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Do you know the meaning of SPF in sunscreen? Know what will be better for your skin

Samira Vishwas | May 23, 2026 10:25 AM CST

Sunscreen SPF: In the summer season, strong sunlight not only causes tanning but can also damage the skin from within. In such a situation, most of the people use sunscreen, but often get confused after seeing the SPF number. Some choose SPF 30 and some choose SPF 50, but does higher SPF always give more protection?

Actually, the SPF written in sunscreen reflects its ability to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Choosing the right SPF depends on your skin type, time spent in the sun, and the season. Let us understand in simple language what SPF is and which sunscreen can prove to be better for you.

The full form of SPF is “Sun Protection Factor”. This tells you how much protection sunscreen can provide to your skin from UVB rays. UVB rays are considered a major cause of sunburn and skin damage.

For example, if your skin starts burning within 10 minutes without sunscreen and you apply SPF 30 sunscreen, it can increase the protection time by about 30 times. However, it completely depends on the weather, sweat and skin type.

What is the difference between SPF 15, 30 and 50?

SPF 15 provides protection from approximately 93 percent UVB rays. Whereas SPF 30 helps in providing protection up to about 97 percent and SPF 50 about 98 percent.

It is important to understand one thing that applying SPF 100 does not mean 100 percent protection. Therefore, experts generally consider SPF 30 or SPF 50 better for everyday use.

Who should choose which SPF?

If you stay indoors a lot or go out in mild sunlight, then SPF 30 is considered sufficient. At the same time, SPF 50 can be more beneficial for people who stay in the sun for a long time, travel or visit beaches and hilly areas.

People with sensitive skin should choose a ‘broad spectrum’ sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Correct way to apply sunscreen

Sunscreen should be applied about 15 to 20 minutes before leaving the house. It is important to apply it not only on the face but also on the neck, hands and ears.

If you sweat a lot or are outside for a long time, reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours. Applying less quantity does not provide the full benefit of SPF.

Is it necessary to apply only in summer?

Many people think that sunscreen is necessary only in summer, but the sun’s UV rays can damage the skin in every season. Therefore, applying sunscreen is considered beneficial even in winter and rain.