SPF meaning: what does SPF stand for?

Discover the meaning of SPF, understand the risks associated with sun exposure, and learn how to protect yourself from the damaging effects of UV radiation.

The dangers of sun exposure and long-term skin damage is no secret. Basking in the warmth of the sun and chasing that perfect tan comes with its own set of risks. It is extremely important to understand and mitigate these risks in order to protect your health and enjoy the sun responsibly.

SwimZip is a thought leader in sun protection knowledge and a trusted provider of sun-protective swimwear, clothing, and accessories.

Our goal is to provide valuable information and guidance that will help you protect yourself and your loved ones from sun exposure, as well as offer high-quality, sun-safe clothing.

What Is SPF and What Does It Measure?

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a term that refers to the measure of how effectively a sunscreen or other form of sun protection can protect human skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s Ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Put simply, SPF is a numerical rating that indicates the level of protection that a product offers against UV radiation. The SPF value of a product specifies the amount of time that you will be protected, as well as how well you will be protected. Higher SPF will provide better protection against ultraviolet radiation over a longer period of time.

UV radiation is divided into three main types of UV rays, based on wavelength: UVA, UVB, and UVC. 

UVA: primarily associated with the premature aging of the skin (wrinkles, age spots, etc..). Contribute significantly to the development of skin cancers. Longest wavelength of the three types.

UVB: responsible for causing sunburns and causing more immediate, visible skin damage. Significant contributor to the development of skin cancers. Shorter wavelength than UVA rays.

UVC: least dangerous of the three types of UV rays. Absorbed almost entirely by the Earth’s atmosphere.

Sunscreen with higher SPF protection as well as broad-spectrum coverage will offer more protection against sunburns, UVA damage, and DNA damage.

What Are The Risks of Sun Exposure?

While sun exposure is proven to be important for healthy vitamin D synthesis and overall well-being, it carries significant risks. These risks include but are not limited to:

Sunburn: prolonged UV exposure creates risk for sunburn to unprotected skin. Sunburns are characterized by a red, inflamed, and painful outer layer of skin. Blistering sunburn and sun poisoning can occur in more severe situations of prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Skin cancer: long periods of exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun can lead to the development of different forms of skin cancer. Individuals who have a family history of skin related cancers may be more susceptible to developing skin cancer.

Premature aging: exposure to sunlight and the resulting damage to skin cells can cause premature aging. Also referred to as photoaging, this manifests as wrinkles, sun spots, broken blood vessels, dryness, irregular pigmentation, and loss of skin elasticity.

Weakened immune system: excessive exposure to the sun can also suppress the immune system. This will increase susceptibility to sickness and infection, as well as impair the body’s ability to defend and repair itself.

Eye damage: UV radiation can cause damage to the eyes and result in a variety of complications. These include cataracts, photokeratitis (snow blindness), and macular degeneration.

Heat-related illnesses: extended periods of intense exposure to sunlight and high temperatures can lead to dangerous heat-related illnesses including heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

DNA damage: sun exposure can also lead to DNA damage when the DNA molecules in our skin cells absorb ultraviolet radiation. The UV rays can induce chemical reactions within the structure of DNA molecules, which can in turn cause various forms of cellular damage.

Importance of Sun Protection and Types of Sun Protection

From sunburns, skin cancer, and premature aging, to eye damage, heat-related illnesses, and DNA damage, it is incredibly important to implement protective measures whenever possible. Stay up to date with daily UV index fluctuations in your area with our “UV Index Today” tool.

Contrary to popular belief, the application of sunscreen at regular intervals is not the only sun protection strategy available to us. Let’s highlight two of the best ways to protect yourself from the potentially damaging effects of sun exposure.

Sunscreen

To protect your skin from the sun, using sunscreen is one of the most effective methods. There are high-SPF sunscreens that have SPF ratings upwards of 75 SPF, as well as broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

Different styles of sunscreen are available to cater to your specific application method preferences:

• Sunscreen lotions (mineral & chemical)
• Sunscreen sprays
• Sunscreen gels
• Sunscreen sticks (lip balm, face rolls)

Frequent reapplication of sunscreen is crucial for people who are out in the sun for extended periods of time. Although there are certain peak hours throughout the day during which the intensity of UV radiation is higher, it is important to protect yourself at all times of the day.

Note: You should always opt for broad-spectrum protection sunscreens to defend yourself from the harmful effects of all types of UV radiation.

Sun-Protective Clothing

Sun-protective clothing offers UV radiation protection against the sun. It is engineered to provide a physical layer of protection that acts as a barrier between the skin and incoming ultraviolet light.

Sun-protective clothing is typically made from tightly woven fabrics (commonly polyester, nylon, and cotton blends), that naturally block more UV radiation than typical clothing and swimwear. They are often treated with UV-absorbing chemicals or dyes that further boost the level of sun protection that they provide.

Some of the other important features of sun-protective clothing include:

Breathability: breathable fabrics and strategic ventilation ensures that sun-protective clothing is still comfortable to wear in warm weather.

Quick-dry: sun-safe clothes are designed not to retain water and dry quickly, making them great for water-related activities.

Durability: sun-protective clothing retains its UV-blocking properties over a long period of time, even with regular use, washing, and exposure to the elements.

Sun-protective clothing can include everything from swimsuits and swim covers, to sun hats, visors, and accessories.

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and provides a rating system that is used to measure a fabric’s ability to block ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Check out our article on UPF vs. SPF to learn more.

SwimZip’s Sun-Protective Clothing

SwimZip is dedicated to promoting sun-safe fun by developing and delivering sun-protective products that are stylish, functional, and affordable. We have become one of the most trusted UPF 50+ brands that people use to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from the sun.

We offer a variety of awesome clothing and accessories for every member of the family, including swim trunks for men, swimwear for women, sunsuits for kids, sun hats, rash guards, and accessories.

For more information and clothing inspiration, check out our article on sun-safe swimwear ideas for the whole family this summer.

We look forward to many more years of making UV protection a zip!

SPF Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I reapply sunscreen?

Reapply sunscreen every two hours to maximize effectiveness. Reapply more frequently if you are swimming or sweating excessively.

Can I get sunburned on cloudy days?

Yes, UV rays penetrate cloud cover and can still cause sunburns.

How does sun exposure affect tattoos?

UV rays can fade and damage tattoos. Protect your tattoos with sunscreen to maintain their vibrancy and prevent sun spots or other damage.

Is sun protection necessary for all skin tones?

Yes, everyone should use sun protection. While individuals with darker skin tones will have more natural protection, they can experience sun damage and are still at risk of skin cancers.

What is UVI?

UVI stands for UV Index, and is a measure of the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun at a given time of the day. The scale is typically numbered from 1 to 11+, with higher values indicating a greater risk of harm from sun exposure.

Is UV index 7 considered dangerous?

Yes, UVI 7 is considered to be moderately dangerous.