Sun Protection Factor

Question: How do you increase the Sun Protection Factor of sun scrren? Is this correct, that as you add more particles of titanium dioide to Sun screen (as this is what reflects UV rays), the greater the Sun Protection Factor of Sun screen?

Answer: If you add the reflective material titanium dioxide, you will decrease the amount of sunlight that reaches your skin, but sunscreens act in a more complex way than simply blocking the radiation completely. If you put sunscreen on very thinly, then you can increase the factor by adding more, but once the skin has absorbed a complete layer, there is not much you can do to increase the factor of screening other than to use a stronger factor screen.

Question: What sun protection factor lotion should black people use? I am going on holiday to Cyprus and I have been told that even though I am dark I will still need to use sun protection cream / lotion.

Answer: Skin is skin is skin and we are all the same. It's a myth that olive- or dark skinned people have more of a tolerance to the sun. The sun shines just as strongly on you as it does on me. Therefore you should use both high SPF and a good after sun moisturiser and don't spend too long in the sun. Your local chemist/pharmacy will be able to advise you as they will be able to ask questions about your skin, whether it's dry or greasy or normal and they can offer the right level of protection for you.

Question: What is the highest Sun Protection Factor (SPF) you can find in stores? I am too sensitive to sunlight and I need to use sunblock when I go to the beach and very sunny places. I've used SPF 80 and it seems to just be enough but I always end up using a lot of product and finishing the bottle real fast. I want to go for the highest SPF available but I don't know what the highest is. Also, where can I get it? Any stores you can suggest?

Answer: 100 spf by neutrogena in walgreens

Question: I'm going away to the South of France on Sunday... What sun protection factor do I need? I'm going to the Mediteranean for a week with my friends. We're staying on the beach, so I'll be out in the sun all day, everyday. My parents are Spanish so I have naturally tanned skin. My hair and my eyes are very dark brown. Which spf do I need depending on my colouring and where i'll be going? Do you think I should use a higher spf first, then go lower as the week goes on? Thanks in advance to everyone who answers.

Answer: as Lloyd's pharmacy say, the least you should use, is factor 15, hope you have a fantastic holiday, it sounds great,

Question: Does water have any sun protection factor to it? I'm not much for dry sunbathing (sitting around baking and sweating) but I do like lounging around in a pool with the water keeping me cool. Just wanted to know if the parts of my body partially submerged and the rest that is just wet is protected in any way from burning....or does the water possibly intensify the suns rays?

Answer: I dont think it blocks them. I still get burned sometimes while totally submerged in the pool. Buy a waterproof sunblock. When I use SPF30, i dont even get a hint of a tan. Apply it once an hour, especially if your going to be in the water alot.

Question: Is it safe to wear sun protection factor my the face all year.?

Answer: there is no harm. it is safe

Question: sun protection factor spf? Hi this is another spf question but thanks for replying me the last one, ok so i have light-toned skin and you recommended me a higher spf but the thing is i rarely burn under the sun and where i live the sun is mad hot and is all year long and also people say the more spf the better protection right? then why people still buy the 15 spfs the 20s? isnt it better to buy one that has a lot of protection?

Answer: over 35spf they are all the same anyway. People who buy the lower spfs want to tan, not turn lobster red...

Question: Is sun protection factor additive? If I put on a moisturise with SPF 15, then make-up with SPF 15, am I then protected to SPF 30, or just 15?

Answer: pretty sure that's a no. It is just the same as applying 2 lots of sun screen, it is the strength of the chemicals in the lotion that count, not the amount applied.

Question: SPF sun protection factor? Hi i recently started taking better care of my skin so i started using sunscreen i bought a 50spf nivea sunscreen and is that good? cuase i heard the more spf the better is that right? although i dont expose myself to the sun a lot and i was thinking on buying a sunscreen for the face how much spf should i go for?

Answer: SPF also known as sun protection factor is determined by how long you expose yourself to the sun before you start to burn, but in reality it is mainly a measure of UVB protection and ranges from 1 to 45 or above. that's usually the number we see on the bottles we buy like in your case being nivea spf 50. for example,a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 filters 92% of the UVB(ultraViolet light B) rays that penetrate to the skin mere deep. Put another way, a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 will delay the onset of a sunburn in a person who would otherwise burn in 10 minutes to burn in 150 minutes. The SPF 15 sunscreen allows a person to stay out in the sun 15 times longer. so your spf 50 is going to let you stay out 50 times out longer before you start to burn. i personally use spf for face 45 or 50 depending on the weather. i dont have to reapply as often as i would with a lower spf. so if you are looking for a number think about how long you are going to be out and also check for the uvb rays which is what you should be looking for anyway. here are the links: and congratulations in making the most awesomest decision in taking care of your skin.

Question: sun protection for your face when your 17? im 17 and i get freckles on my face from sun exposure. im going on holidays to a warm climate with lots of sun. i want to get a tan but i dont want my face to burn or go red ore get freckles. my hair is brown and my skin is oily and breaks out reguarly...please help to recccomend a sun protection factor for my face. i use clinques 3 step system every day.

Answer: I applyd a 20 the other day, after being outside all dayi burnet to the max! And now im peealing all over my back. I usually have sensetive skin, so if i wer you, i'd put on maybe 15 but ensure you keep applying it. It's best to build up a gradual tan soo good luck :) x And btw, im 16 :)

Question: sun protection factor? i have a pretty good tan from the sunbed and are going to cyprus, what factor should i use????

Answer: hmm first day u should try a high protection factor such as 30. if u see that u r not getting sunburn then use sth lower like 15 for a better tan. but dont risk it . the sun is too bright in cyprus during 11:00 to 16:00. n dont forget the moisturizer or else u will peel

Question: I've always understood that SPF (Sun Protection Factor) does not measure the amount of time for the sunblock. My mom disagrees. It's a pain. I keep telling her SPF is just about how much UVB the sunscreen blocks, but she insists on saying that it's got to do with how long the sunblock works as well. According to her, the higher the SPF, the longer the sunscreen would work once applied. I know I've read the answer (mine) somewhere but I can't dig it up again. Anyway, opinions anyone?

Answer: It was once stated that SPF referred to the amount of time longer you can stay in the sun without burning. Now scientists aren't so sure. The higher the SPF, the higher the protection, but to keep that level of protection, it still needs to be applied every 2 hours or the level will go down. It also needs to be applied liberally otherwise your spf 30, may really be acting as only an spf 15! SPF also gives a general idea of how much of the UVB rays the sunblock will block out. An spf 15 blocks approximately 92% of UVB rays, an spf 30 blocks out about 97% of UVB rays, no sunblock can block out 100% of UVB rays (but again, only if it is applied liberally). As for the amount of UVA protection, this is often not clear, however some sunblocks are now introducing a PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening) measuring system, which gives some indication of the level of UVA protection. HTH.

Question: Can using two sunscreen products diminish your level of sun protection? I was just told that if I use a moisturizer with SPF on my face and a foundation with SPF at the same time, the sun protection factors work against each other and I end up with minimal sun protection. Can this be true? Looking for an informed answer, not a guess.

Answer: it will give you the protection of the lowest number that you use.

Question: Sun Protection Factor 80? ? My dermatologist has prescribed me an SPF 80 sunblock. Is there really a big beneficial effect when using a higher spf?

Answer: OHH yeah if your had a lot of sun damage or if you light skin!!! Oh yeah!!! I moved from Ohio to Texas I spend seriously 5 minutes out in the sun and got sun poising!!! So it also depends on if you moved from one part of the country (o-zone) to another. I went from a 20 to a 70!!! SPF blocks out the UV filters. So if you are sinsative to the sun or had like cancer or damage to the skin is will stop it from getting worse!

Question: All Nivea moisturizers claim to have UVA/UVB protection on the pack, but doesn't say which factor? I looked around on the internet and Nivea's website, but cant find out the exact factor. Should I just assume that it has the lowest sun protection factor like a 6 or something? Does anyone here know the protection factor?

Answer: it should, otherwise dont buy it.. spf levels are always displayed on the front label, the manufacturers know that.. because different people need different spf protection..

Question: What kind of sun protection should my family and I be using? What factor? We are africans, I have a milk chocolate complexion, my husband has a caramel complexion, and both my children (2.5 years and 9 months) are light-skinned (the colour of milky tea lol) I bought baby sun cream with a factor of 50 - i think it might be a bit excessive for us but I am not really sure, I grew up not using any sun cream but increasingly I am hearing that black people need to use it too. Like i said, the one i bought is for babies, but i cant be bothered buying a separate one for hubby and myself.

Answer: What you bought is just fine. The fact that it's for babies just means it's safe to use on sensitive skin for grown-ups too. Just slather it generously on your exposed skin every day, and put a hat on the little ones if they'll wear one. Everyone should use sunscreen, regardless of the tint of their skin. Great job for being a good mom!

Question: If you work outside do you use sun protection? If work keeps you outdoors for long periods of time your skin could be exposed to more sun than is healthy for you. Outdoor workers that could be at risk include farm or construction workers, market gardeners, outdoor activity workers and some public service workers. Outdoor workers are regularly exposed to the sun. In fact, on average they receive 3 to 4 times more UV exposure each year than people who work indoors. This means they are at greater risk of skin cancer unless they take steps to protect themselves. Use t/shirts and hats that offer maximun sun protection UVP 50+ N.B. There is no such thing as a safe or healthy tan. A normal cotton T/Shirt offers a protection factor of around UPF7 and UPF4 when wet.

Answer: I do try to remember to put on the old slap in the summer months. I always do on holiday or when going out on my bike. But I don't always remember to do it if I'm just in the garden. Oops

Question: Which protection factor would your suncream need to have to survive an hour on the surface of the sun? without any sunburn?

Answer: i don't think you need to worry about your suncream getting a sunburn on the surface of the sun. it can't get that close. :)

Question: What are the numbers of SPF and how long do they last in the sun? I have a report to do and I need some things: 1) The Numbers of SPF (sun protection factor) 2) How long they last for in the sun I hope you can help me!!!!

Answer: The most common SPF numbers are: 2 (worthless) 4 (nearly worthless) 8 (somewhat better, still not enough) 15 (adequate for most people) 30 (good level of protection, minimum level for kids) 45 (overkill, but often used on babies and those who burn easily) As for how long they last ... it depends on the formulation and what a person is doing while in the sun. Most CREAM formulas are waterproof and last about 4 hours. LOTIONS are effective for up to 4 hours IF the wearer is not exercising, perspiring heavily, or swimming. OILS (usually the lower SPF brands) aren't really effective at all. They "sweat" off easily. No matter the SPF, sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours while in the sun, and always reapplied after swimming, exercising, or perspiring. I hope WE get an "A" on your report!

Question: Is this good for protection? An Mp (makeup protection film, or just lotion.) An SPF of at least 45-50, (sun protection factor) and makeup, enough protection from the sun?

Answer: I think it is a great protection. I used to work in a tanning salon. So I know the importance of using sunscreen.( Not trying to brag) =] You can buy makeup with sunscreen in it or my fav is Oil of Olay they have a great sunscreen and moisturiser for dry or oily skin. If you have break outs I recommend you using Oil of olay for Oily skin some sunscreens can make you break out or dry out your skin and don't last long. If you get a makeup with 15 spf and use the oil of olay with sunscreen you will have great protection without looking greasy. I hope this helps =]