What is SPF and what does the number mean? When to reapply

The skincare product is something we’re all familiar with but even though you’ve probably bought some before, you might not know what SPF means.

To help you understand what it means, Nivea has explained what SPF stands for and why there’s usually a number next to it.

What does SPF stand for?

Nivea’s website explains that “SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor”.

It adds that the SPF refers to “the amount of time the sunscreen will protect your skin from UV rays.”

If sunscreen has a higher SPF, this means it will protect your skin for longer.

What does the SPF number mean?

When choosing SPF, it’s important to know what the number means and how long it will protect you for.

Nivea says that the number refers to “how long it might take you to get sunburnt after applying it, versus not wearing any at all.”

Sharing an example, it said: “If you can spend 10 minutes in the sunlight without burning, a lotion with SPF10 will multiply this "self-protection time" by 10 to equal 100 minutes.”

Fun summer holiday activities for families

It’s important to note that the length of time is approximate, as the season, weather, and geographic location are all factors that can change how long it takes you to burn.

Should you wear SPF 50 or SPF 30?

When going on holiday, you might opt for SPF 50, SPF 30, or something else.

If you’re unsure which to buy, Nivea says there are some differences: “SPF 50 provides approximately 98% protection from UVB rays, as opposed to approximately 96.7% provided by SPF 30.

“Protection levels above SPF 50 only provide marginally additional coverage and no level of SPF protection can provide 100% protection.

“In most situations SPF 30 is adequate protection, provided it is applied correctly - SPF 50 remains the safer option to prevent sun induced damage.”

When should you reapply SPF?

Nivea advises that you reapply SPF every two hours but more often if you’re swimming or doing sports.

This is because “sweat and water can exhaust its protection faster.”

Recommended reading:

• Should you open or close your windows during a heatwave? Expert settles debate

• What should you do if you see a dog in a hot car as temperatures set to soar

• Why you should avoid sleeping naked in summer (despite the unbearable heat)

Sunburn increases risk of skin cancer

The NHS explains: "Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. Sunburn does not just happen on holiday. You can burn in the UK, even when it's cloudy. 

"There's no safe or healthy way to get a tan. A tan does not protect your skin from the sun's harmful effects."

It says you should "aim to strike a balance between protecting yourself from the sun and getting enough vitamin D from sunlight."

Find out more via the NHS website (a link to which can be found above).