen?
It takes approximately 15 minutes for your skin to absorb the sunscreen and protect you. If you wait until you are in the sun to apply sunscreen, your skin is unprotected and can burn.
