Every year on May 27th, National Sunscreen Day is observed to highlight the importance of using sunscreen to protect our skin from the sun's harmful Ultraviolet (UV) rays. While our body requires sun exposure for vitamin D synthesis, a better mood, and improved sleep, excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of sunburn, premature ageing, and, in serious cases, skin cancer.
For those who may not know much about sunscreen and how it protects the skin, SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is one of the most important things to consider when selecting a sunscreen. Most sunscreens come with SPF levels like 30 or 50, offering varying degrees of protection against harmful UVB rays. But which one should you choose?
On this National Sunscreen Day, Dr Debeshi, Medical Head and Founder of Lueur Aesthetics, Guhawati, helps us understand the meaning of SPF, why it's important, and between SPF 30 and 50, which one one should pick.
Also Read: Can The Sun Make You Age Faster? Here's What You Need To Know Before Going Out!
What Is SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor.
“SPF measures how well a sunscreen protects the skin from UVB rays, the primary cause of sunburn and a contributing factor to skin cancer,” says Dr Debeshi, adding that SPF doesn't measure protection against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper and cause premature ageing and tanning—broad-spectrum sunscreens address both.
Sunscreen And Skin Cancer Risk
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. In 2022, more than 10.5 million new cases were estimated. Of the 3.3 lakh new cases of melanoma, almost 60 000 people died from the disease, the health body reports.
While several factors can contribute to skin cancer risk, sun exposure remains one of the leading risk factors.
As per the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and practising sun protection is one of the ways to ensure that.
While wearing sun-protective clothing can help, to all the skin not covered by clothing, applying sunscreen can help. Here's what to look for:
- Broad-spectrum protection
- Water resistance
- SPF of 30 or higher
SPF 30 Vs. SPF 50: What Is The Difference?
SPF 30 and SPF 50 both protect against UVB rays, but SPF 50 offers slightly more protection. However, according to Dr Debeshi, the difference in UVB protection is relatively small:
- SPF 30 blocks 97%.
- SPF 50 blocks 98%.
However, in clinical practice, SPF 50 is often recommended for high-risk individuals (fair skin, melasma, post-procedure skin, or prolonged sun exposure) because people typically under-apply sunscreen, reducing actual protection.
Also Read: Protect Your Kid's Skin From Sun Damage: Why Choose Mineral Sunscreen Over Chemical?
Should You Choose SPF 30 Or 50?
While AADA recommends sunscreens with an SPF higher than 30, the need may differ depending on certain skin types. People who need higher SPFs include:
- Fair skin (Fitzpatrick types I-II) – burns easily, minimal tanning.
- People with melasma or pigmentation issues.
- Those on skin treatments (like chemical peels, lasers, and retinoids).
- Children, outdoor workers, and athletes.
- Immunocompromised individuals or those with a history of skin cancer.
Dr Debeshi shares, "Darker skin types have more melanin, offering some natural protection, but they still need sunscreen to prevent hyperpigmentation and ageing."
How To Use Sunscreen For Maximum Effectiveness
It is important to note that broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher protect against UVB and UVA, which are responsible for tanning, ageing, and cancer.
While SPF 50 offers marginally more UVB protection, UVA protection (linked to ageing and pigmentation) depends on the formulation, not the SPF number alone. Therefore, Dr Debeshi recommends looking for PA+++ or “broad-spectrum” on the label.
Moreover, a higher SPF doesn’t extend the time between applications. Sunscreen, regardless of SPF, must be reapplied every 2–3 hours, especially after sweating, swimming, or towel drying. Its efficacy diminishes over time due to breakdown and wear-off.
Conclusion
Sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare routine. It not only protects the skin from harmful UV rays but also helps prevent premature ageing and lowers the risk of skin cancer. When choosing a sunscreen, it’s crucial to consider the SPF level, commonly SPF 30 or SPF 50, and ensure the product offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Making sunscreen a daily habit, regardless of the weather, is a simple yet effective way to protect your skin’s health in the long run.