What is SPF?

What is SPF?

Sunscreens always have an SPF listed, but what exactly does this mean?

The abbreviation SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor.

This factor indicates how much UVB radiation the sunscreen can absorb or reflect. UVB radiation causes a sunburn that turns red and can peel.

If you would burn after 10 minutes without sunscreen, then this duration with sunscreen is multiplied by the factor. For SPF 30, 10 minutes x 30 = 300 minutes. However, it can differ each time how quickly your unprotected skin burns. This is partly dependent on the sun's strength at that moment.

Which factor should I choose then?

On a normal day in the Netherlands, factor 15 is sufficient for most people. Are you going to the beach or park on a summer day? Then use at least factor 30 and reapply several times a day.

Always apply sunscreen after swimming. This is true even if you use a sunscreen that is 'water-resistant' or 'waterproof'. The final choice of the factor that suits you best also depends on your skin.

Which SPF for which skin type?

The lighter your skin tone, the faster you burn, the higher the protection factor you will need. With an SPF factor of 15, 7% of UVB radiation still passes through the filter. This percentage decreases to just 2% with an SPF factor of 50. And that is a limitation in UVB radiation of more than 3 times less.

Children

For children we recommend a protection factor of at least 50.

Skin type 1 and 2: 60% of the Dutch population has light skin that burns easily and tans slowly

• Characteristics: very fair skin, often with freckles, reddish or light blond hair, blue eyes.
• Protection factor: at least 20-30, on a sunny day at the beach? Factor 50!

Skin type 3: 30% of the Dutch population has a slightly tinted skin, does not burn easily and tans quickly

• Characteristics: light tanned skin, dark blond to brown hair, often dark eyes.
• Protection factor: 15-30.

Skin type 4: 10% of the Dutch population never burns, tans very quickly or is already tanned due to their Asian or African background

• Features: tanned skin, dark hair, dark eyes.
• Protection factor: 6-10.