A very common question: What’s the difference between SPF 30 and 50?

The answer:

SPF 30 offers 97% protection against UV, allowing 3% of UV to enter the skin while SPF 50 offers 98% protection against UV, allowing for 2% of UV to enter the skin.

Whilst this may not seem like a lot, it is still stronger protection, especially when it comes to the length of time SPF 30 and 50 offer.

The general rule of thumb is that an SPF 30 will protect your skin from burning and damage for 30 times longer than it would usually take you to burn without any sun protection.

SPF 50 is protecting you 50 times longer.

Still find it confusing ?

Let us break it down a little further: If your skin takes 5 minutes to burn in direct sunlight without any SPF than an SPF 30 would protect you for 150 minutes (5 minutes x 30 = 150). Whereas an SPF 50 would protect you for 250 minutes.

SPF 50 it is then, however, you must also remember that often those who use SPF 50 feel somewhat bulletproof in the sun and can easily forget to reapply.

Reapplying is without a doubt the most effective way to prevent the damage that can occur from excessive UV exposure.