One of the most frequently used words in the beauty world during the summer period, and our today’s topic is SPF. We reveal to you what it really is, the definition of the term and its application in #SkinTesting centers.
SPF is a measure of how much solar energy (UV radiation) is needed to create burns on protected skin (on skin that has a cream with SPF factor on it), in relation to the amount of solar energy needed to create burns on unprotected skin. As the value of SPF is higher, the protection increases.
The value of SPF is not directly related to the time of sun exposure, but to the amount of sun exposure and that is one of the most common misconceptions in this segment, where people think that a value of 15 represents the number of hours of safe exposure.
Although the amount of solar energy is related to the time of sun exposure, there are other factors that affect the amount of solar energy. For example:
- The intensity of solar energy affects the amount of exposure
- exposure time – it takes less time to be exposed to the same amount of solar energy at noon compared to early morning or late evening, because the sun is more intense at noon compared to other times
- geographical position – higher intensity of the sun’s rays occurs at lower altitudes
- cloudiness – since clouds absorb solar energy, solar intensity is generally higher on clear days
In addition to the above, there are a number of other factors that affect the amount of solar energy to which an individual is exposed:
- skin type
- amount of applied sunscreen – a larger amount of applied products results in less absorption of solar energy
- frequency of re-exposure
- frequency of re-application of the preparation – a crucial factor for limiting the absorption of solar radiation, since depending on the exposure conditions, the efficiency decreases over time
- skin tone – the lighter path absorbs more solar energy than the darker one under the same exposure conditions
- activities of the person – swimming, or physical activity requires re-application
So, due to various factors that affect the amount of solar radiation, the number that indicates SPF does not reflect the time in the sun, that is, SPF does not serve as a notice of the time you can spend in the sun without consequences in the form of redness, irritation, burns. SPF is a relative measure of the amount of sun protection provided by sunscreens that contain a protection factor. The numerical value serves as information but also the possibility to compare the level of protection against burns, where, for example, creams with SPF 30 obviously provide a higher level of protection than those with SPF 15.
Application in #SkinTesting center
As a client and a visitor of one of the centers that contains a diagnostic tool for comprehensive skin analysis, you can get an insight into the detailed condition and needs of your skin. Accordingly, you also receive advice on care products intended for you individually, which ensures that your care routine includes everything that is really necessary for the skin. Before your vacation, look for the advice at your favorite #SkinTesting center, and get a closer look at the condition of your skin and the recommendation of needed care.