What is SPF?

SPF is a number on sunscreens and sunblocks that tells how much sun exposure you can get without a sunburn.

SPF means Sun Protection Factor. It's basically the length of time you can stay exposed to the sun before you get sunburned compared to not using sunscreen. In other words, if you have a very fair skin, it takes you about five minutes to burn without a sunblock. If you wear an SPF 30 sunblock, you'll multiply that number by 30. So you can stay in the sun now with your sunblock on for 150 minutes. There is no 100% safe SPF, because you have to keep reapplying it every two hours.

Written by Dr. Andrea Cambio -
You are here: Essortment Home >> What is SPF?

DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ - By printing, downloading, or using you agree to our full terms. Review the full terms at the following URL: http://www.pagewise.com/disclaimer.htm. Below is a summary of some of the terms. If you do not agree to the full terms, do not use the information. We are only publishers of this material, not authors. Information may have errors or be outdated. Some information is from historical sources or represents opinions of the author. It is for research purposes only. The information is "AS IS", "WITH ALL FAULTS". User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages. We are not liable for any consequential, incidental, indirect, or special damages. You indemnify us for claims caused by you.

FAQs: This site is published by PageWise, Inc. Would you like to link to this page? Reprint this article on your website? Reprint this article on paper? Want to reference this article in a paper, report, or presentation? Is there an error in this page? Do you have a follow-up question about this topic? Want to read our Privacy Policy? Read our legal/medical disclaimer?