What Is SPF?
Learn How to Protect Your Skin from the Sun Daily

Sun protection is essential for keeping your skin comfortable, healthy-looking and radiant. UV rays can contribute to sunburn and premature ageing , even on cloudy days or near windows.¹ Using SPF daily helps protect against the effects of UV rays. This guide explains what SPF is, how it works, and how to apply sun care products correctly to the face and body.

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how effectively a sunscreen protects your skin against UVB rays, the main cause of sunburn. The SPF value indicates the theoretical time it would take for skin to begin to burn after applying sunscreen, compared to unprotected skin. As this is a laboratory-based measure, real-life effectiveness can vary depending on factors such as the amount applied, skin type, level of activity, and UV intensity.²

SPF levels also affect the amount of UV rays blocked:

SPF 15: Blocks around 93% of UVB rays

SPF 30: Blocks around 97% of UVB rays

SPF 50: Blocks around 98% of UVB rays

Higher SPF provides slightly more protection, but SPF is a guide rather than a measure of time in the sun. Its effectiveness depends on factors such as how much is applied, your skin type, activity level, and UV intensity. Daily use of sunscreen, applied generously and reapplied as needed, helps maintain healthy, radiant skin.

Every skin type has its own needs. Selecting a sunscreen that suits your skin helps make daily protection simple, comfortable, and effective:

Oily skin: For oily skin, choose lightweight, mattifying formulas that protect without causing shine. NIVEA SUN’s Ultra-Light Daily Face UV Fluid, Light Shade SPF50+ is ideal. This ultra-light tinted fluid offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and contains hyaluronic acid for a fresh, hydrated feel, as well as Licochalcone A to help protect the skin from oxidative stress. It leaves a natural, non-greasy finish, perfect for everyday use.

Blemish-prone skin: For blemish-prone skin, choose lightweight, non-greasy formulas that protect without clogging pores. NIVEA Breathable UV Specialist Derma Blemish Control Sun Fluid SPF50+ helps absorb excess oil, prevent breakouts, and delivers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, making it ideal for daily use under makeup.

Dry skin: For dry skin, moisturising ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerine or vitamin E help to keep the skin soft and nourished.

Sensitive skin: For sensitive skin, fragrance-free and alcohol-free options help protect delicate skin without irritation.

All skin tones: For all skin tones, daily SPF is essential to support healthy-looking, protected skin, whatever your natural melanin.

1. Applying SPF properly helps keep your skin shielded from UV rays while maintaining a comfortable, cared-for feel. Follow these simple steps for your face and body:

Sunscreen should be applied generously to all uncovered areas. The amount of SPF product needed varies by age:

Under 3 Years: Avoid exposing babies and young children to the sun at all costs by keeping them in the shade and using protective clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and a parasol, as their skin is extremely delicate and more vulnerable to UV damage. For uncovered areas subject to indirect exposure, use a minimum of 5-10 ml for babies aged 6 months and over.



Children (3-5 Years): At least 10-15 ml. For more information on choosing suitable sun protection for children, check NIVEA’s sunscreen guide for children.

Children (5-10 Years): Require at least 15-20 ml for full coverage.

Recommended Product: NIVEA SUN Kids Protect & Care Roll-On SPF 50+ is ideal for delicate skin. This roll-on offers immediate UVA/UVB protection with a highly water-resistant formula. Enriched with Panthenol, vitamin C, and vitamin E, it is gentle, absorbs quickly, and offers easy, hassle-free application thanks to the roll-on format.

Adults and Children Over 10: Need at least 30-40 ml for full-body application.

2. Apply 15-30 Minutes Before Sun Exposure

This allows the sunscreen to fully absorb and gives it time to take effect for optimal protection. While it is always best to allow the sunscreen time to take effect, sun care products with immediate protection can be a more suitable option when you need protection straight away.

3. Cover All Exposed Areas
Don’t forget areas like ears, neck, scalp (if exposed), back of hands and feet.

4. Use a Dedicated Face Sunscreen
When applying SPF to your face, make sure to use a sunscreen formulated specifically for the face and sensitive skin.
When applying SPF to your face, make sure to use a sunscreen formulated specifically for the face and sensitive skin.


Tip: Always rub the product in for thorough coverage and reapply regularly, especially after swimming, sweating, or towelling. 


Reapplication:

• Reapply every two hours for consistent protection.⁸
• Reapply more often if swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.⁸


For the face, use a stick format to easily reapply, even over makeup. Avoid spraying SPF products directly onto your face to prevent the risk of inhalation.⁹

This silky sunscreen stick is designed to protect delicate facial areas with breathable UV technology. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula glides smoothly onto the skin and remains invisible on all skin tones, making it ideal for everyday use. The compact stick format allows for quick application and easy reapplication throughout the day, even on the go.

Water- and sweat-resistant, fragrance-free, and designed with a convenient teardrop shape for precise coverage, it helps protect commonly exposed areas such as the nose, cheekbones, and around the eyes while keeping the skin feeling comfortable and protected.

Silky UV Stick >