What Does SPF Mean?

Sun cream ratings can be confusing, people often assume that a higher SPF is better but do you know why? Knowing how to tell which sun cream to get.

What is SPF?

Sun Protection Factor Explained

What does SPF Mean?

SPF (or sun protection factor) means how much longer you can stay in the sun without getting a sunburn, depending on your skin’s self-protection abilities (e.g. if you can stay for 10 minutes in the sun without getting sunburned, a product with SPF 10 would multiply this “self-protection time” by 10 = 100 minutes).

Sun protection is also dependent on your own skin type. And above all, the sun protection is only given in full, if enough product is applied. Recommended are 2 mg/cm2 for one application, which means, for example, about 1 finger length of sun cream for the face or 2-3 tablespoons of product for an average adult’s body.

Overcast days

It's important to remember the sun's damaging rays can get through the clouds so make sure to apply sunscreen even on overcast days.

Why NIVEA sunscreen?

Knowing what SPF means is only part of the battle, NIVEA Sun products are great because NIVEA Sun Cream carefully balances both UVA and UVB protection for a broad spectrum sun cream to help protect your skin from the sun and products are thoroughly tested by scientists to make sure they reach the stated SPF.

With specially formulated sunscreen for sensitive skin or the perfect sunscreen for kids NIVEA have you covered.

Which spf is best for you?

The best SPF for your skin

Now you know the meaning of SPF it's important to find out which SPF you need, this is dependant on a lot of factors such as your skin type and complexion, the time of day and the amount of time you spend outside.

There's no easy answer but if you plan on spending a considerable amount of time outside whether you're in the park, on the beach or wandering round the city you should protect yourself with a high SPF sunscreen like NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF 50+.

NIVEA Sun Cream

Now we know what SPF is, it's time to decide on sun protection

NIVEA SUN Sensitive Immediate Protect

NIVEA SUN Sensitive Immediate Protect soothes sensitive skin while being in the sun. It is specially developed for sensitive skin and provides immediate UV protection against sun-induced irritations. Light, unperfumed and water resistant formula with Bio Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil.

NIVEA SUN Protect & Moisture

NIVEA SUN Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion contains highly effective UVA/UVB filters and immediately protects against sun exposure and long term UV-induced skin damage. The sunscreen helps to reduce the risk of sun allergies, offers long-lasting and intensive moisturisation and is water resistant.

NIVEA SUN Kids Sensitive Protect & Care

NIVEA SUN Kids Sensitive Protect & Care Lotion is especially suitable for children's sensitive skin. Highly effective UVA/UVB protection immediately protects against sun exposure and long term UV-induced skin damage. The fragrance-free formula reduces the risk of sun-induced allergies.

Protection from the sun

How to stay safe in the sun

Despite SPF meaning it'll protect you for a longer period of time it's important to consider the best overall sun safety strategy and relying purely on high-SPF sunscreen on their own still won't protect your perfectly. So here are some methods to help keep you and your family safe in the sun.

- Seek shade especially at peak times of the day when the sun is at it's most powerful

- Use UV blocking sun glasses to protect your delicate eye areas

- After swimming or towelling off it's important to remember to reapply your sunscreen. You should also reapply sunscreen every two hours

- Cover up with clothing and hats