What Factor Sunscreen Should I Use?

We all know that sunscreen is an essential to protect our skin from the sun, and the damage that it can cause. This includes serious issues like skin cancer and also premature skin ageing. It does not matter how much of our anti-ageing skincare that you use, if your skin is being continuously damaged by the sun it will show in the form of lines, wrinkles, dehydration and sagging. This means that we need to use a high factor sunscreen to ensure skin is adequately protected and we need to reapply it throughout the day when outside, and cover skin up where possible.

It's important to ensure that we're properly protecting ourselves from the sun. However, with so many sunscreens on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. One of the most important factors in selecting the right sunscreen is the "factor" or "SPF" that it contains. In this guide, we'll discuss what factor sunscreen you should use and why it matters.

1. SPF Explained: SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. This number indicates how long it will take for the sun's UVB rays to redden your skin when using the product as directed compared to when you're not wearing any sunscreen at all. For example, if you normally turn pink after 10 minutes in the sun, an SPF 30 sunscreen will theoretically protect you for 300 minutes. However, it's important to note that this is just a theoretical estimate and individual results may vary based on skin type, sun intensity, and other factors.
2. Choosing the Right Factor: The recommended SPF factor for most people is 30 or higher. However, this number may vary depending on your skin type and how easily you burn or tan. If you have fair skin, red hair, or a history of skin cancer, you may need to use a higher factor sunscreen, such as SPF 50 or 60. On the other hand, if you have darker skin that doesn't burn easily, you may be able to use a lower factor sunscreen, such as SPF 15 or 20. But it will depend on how strong the sun is and how long you will be outside. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a sunscreen with a factor that provides adequate protection for your skin type and the conditions you will be in.
3. Applying Sunscreen: It's not just the factor that matters when it comes to sun protection - how you apply sunscreen is also important. Make sure to apply sunscreen liberally and evenly to all areas of exposed skin, and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating. Don't forget to protect your lips with a product that contains SPF, and wear protective clothing and accessories, such as sunglasses and a hat, when possible.
4. Other Factors to Consider: In addition to SPF, there are other factors to consider when choosing a sunscreen. Look for a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Also, consider the ingredients in the sunscreen - some people may be sensitive to certain chemicals, such as oxybenzone, and prefer all-natural or mineral sunscreens. Finally, consider the texture of the sunscreen - do you prefer a lotion, spray, or stick? Try different options to find the one that works best for you.

In summary, choosing the right factor sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Look for a sunscreen with a factor of at least 30, but adjust this number based on your skin type and sun exposure. Additionally, remember to apply sunscreen properly, including reapplication, and consider other factors such as broad-spectrum protection and ingredient preferences. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to enjoy the sunshine while staying protected and healthy.

Choosing the right sunscreen is crucial to ensure that you're properly protecting yourself from the sun. The factor or SPF number is just one of many factors to consider when choosing a sunscreen. Additionally, applying sunscreen properly, considering additional protective measures, and choosing the right ingredients for your skin can also make a big difference in sun protection. Remember to make sun safety a priority this summer and choose a sunscreen that works best for you and your lifestyle.

As well as using a high factor sunscreen we also recommend not using one as part of your normal moisturiser. At Nakin, we have a range of high quality moisturisers but they are all free of SPF. This is because moisturisers need to help to hydrate and nourish skin, and an SPF within them will not contribute to this. An SPF on the other hand needs to be applied just before going outside and reapplied as required.