Sunscreen Ratings Explained

There are two main types of sunscreen ratings: the SPF rating which protects you from UVB rays and the more discreet UVA ray protection rating. Understanding both is a necessity when purchasing the right sunscreen.

SPF Rating
A sunscreens SPF rating is what determines the level of UVB ray protection. UVB rays are the visible ones which burn your skin. You might think a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 is quite low protection, when in fact it will block out 90% of UVB rays. An SPF rating of 30 may increase this protection by only 4%. This of course will slightly varry based on the persons genetic makeup. Some people are more prone to sun burn than others.

UVA Protection
The damage of UVA rays are invisible to the human eye. Only recently have skin care companies emphasized the added protection from UVA rays in their products. UVA damage is the primary cause of wrinkles and can also increase the risk of skin cancer.

Return from Sunscreen Ratings to Sunscreen Comparison