SPF Matters - Know Before You Buy Your Next Sunscreen

WHAT IS A SPF

Quite simply, it is a Sun Protection Factor. SPF for short. This sunscreen layer helps your biggest organ against a constant bombardment of UV rays. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines this as “a measure of how much solar energy (VR radiation) is required to produce sunburn on protected skin. As the SPV value increases, sunburn protection increases (1).”  

The FDA explains that the SPF number does not equal the amount of time that your skin will be protected. For example, you will have the same amount of radiation exposure during an hour at 9 am and fifteen-minutes at 1 pm.  

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT

UV rays hit your skin with radiation. This radiation can lead to sunburns, DNA damage, and even cancer. Let’s explore the two most significant types of radiation. Think of it as a one-two punch combo.  

UVA
UVA radiation mostly bypasses our planet’s atmosphere and deeply affects your skin. This type of radiation is what is most used in tanning beds. 

UVB
UVB radiation has higher energy levels and may even leave lasting impacts on our body’s DNA. As a result, this type of radiation causes most sunburns and types of skin cancers.

WHY THE RIGHT SUNSCREEN SPF MATTERS

Choose a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
It is crucial to purchase a sunscreen that gives you a broad spectrum of support against UVA and UVB radiation. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, many sunscreens only protect you against UVB rays. Therefore, it is recommended that your sunscreen gives you and your family the correct amount of protection against UVA and UVB rays (2).

Differences in SPF Levels
The SPF level is the level of your protection against the sun’s radiation. As you pass an SPF 30, the additional coverage is only marginal.  

• SPF 30: 97% of UVB radiation
• SPF 50 blocks about 98%
• SPF 100 blocks about 99% 

WHY CHOOSE KOVR SUNSCREEN

KOVR Sunscreen is 30 SPF and provides broadband protection from both harmful UVA and UVB rays.