Sunscreen is essential, not just during summer but throughout the year — even during cloudy days and the winter season. As summer days arrive, it becomes more important than ever to integrate sunscreen as a foundation of your skin care routine.

With numerous options on the market, it can be daunting to figure out which sunscreen is best-suited to your skin. Nu Skin breaks down what SPF means, how sunscreen works, how much coverage you actually need, and the best way to apply sunscreen for ultimate protection.

nuskin SPF guide

What Is SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. SPF is a basic measure of how long a sunscreen protects against ultraviolet (UV) B rays. A standard sunscreen does not, however, protect against UVA rays, which cause signs of aging. To combat this, find a broad-spectrum sunscreen for the best sun protection.

Mineral vs Chemical

A mineral sunscreen includes two main, natural ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Together, these ingredients work together to reflect UV rays away from your skin. Mineral options stay toward the surface of your skin instead of being more deeply absorbed.

A chemical sunscreen utilizes synthetic ingredients, such as oxybenzone and homosalate, that absorb deeply into the skin and dissipate the UV rays instead of reflecting them.

What Does the SPF Number Mean?

To break it down, the SPF number is how long it takes for your skin to start burning if you use sunscreen exactly as directed. That means a higher SPF number, when it’s applied correctly, should give you longer sun protection. Yet, even with longer protection, the amount of protection isn’t all that different.

Currently, sunscreen protects like this:

● SPF 15 protects against 93% of UVB rays
● SPF 30 protects against 96.7% of UVB rays
● SPF 50 protects against 98% of UVB rays
● SPF 100 protects against 99% of UVB rays

Is SPF 50+ the Best Option?

A higher SPF is slightly better at blocking UVB rays but that doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best option. People tend to place more trust in a higher SPF, expecting it to protect them better and for longer. This means that sunscreen may not be applied often enough to achieve sufficient protection. Experts recommend using a sunscreen between SPF 15 and SPF 50 and applying often to guard against sunburn.

The Smart Way to Apply

For the best sun protection, there are a few things to remember when applying your sunscreen.
● Apply a thick layer of sunscreen
● Use small dots on your face to spread evenly and absorb quickly
● During your skin care routine, apply sunscreen before moisturizer
● Use sunscreen every day, even if you stay inside
● Reapply every 90 minutes or sooner
● Apply your sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you go outside to ensure it has time to start working

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to frequently missed spots such as the tops of ears, the back of the neck, the tops of hands, and even the lips.

Protect Against the Sun

Sunscreen isn’t just a summer necessity — we need to use it every day to guard against sun damage, skin cancer risks, and signs of aging. Nu Skin’s Sunright line offers SPF 35 and SPF 50 sunscreen to help you get the sun protection you need.

Additionally, other items such as the ageLOC Radiant Day SPF 22 and the 180 UV Block Hydrator SPF 18, offer sun protection as part of your skin care routine. Shop Nu Skin today to find products that help you achieve healthier, more youthful-looking skin while also protecting against the sun.

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