So, What Is SPF—and Does It Actually Matter?
SPF = Sun Protection Factor. It tells you how well sunscreen blocks UVB rays (aka the burn + skin cancer rays).
Quick breakdown:
· SPF 15 → blocks ~93%
· SPF 30 → blocks ~97%
· SPF 50 → blocks ~98%
No, SPF 50 isn’t twice as strong as SPF 25—the jump in protection is small, but it can matter, especially if you’re not applying enough (which, spoiler: most people aren’t).
How Is SPF Tested?
In a lab. On real people. Here's the simplified tea:
1. A standard amount of sunscreen is applied to fair-skinned volunteers.
2. After drying, UV light is used to zap treated and untreated skin.
3. They check how much UV it takes to cause redness (aka sunburn).
4. SPF = how much more UV it takes to burn protected vs. unprotected skin.
Example: If bare skin burns at 10 units of UV and protected skin burns at 300, that's SPF 30.
Real Talk:
· SPF only covers UVB, not UVA (which = aging + skin damage).
· Broad-spectrum = covers both.
· You need a shot glass amount for your body and nickel-sized blob for your face.
· Reapply every 2 hours, more if you’re sweating or swimming.
SPF matters—but only if you actually use it right.
THE REAL KICKER? HOW YOU USE IT.
No sunscreen, no protection. But even the best SPF won’t help if you:
· Apply too little
· Forget to reapply every 2 hours
· Skip days because it feels greasy or weird
This is why we made our formulas with people who hate sunscreen in mind. Lightweight, non-greasy, easy to apply—because your skin deserves protection without the hassle.
DON'T FORGET UVA!
SPF only covers UVB rays (the burn ones). But UVA rays cause wrinkles and long-term damage—and they sneak through windows and clouds.
Always look for broad-spectrum sunscreen. It’s like sunscreen’s way of saying, “I got you covered, front and back.”
WHICH SPF SHOULD YOU PICK?
· The American Academy of Dermatology recommends at least an SPF 30 (that applies to all SPOOGE products)
· The most important factor is to pick a sunscreen that you love and that you will wear and remember to reapply!!
· No sunscreen lasts all day! And there is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen. Water resistance can help when you are doing water activities or sweating but with all sunscreens, you have got to remember to reapply every 2 hours if you are outside, sooner if you are swimming or sweating
WHY START NOW?
Sun damage is sneaky—it builds up over years and shows up as wrinkles, dark spots, and risk of skin cancer later on.
5 sunburns or ONE blistering sunburn doubles your risk of melanoma- that’s a cancer that you have to take seriously
Starting your sunscreen habit in your 20s? Future you will thank you for it.
QUICK RECAP (BECAUSE LIFE IS BUSY)
· SPF = UVB protection; SPF 30 blocks 97%, SPF 50 blocks 98%.
· Always go broad-spectrum for UVA and UVB protection.
· Pick SPF you love and wear it regularly! Put it next to your toothbrush so it becomes a daily habit
· Use enough, reapply often, and don’t skip days.
· Start now, thank yourself later.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Sunscreen isn’t rocket science. It’s just a small daily habit that pays off big time later. So grab your favorite SPF, slap it on, and go enjoy the sun—without the burn or the stress.
Because taking care of your skin shouldn’t feel like a chore. It should be simple, easy, and maybe even a little fun.