Sun protection factor: What SPF 30, 50 & Co. really mean ☀️
Standest du auch schon vor dem Regal und hast dich gefragt, ob LSF 30 reicht oder ob es lieber LSF 50 sein sollte? Du bist nicht allein!
Have you ever stood in front of the sunscreen shelf wondering whether SPF 30 is enough or if you should go for SPF 50 ? You're not alone! The sun protection factor (SPF) often causes confusion, but it's really not that complicated once you know what to look for.
What the sun protection factor really means
The sun protection factor (SPF) indicates how much longer you can stay in the sun without getting sunburned.
Example:
If your skin turns red after 10 minutes without protection, SPF 30 theoretically extends this period to 300 minutes .
However, this is only a guideline; in practice, factors such as sweat, water, friction, or insufficient application of cream play a major role.
LSF overview
|
Protection level |
SPF range |
Recommendation |
|
Low |
6–10 |
Only outside for a short time |
|
Medium |
15–25 |
Everyday life, city, commutes |
|
High |
30–50 |
Ideal for most skin types |
|
Very high |
50+ |
Very sensitive skin, children, mountains or sea |
💡 GOOD TO KNOW: The difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is smaller than many people think: SPF 30 blocks around 97% of UVB radiation, SPF 50 about 98% . However, that 1% difference can be crucial if you don't apply enough sunscreen.
Which SPF is suitable for which skin type?
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🌸 Very fair skin types: SPF 50
-
🌞 Medium skin types: SPF 30–50
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🌺 Darker skin types: SPF 15–30
-
👶 Children: Always use SPF 50+, as children's skin is particularly sensitive.
Why you're probably using too little sunscreen
Most people only use a quarter of the recommended amount! For the whole body, you need about 6 teaspoons (35–40 ml) , which sounds like a lot, but is necessary to actually achieve the stated SPF.
UV-A vs. UV-B – what protects against what?
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UV-B is responsible for sunburn.
-
UV-A causes skin aging and cell damage.
When buying, look for the UVA seal (a circle with "UVA") or the designation "broadband protection" . Modern formulations, such as those from V.SUN , reliably protect against both types of radiation.
Myth: Higher SPF lasts longer
Wrong! A higher SPF does not mean you need to reapply sunscreen less often.
Whether it's SPF 30 or 50, you should reapply the protection after two hours , especially after swimming, sweating or drying off.
"Waterproof" simply means that the cream remains effective in water for 40–80 minutes . After that: be sure to reapply!
When is SPF 30 sufficient and when is SPF 50 better?
✅ SPF 30 is sufficient for:
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Short walks or strolls around town
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Cloudy skies (UV radiation still gets through!)
-
Autumn and winter in Central Europe
☀️ SPF 50+ is better for:
-
Beach holiday, hiking or skiing
-
Fair, sensitive skin
-
children and babies
-
high altitudes or intense sunlight
How to apply sunscreen correctly – here's how
🧴 Amount: Approximately 35–40 ml (6 teaspoons) for the whole body.
⏰ Timing: Apply 30 minutes before sunbathing.
✨ Don't forget: ears, neck, feet, backs of knees - the classics that are often forgotten.
What makes V.SUN different 💛
A high SPF is only half the battle. At V.SUN, effectiveness meets responsibility .
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Modern UV filters without octocrylene or other harmful substances.
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Nourishing ingredients such as ectoin and hyaluronic acid strengthen the skin barrier.
-
Environmentally friendly formulations that protect your skin and do without critically discussed ingredients.
This way you get protection, care and sustainability in one product, without any compromises.
Conclusion: The best SPF is the one you actually use 🌿
Whether SPF 30 or 50 – what matters is that you use your sunscreen regularly and in sufficient quantity. Only then can it develop its full effect.
When sun protection feels good, it becomes a habit. You can learn more about conscious and sustainable sun protection in our other blog articles.
