HOW SPF REALLY WORKS
Did you know that South Africa has one of the highest monitored ultra-violet (UV) levels in the world? Clearly, we need protection. But how do you know what your sunscreen will do? The sun protection factor (SPF) displayed on your container is an indication of how well that product will protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays. These rays are responsible for the redness of skin, burning, skin damage – and, ultimately, skin cancer. How the SPF number works is like this: if it takes your unprotected skin five minutes to start turning red in the sun, then an SPF 20 sunscreen will give you 20 times that number or minutes’ protection. (5 x 20 = 100 minutes). If you turn red after five minutes, and you use an SPF 50 sunscreen, you’ll get 50 times as much protection. (5 x 50 = 250 minutes). Be sure to apply a sunscreen bearing the CANSA Seal of Recognition. For more info visit islandtribe.co.za.