Weather, atmospheric conditions, and your skin type all determine how long it takes for you to burn in the sun. In most cases, however, it takes between five and thirty minutes for people to burn.

Other factors that influence burn time include humidity, how much you sweat, whether you are swimming, and the clothing you are wearing.

Sunscreens offer varying levels of protection, which can be divided into four levels.

The levels are as follows:

- Low protection (SPF 4, 6, 8, and 10).

- Medium protection (SPF 15, 20, and 25)

- High protection (SPF 30, 40, and 50)

- Very high protection (SPF 50+)

SPF works by essentially creating a barrier between your skin and the sun's UVA and UVB rays.

Some contain inorganic chemical substances, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which act as physical sunscreen agents. They reflect UV rays, similar to how white paint reflects light.

Sunscreens also contain organic chemical substances, such as avobenzone or oxybenzone. Instead of physically deflecting UV light, these molecules absorb UV radiation through their chemical bonds.

As the bonds absorb the UV radiation, the sunscreen ingredients slowly break down and emit heat.

Summary

- Factor two provides the lowest form of UVB protection, and SPF 50+ provides the strongest protection.

- The number does not refer to how long you can stay in the sun.

- It refers to how much longer it takes for untanned skin to start reddening with sunscreen compared to without it.

Most people should use a sunscreen that provides medium or high protection. People with lighter skin or those in scorching conditions (such as on the beach) should choose a higher SPF.

If you have skin so light that you turn red after a short time in the sun, choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 and consider using specialized scalp protection (or wear a hat!). It is recommended that children are protected with an SPF of no less than 50, and for particularly fair-skinned children and infants, a very high protection should be chosen.

If you have a fair skin type and are determined to get a good tan during the summer months, start with a higher SPF and gradually reduce the level of protection. This way, your skin safely acclimatizes to the sun, as the tanning process is essentially the activation of your skin's self-defense mechanism.

Widely available sunscreen types include:

- Mineral sunscreens (these are made entirely of natural ingredients and are typically reef-safe).

- Sunscreen creams

- Sunscreen sprays

- Broad-spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB rays)

Just taking a look at the various sunscreen products available online and in stores can be overwhelming, especially when you have to consider SPF strength and UV star ratings, as well as product type, brand, customer reviews, etc.

It is important to do your research when buying sunscreen because sunscreen performs an extremely important task, and you want your skin to be as protected as possible.

Just as you consider your skin type (normal, dry, sensitive, oily, or combination) when choosing a skincare product, you should do the same when buying sunscreen.

SPF for oily skin

A lightweight moisturizer that contains SPF but does not clog your pores may be your best choice.

Quite a few sunscreens with a high SPF factor usually have a thicker consistency, and this heavier texture can clog your pores and make your skin feel sticky.

This is far from ideal, especially if your skin is already quite oily - your pores are already prone to clogging and breakouts.

Look out for: Oil-free, lightweight creams, gels, liquids, lotions, and mineral powders that won't leave your skin feeling greasy or congested.

SPF for sensitive, acne-prone skin

SPFs that do not contain certain ingredients, especially benzophenones which can irritate the skin, are better for sensitive and blemish-prone skin.

Alcohols are also not ideal, as they can also irritate and dry out the skin. If you have extremely sensitive skin, try a mineral powder sunscreen instead. These sit on the skin and feel weightless.

Look out for: Lightweight or mineral powder sunscreens that contain minimal ingredients and are free from fragrances that could aggravate your skin.

SPF for dry skin

Choose lightweight SPFs that also function as hydrating face creams or serums. These provide a dual boost as they moisturize the skin while also protecting it from the sun.

Cream or lotion-based SPFs generally also have the best staying power.

Look out for: SPF serums that are packed with moisture and do not weigh down the skin.

SPF for combination skin

Stick to a lightweight SPF that provides protection without overwhelming your skin with too many heavy products and clogging your pores, while still providing moisture where it is needed.

Look out for: SPF gel formulas that are not too thick or greasy but still provide adequate moisture.

SPF for eyes and lips

Just as there are moisturizers and face creams with SPF, there are also specialized sunscreen products to protect the skin around the eyes, the lips, and the hands from the sun.

Look out for: Lip balm with SPF, eye cream with SPF, and hand cream with SPF, which are specifically formulated to provide protection while also caring for the lips, the sensitive eye area, and the hands.

SPF for dark skin

If you have a dark complexion, you still need SPF, as your skin can still burn and be damaged by the sun - just not as quickly as someone with lighter skin.

Choose a product that provides low to medium protection.

Chemical sunscreens might leave less of a white cast on your skin, however, mineral versions are increasingly suitable for all skin tones, so don't rule them out just yet.

Look out for: Factor 30, a well-absorbing, possibly tinted product that matches your skin tone.

SPF for pale skin

If you have pale skin, you will likely need a high or very high sun protection factor, as your skin burns faster than those with darker skin tones.

Fortunately, mineral sunscreens can look less whitish on your skin, so this is a valid option.

Look out for: Factor 50, a mineral or chemical sunscreen preparation.

A quick note

Oh, and don't forget that you can also get foundation with SPF, but some of the SPF levels may be lower, so you might need to use it in conjunction with an additional sunscreen product to increase the level of protection.

For most people, four-star UVA protection and SPF 15 are recommended as a shield against the sun's rays. However, this can vary depending on skin type.

Those with dry skin should choose creamy or gel-based products for added moisture.

If you have oily or blemish-prone skin, oil-free sunscreens protect against the sun without clogging your pores.

Mineral, oil-free, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic products are ideal for sensitive skin, as they contain fewer chemicals.

Choosing the right SPF for you is one thing, but using it correctly is just as important.

1. How much to apply

If most of your skin will be exposed to the sun, you'll need at least a thumb-sized amount of SPF for your entire body - a teaspoon for each arm, leg, front, and back.

For the face and neck, you'll need at least half a teaspoon of sunscreen. Make sure to rub it in thoroughly to avoid ugly streaks caused by sunburn.

2. When to apply

Make sure to apply SPF last, i.e., after using serums or moisturizers. If it's a mineral sunscreen, you can go out in the sun right away, but if it's a chemical sunscreen, you need to wait 15-30 minutes for it to absorb.

And it's very important to reapply every two hours, or after you've been in the water or exercising.

3. Ingredients you can and cannot mix it with

Try not to mix it with your own SPF/skincare or makeup hybrid, as this will affect the product's effectiveness.

Always wear SPF if you are using retinol, Vitamin C skincare products, benzoyl peroxide, or AHA/BHA acids.

Is sunscreen needed in winter too?

Although it's cold outside and summer has long since passed, there is still a risk of sunburn, even on cloudy days.

In winter, light reflecting off snow, sand, and water can also increase your exposure to UV radiation.

Unless you're spending a long time in the winter sun, an SPF or a moisturizer containing SPF will help protect you from short periods of UV exposure.

Sunscreen is best used when you are exposed to UV radiation for longer periods, which includes being outdoors for one or more hours.

Our bodies produce Vitamin D from direct sunlight hitting our skin when we are outdoors.

However, sun protection is still important, so always protect your skin when it is exposed to the sun.

Consuming oily fish, eggs, or using supplements are alternative sources of Vitamin D.

Summary

- We can get sunburned even on cloudy days.

- Sun protection factors should not be worn only in summer.

- Sun safety is still important, as is Vitamin D absorption.

There are some skincare ingredients that may be able to strengthen SPF protection. These include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and ferulic acid, which have been found to provide protection against sun damage caused by infrared radiation.

A few more words on SPF...

Just as you can't live without your favorite long-lasting lip balm or lengthening mascara, the same principle applies to SPF - it is a skincare staple for your face and body that should never be ignored.

The great thing is that there are so many different types of sunscreen available.

Not only are they suitable for every skin type, but they also come in the forms that suit your skin best, such as gel, mineral or serum, foundation, or moisturizer.

If it's not already in there, incorporate SPF into your daily skincare routine, and if it is, great news, keep applying it every day.

The advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical attention. Please consult your healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments, or remedies. Dietary supplements should not replace a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.