The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) test is a test that reveals the extent to which sunscreen products increase the skin's natural protection function. For example, if the skin's natural protection period is 10 minutes, a product with an SPF level of 3 triples this period and the skin's protection period can reach 30 minutes. This example fully explains the meaning of spf on sunscreen.
Sunscreen UV protection products have special UV filter properties. The effectiveness and spf claims over sunscreen directly affect the application method. A misleading and false claim in products can cause major public health problems.
The main purpose of the Sunscreen SPF label is to guide the consumer in choosing the most appropriate product, considering the determined skin type and exposure, in making comparisons between products and to standardize the labeling of sunscreen products in the European market.
In this context, the European Commission has explained in this recommendation, with examples, various claims that should not be made in sunscreen products, the precautions that should be followed and the instructions for use that should be given for some of the claimed properties.
Consumer information about SPF in sunscreens is important. At this point, the following claims or similar ones should not be made about sunscreen products:
100% protection against UV radiation,
under no circumstances does it need to be reapplied, such as "all day protection", especially for cosmetic products,
In addition, precautions to be taken regarding SPF labeling are as follows:
It is not right to stay in the sun for too long, even after applying sunscreen,
It is necessary to keep young children and babies away from sunlight,
Excessive exposure to the sun seriously affects health.
The recommended usage instructions for product effectiveness highlighted in the SPF guidelines are as follows:
Sunscreen products should definitely be applied to the body before sun exposure.
They should be reapplied frequently, especially after swimming, sweating or towel drying, in order to maintain protection from UV rays.
A sufficient amount should be applied to the skin to ensure the claimed effectiveness.
The sunscreen products used must provide at least the degree of protection against UVB and UVA radiation.
The SPF rating system should be measured using repeatable test methods and photodegradation should definitely be taken into account. Therefore, in-vitro test methods should definitely be preferred.
The minimum conditions that sunscreen products must have are as follows:
In order to provide protection against UVB, the sun protection factor value must be 6.
1/3 of the sun protection factor on the label must be equal to the UVA protection factor.
The critical wavelength must be 370 nm.
Claims regarding UVA and UVB protection can be stated on the label when the protection is equal to or higher than the stated level.
The effectiveness of sunscreen products must be included on the label by referring to various categories such as ''low'', ''medium'', ''high'' or ''very high''. Equivalence in standardized protection levels against UVB and UVA rays within each category is very important.
The variety of spf number descriptions on the labels must be limited in a way that will facilitate the consumer's comparison between different products and will not reduce the consumer's choice. In other words, understanding SPF labels should be easy for consumers. Verbal, figurative or other signs and expressions actively used in sunscreen products cannot be used even to imply features that the products do not have.
Sun rays are a very powerful source of vitamin D. They are also extremely important for the immune and bone health system. However, sun rays also contain ultraviolet rays that are radioactive and harmful to the skin. These rays, which are a very important source of life, are very risky if they come into direct contact with human skin. These rays affect the lower layer of the skin. They cause premature aging in the person and can even cause skin cancer in the long term.
Skin care products that protect the skin against these harmful effects of sun rays are called sunscreens. Sunscreens are highly functional products that can absorb or reflect and return the radiation caused by harmful ultraviolet rays such as UVA and UVB. It is useful to choose the cream that is most suitable for the skin when choosing sunscreen.
It is recommended to apply sunscreens 25-30 minutes before direct exposure to sun rays. The SPF measurement unit is used to highlight the skin protection feature of these products more clearly. This measurement unit is the expression used in spf analysis.
SPF consumer labeling is essential for providing information in sunscreens. SPF, sun protection factor, generally varies between 15 and 50. The higher the value, the stronger the protection effect of the product. For example, a sunscreen with SPF 50 is much more protective than a cream with SPF 15. The value recommended by skin experts is generally 30 SPF. However, you can choose higher sunscreen products for stronger protection. In any case, the benefits of sunscreen show their effect on the skin.
In order to provide effective sun protection, you need to use the product in the right amount, in the right way and at the right time. It is entirely up to you to minimize any problems that may be caused by the harmful effects of the sun by choosing the sunscreen suitable for your skin.
SPF in sunscreens makes it easier for consumers to choose between sunscreens. Saniter carries out studies at high quality standards in sunscreen SPF analysis and always ensures that you reach accurate report results that meet expectations. For Saniter, which has been ahead of its competitors in analysis for many years, it is very important to reach the right results in the shortest time.
You can also experience the Saniter guarantee to have the right product immediately when choosing a sunscreen and have the chance to have the most appropriate sunscreen for your skin health.
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