What Sun Protection Factor Means and How to Maximize the Benefits

When you are spending time outdoors on a gloriously sunny day, it is important to protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays. One of the most common and convenient ways to protect your skin is to use a sunscreen spray or lotion with a high SPF. But what is SPF, and do higher SPF numbers really mean better protection for you and your family?

1. First: Sun protection factor and sunscreen

   SPF stands for "sun protection factor," and is simply a measurement of how well the sunscreen has tested in a laboratory to protect against the UV-B rays that cause your skin to develop sunburn. Depending on the length of your time outdoors and the strength of your sunscreen, you may have to reapply your sunscreen several times throughout the day. The UV-B rays from the sun are far more intense at midday than in the morning or the evening, and activities like swimming or surfing can wash sunscreen off of your skin.

2. Second: Sun protected clothing

   By wearing sun protected clothing, you can provide all-day protection for your skin. Some clothing does not effectively block UV-B rays. Sun protected clothing comes in summertime garments to protect your skin, and is an effective tool to protect your skin. Include a good sunscreen to protect those areas that are not covered by your sun protected clothing. You can find sun protected clothing with an SPF as high as 50+, just as high as some of the most protective sunscreens on the market, in comfortable garments like tee shirts, hoodies, shorts and swimwear. Remember that your eyes also require protection from UV rays; look for sunglasses that are rated for UV protection as well as sun protection hats with broad brims that shield your eyes.