Sun Protection Factor

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures how effectively a sunscreen shields your skin from ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, the rays responsible for sunburn and skin damage. For example, if your skin would normally start to burn after 10 minutes in the sun, using an SPF 30 sunscreen theoretically extends this time to 300 minutes (10 minutes x 30), though real-world factors can affect this. SPF doesn’t indicate protection against UVA rays, which also harm skin. It's important to apply sunscreen generously, reapply regularly, and combine it with other sun safety practices for effective protection.