spf

Everyday

Short for «sun protection factor»: a number on sun cream showing how well it protects skin from the sun's burning rays (UVB). tree →

In the lessons

In health and safety lessons, children learn to use sun cream of SPF 30 or more, put it on before going out, put it on again every two hours and after swimming, and also use hats, shade and clothes (Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide in Australia and NZ). The higher the SPF number, the more protection, but no sun cream blocks all rays. Phrases: «SPF 30», «SPF 50», «high SPF».

Examples

• Use sun cream with at least SPF 30. tree →
• My sun cream is SPF 50. tree →
• Check the SPF number on the bottle. tree →
• Even with high SPF, you need a hat and shade. tree →
• Put sun cream on again after swimming. tree →
• SPF stands for «sun protection factor». tree →
• Lip balm with SPF protects your lips too. tree →
• Pale skin burns quickly, so choose a high SPF. tree →

Note

Written in capitals: SPF (the input is lower case only by list format); said letter by letter «S-P-F». Trap: SPF 50 is not «twice as good» as SPF 25 — SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays and SPF 50 about 98%. SPF measures UVB; look for «broad spectrum» or a UVA star rating as well. Sun cream does not make it safe to stay out in strong sun for hours.