Photoderm Milk Ultra SPF 50+ Sunscreen

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is always followed by a number, such as SPF15, SPF30, SPF50 or SPF50+. This number indicates the level of protection against UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburn. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection. In theory, the SPF number tells you how much longer your skin can be exposed to UVB rays before burning. For example, if unprotected skin begins to redden after 15–20 minutes, an SPF30 product could extend this time by a factor of 30. However, in real life, factors such as swimming, sweating, sand and towel-drying reduce this protection. That’s why it’s essential to reapply sunscreen regularly and use a generous amount. Also remember that SPF only refers to UVB protection for complete defence, choose a sunscreen that also protects against UVA rays, which contribute to premature ageing and long-term skin damage.

The effectiveness of sun protection largely depends on how much product you apply to the skin. The official recommendations from the Skin Cancer Foundation are to apply 2 mg of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin. For an adult, this means 5ml (approximately one teaspoon) for each arm, leg, body front, body back and face (including neck and ears). That equates to a total of 35ml (approximately seven teaspoons) for a full body application.