The IP, SPF or FPS indications are often confusing. Some users are bewildered by the multitude of sun protection products available on the market and often end up choosing one at random without really caring about the indications displayed. In reality, there is no difference between IP, SPF or FPS. These terms mean exactly the same thing: SPF stands for "Sun Protection Factor", FPS stands for "Facteur de Protection Solaire" and IP stands for "Protection Index". Thus, the number written on your tube of sunscreen has the same value, regardless of the brand or the country where you bought it: it is therefore a universal value.
Each of these indications represents the level of protection/efficiency of a sunscreen product against UVB-induced sunburn. What is interesting, therefore, is not the letters but rather the numbers that precede them. There are four levels of SPF:
From 6 to 15 for a weak protection;
From 15 to 25 for a medium protection;
From 30 to 50 for a high protection;
From 50+ for a very high protection.
These protection indexes are the ratio between the time of exposure necessary to induce a sunburn with and without cream. If, for example, a person develops redness after 5 minutes of exposure without sun protection, the application of an SPF 50 sun cream multiplied by 50 the time of exposure before getting a sunburn (5 minutes * 50 = 250 minutes). This means that it will then, in theory, take 250 minutes, or 4 hours and 10 minutes, to get a sunburn with the sunscreen. However, these estimates have some drawbacks. Indeed, certain factors can weaken or even eliminate the action of the cream, such as poor application, insufficient quantity of sun cream, perspiration, swimming, rubbing with the towel or clothing, etc... They are only effective under ideal conditions. This is why it is important to apply them regularly to protect your skin.
It is important to remember that no protection can completely stop the sun's rays. These sun protection indices can also tell us how much UVB is blocked by your sun protection product. That's why, even when we're wearing sunscreen, we still get a tan.
For example, an SPF 15 product blocks about 95% of UV rays, an SPF 30 protects you against 96.7% of UVB, while an SPF 50 stops about 98.3% of UVB.
For example, this means that a sunscreen product with SPF 30 absorbs about 97% of UVB, while the remaining 3% penetrates the skin.
In other words, the higher the SPF, the more UV will be blocked by the product, the less it will penetrate your skin so the more protected you are.
FAQs
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The SPF number indicates the level of protection against ultraviolet (UV) B rays. Sunscreens with a higher SPF offer greater protection from the sun.
What is the difference between SPF 20 30 and 50? ›
These sun protection indices can also tell us how much UVB is blocked by your sun protection product. That's why, even when we're wearing sunscreen, we still get a tan. For example, an SPF 15 product blocks about 95% of UV rays, an SPF 30 protects you against 96.7% of UVB, while an SPF 50 stops about 98.3% of UVB.
Is SPF 20 good for your skin? ›
SPF 20 blocks about 94% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays. Both are effective in protecting your skin, but the higher the SPF, the more protection it offers.
What does the number SPF 50 or SPF 30 mean? ›
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.
Is it better to wear SPF 30 or 50? ›
It is generally recommended that most people use at least an SPF 30 sunscreen all year round. People who use SPF 50, however, sometimes acquire a false sense of security, thinking they are invincible to the sun.
What type of SPF is best for face? ›
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that everyone use sunscreen that offers the following: Broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays) SPF 30 or higher.
What SPF should I use on my face daily? ›
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.
Is SPF 50 too much for face? ›
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 require higher concentrations of sun-filtering chemicals than low SPF sunscreens do.
How long does SPF 20 last on face? ›
In general, it is recommended that individuals apply sunscreen at least every 2 hours to remain effective against UV rays8. However, experts suggest even more frequent application or using a water-proof formula if sweating and water exposure is expected.
Is SPF 20 sunscreen enough for face? ›
What level of SPF do you need? If you spend most of your time indoors and lesser time outdoors, you can safely use a sunscreen that provides an SPF 20 or lower. If you are constantly travelling and are exposed to the sun, we recommend you liberally apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.
Everyone, regardless of age, gender or race, should use sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. But what's in your sunscreen may be just as important as the SPF number. While SPF 85 sounds like it offers more protection, higher SPF numbers can be misleading.
Is 30 SPF enough for face? ›
Most experts recommend an SPF of at least 30 for most people and most climates. “There's no harm in going higher, though,” especially if your skin burns easily or you have sun-exposure allergies, said Dr.
Is higher SPF better? ›
In fact, both the EWG and the Skin Cancer Foundation agree that higher-SPF products are not that much better at shielding you from UVB—SPF 30 blocks nearly 97% of UVB radiation, SPF 50 blocks about 98%, and SPF 100 blocks about 99%.
Does factor 50 clog pores? ›
Does SPF 50 Clog Pores? Just because sunscreen has an SPF 50 doesn't mean it will clog pores. If you have acne-prone skin, oily skin, or are just generally concerned about skin care products clogging your pores, look for formulas that are non-comedogenic or expressly made with your skin type in mind.
Which is better SPF 20 or 30? ›
If you spend most of your time indoors and lesser time outdoors, you can safely use a sunscreen that provides an SPF 20 or lower. If you are constantly travelling and are exposed to the sun, we recommend you liberally apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.
Is there much difference between SPF 20 and 30? ›
Not necessarily. While sunscreen with a higher SPF technically blocks out more UV rays, there are diminishing returns as the number climbs. There's a big difference between SPF 10 and SPF 20 but not as big of a difference between SPF 30 and SPF 60.
How long will SPF 20 last? ›
In general, it is recommended that individuals apply sunscreen at least every 2 hours to remain effective against UV rays8. However, experts suggest even more frequent application or using a water-proof formula if sweating and water exposure is expected.
Is SPF 50 worth it? ›
But the extra protection is negligible. 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.
