SPF. You have heard it. You know that you are supposed to apply it. But what does it mean?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor.

From Badgerbalm.com, here is some more information that helps to explain what SPF is all about:

  • SPF measures sunscreen protection from UVB rays, the kind that cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer.
  • SPF does not measure how well a sunscreen will protect from UVA rays, which are also damaging and dangerous.
  • Dermatologists recommend using a SPF15 or SPF30 sunscreen. Higher SPFs don't give much more protection.

How do you know which one to buy (and apply) for yourself? If your skin normally burns after being in the sun for about 10 minutes, then applying a sunscreen with an SPF of 10 would allegedly give you about 100 minutes of sun protection.

Do you apply sunscreen every time you know you are going to be outdoors? Do you have a 'go to' sun protection brand? Do you avoid being outside because you do not want to get sunburned? Do you say, 'Forget that!' and don't wear any sunscreen at all?

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