Is it better to have a high SPF?!

Since ultraviolet rays cause pigmentation such as freckles, age spots, and blemishes, as well as redness and aging, sunscreen is essential year-round, but you must make sure to apply it especially during the summer.

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When choosing sunscreen, you typically consider SPF and PA ratings. The SPF index indicates the degree of protection against ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, while the PA index indicates the degree of protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. It is known that UVB rays can cause burns or cancer, while UVA rays age the skin, leading to wrinkles and age spots.

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The number following SPF indicates that the amount of UV rays reaching the skin is reduced to one-n compared to when no sunscreen is applied. For example, SPF 30 means that the amount of UV-B rays reaching the skin is reduced to one-thirtieth. Instead of a number, a plus sign (+) follows PA; one plus sign indicates that the probability of blocking UV-A rays is 2 to 3 times higher, while two plus signs indicate 4 to 7 times higher.

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A high SPF does not necessarily mean a sunscreen is always better. This is because it may contain many ingredients that can cause allergies.

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If you do not go out often, choose a product with around SPF 10 and PA+. For light outdoor activities, it is recommended to use a product with SPF 10 to 30 and PA++. When spending a long time outdoors, such as hiking or sports activities, you can use a product with SPF 30 to 50 and PA+++.