Which is better SPF 50 or SPF 50? (2023)

Which is better SPF 50 or SPF 50?

Sun screens with protection in the range of 50 to 59.9 are designated at SPF 50. Protection of over 60 calls for SPF 50+. So the difference between the two is minimal.

Properly applied SPF 50 sunscreen blocks 98 percent of UVB rays; SPF 100 blocks 99 percent. When used correctly, sunscreen with SPF values between 30 and 50 offers adequate sunburn protection, even for people most sensitive to sunburn. High SPF products may pose greater health risks.

A sunscreen with SPF 30 will protect you from around 96.7% of UVB rays, whereas an SPF of 50 means protection from about 98% of UVB rays. Anything beyond SPF 50 makes very little difference in terms of risk of sun damage, and no sunscreens offer 100% protection from UVB rays.

Dermatologists recommend using an SPF of at least 30, which Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, a dermatologist practicing in New York, calls "the magic number". SPF 15 blocks about 93 percent of UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks about 97 percent of UVB rays. The ADA recommends an SPF of 30 or higher.

Experts also worry that high SPF products might make people spend more time in the sun because they think they're getting extra protection. You should choose a sunscreen with an SPF between 15 and 50. The EWG recommends choosing sunscreens within the SPF 15–50 range.

It's much easier for people to understand the need to reapply at least every 2 hours. You should reapply every 40 or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating, depending on the product. These directions are now easily seen on the packaging.

However, all skin types can get sun burned and suffer damage from UV rays. Therefore, dermatologists recommend that everyone use sunscreen of at least SPF 30.

Technically, yes. With SPF 50, 2% of UV rays are able to penetrate the skin. That's how you're still able to get a tan even with a high SPF.

Ideally, any sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) between 15 to 25+ will help protect you from daily sun exposure. However, if you are staying outdoors for a longer period of time, then opt for a higher SPF. Also, choose a sunscreen which is non-sticky or non-greasy, as this will not make your skin too sweaty.

Let's first break down how the SPF system works: "SPF 15 guards against 93 percent of UVB rays, SPF 30 protects against 97 percent, SPF 50 is about 98 percent, and SPF 100 blocks 99 percent," Joshua Zeichner MD, a board-certified dermatologist from New York City, tells Allure.

Which SPF is the safest?

Check the SPF.

Chose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, which blocks 97 percent of the sun's UVB rays.

The truth is higher SPF products only offer marginally better protection. Doubling the SPF doesn't mean doubling the protection. An SPF of 15 blocks 93% of UVB radiation, while SPF 30 filters 97% and SPF 50 filters 98% of the harmful rays. There isn't much difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50.

SPF 30 or higher

The American Cancer Society recommends using a sunscreen that's at least SPF 30. A 2012 review suggests that when used properly, SPF 30 sunscreen will block about 97 percent of UVB rays.

There are no direct adverse effects of applying a higher SPF, but it can lead to a sun protection routine that is incomplete and needing more. While a product with SPF 50 might give you better protection against UVB rays due to its photochemistry, it might have less UVA protection. Both radiations are equally harmful.

Wearing sunscreen every day on exposed skin, like your face, ears, and back of the hands is a good idea to protect you from UV damage.

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Bottom line: Wearing a moisturizer with SPF at night won't harm you, but it isn't the best thing you could be doing for your skin.

Why does SPF only last 2 hours?

But there's a bigger reason why you need to reapply your sunscreen every couple of hours. “Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and disperse them, but the active ingredients don't stay on the skin and continue doing their job,” says dermatologist Anthony Rossi.

With the rule of nines, the body's surface area is divided into 11 areas, each representing roughly 9% of the total (box). Sunscreen can be applied to each of these areas at a dose of 2 mg/cm² if two strips of sunscreen are squeezed out on to both the index and middle fingers from the palmar crease to the fingertips.

Is it necessary to apply moisturizer before sunscreen? You don't have to put on moisturizer before sunscreen, however, you really should if you care about the over health of your skin and keeping signs of aging at bay.

Once you're done with cleansing your face, stick to your chosen best sunscreen. Our suggestion is the Lakme Sun Expert SPF 50 PA+++ Ultra Matte Lotion Sunscreen. Why? Well, this sunscreen feels light on the skin and provides a broad spectrum protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays and is suited for all skin types.

Double SPF does not always mean double protection

The SPF rating only refers to UVB rays. An SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 93% of UVB radiation, and SPF 30 blocks 97%. After that, the difference in protection is small. SPF 50 blocks 98%, and SPF 100 stops 99% of UVB rays from reaching your skin.

Wearing sunscreen on your face will help prevent the worsening of existing hyperpigmentation and the formation of new pigmentation, melasma and dark spots. It can also help to brighten your skin tone by lighting existing pigmented areas.

Make sure your sunscreen has a sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher. The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against UVB rays. Higher SPF numbers do mean more protection, but the higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes.

If you choose to use a chemical sunscreen, choose one with avobenzone as the primary active ingredient. ⚠️Octisalate and octocrylene are also both Okay Stuff, without major health concerns, but slightly worse than avobenzone. ❌ Oxybenzone is the really bad ingredient; it causes cellular damage and endocrine disruption.

How long does SPF 50 last on face?

A sunscreen's sun protection factor (SPF) is only fully effective for two hours after you put it on. Experts recommend carrying a bottle of SPF 30 to SPF 50 sunscreen around with you, even on cloudy or rainy summer days, so you can throw some on if the sun comes out.

It's much easier for people to understand the need to reapply at least every 2 hours. You should reapply every 40 or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating, depending on the product.

For day-to-day use, pick a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. If you spend time outdoors, choose a product with SPF 60 or greater. In reality, most people do not use as much sunscreen as they should, and this higher SPF helps compensate for the reduced application.

However, the SPF in sunscreen is a large molecule, which when applied to the skin during sleep at night will create larger pores. Therefore, it is important in skin care with sunscreen to apply it during the day but always wash it off before going to bed.

Once sun cream is opened, it is 'good' for around 6 to 12 months, says Dr Russo. However, certain factors can impact its longevity, including where you store it. Keep it in a cool, dark place, rather than anywhere warm or exposed to sunlight.

SPF measures how much UVB radiation sunscreen blocks from hitting your skin. But the higher the SPF number, the less protection it offers from UVA radiation. You should be using a broad-spectrum, SPF 15 sunscreen for everyday use.