You probably know that wearing sunscreen is important. (Just in case, we’re here to remind you: Wearing sunscreen is important!) But if you need a refresher on why sun protection is such an important step in your routine, you’re not alone. Despite the ongoing push to wear sunscreen, a recent national survey reported that only 13.% of Americans wear sunscreen daily.
And there’s a lot more info where that came from. What does SPF stand for? Specifically, SPF means sun protection factor. And why do we need to wear it every day? Keep reading for all things SPF explained, including why it’s so important in your routine, how to apply it for the most benefits, and more.
How Does SPF Work?
Sun protection factor is a measure of how much a product can protect against the sun’s rays—specifically, UVB rays. Here’s how it works: If a sunscreen is SPF 30 (and applied correctly, we should add), it adds 30 times the protection against sunburn than if you weren’t wearing any sunscreen at all. This factor varies from person to person; those with fairer skin tend to turn red more quickly, while those with more melanin (pigment) in their skin take longer to burn. That being said, all skin types and tones are vulnerable to sun damage, and should wear SPF.
You may have also noticed the words “broad spectrum” on your sunscreen as well, which means that the formula protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Each product in the Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance™ collection offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection, so you can be sure you’re getting stellar sun protection with bonus skincare benefits. Plus, they’re all water-resistant for up to 40 minutes!
Why is SPF important for skin health?
There are both short-term and long-term benefits to wearing SPF daily. Not only do sunburns, well, hurt but sun damage also accelerates skin aging and the risk of skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation
Think you’re good to go because you wear sunscreen at the beach and pool? Not so fast. It’s recommended to wear sunscreen daily if you’re spending any time outside—even on an overcast day, as 80 percent of UV rays can still penetrate clouds (and, therefore, cause sun damage).
We recommend using a sunscreen you love wearing—like the Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Spray, Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Oil, or Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Lotion—to help get into the habit of using sunscreen every day.
How to choose the right SPF
There are several factors to consider when choosing your sunscreen.
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Go broad: First, make sure you’re getting a broad-spectrum sunscreen, to ensure it protects against UVA and UVB rays. As a reminder, all Sol de Janeiro SPFs are broad-spectrum, so we’ve got your backs—and fronts!—there.
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Choose water-resistant: If you’re spending time by the water, or really any amount of time outside when you could be breaking a sweat, you’ll also want to go for something water-resistant. On days when you’re just getting incidental sun exposure, a water-resistant formula is less of a priority.
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What’s your SPF? The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. All Rio Radiance™ sunscreens are SPF 50. In general, the higher the SPF scale, the better: “An SPF 30 allows about 3% of UVB rays to hit your skin. An SPF of 50 allows about 2% of those rays through,” explains the Skin Cancer Foundation. “That may seem like a small difference until you realize that the SPF 30 is allowing 50 percent more UV radiation onto your skin.”
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Choose your own formula adventure: Next, decide what type of formula you want to use. In our Rio Radiance™ collection, we have spray, oil, and body lotion options.
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If you want a refreshing body spray, try our Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Spray, which hydrates and refreshes with coconut water for a cooling sensation and looks beautiful on all skin tones. It also has vitamin C-rich pitanga extract and niacinamide to visibly brighten and help even skin tone while pongamia seed extract delivers powerful antioxidants.
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If you want a nourishing dry body oil, try our Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Oil, which deeply nourishes with patauá oil while pongamia seed extract helps protect skin from environmental aggressors. It also has golden mica to instantly add a gorgeous shimmer.
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If you want a lightweight lotion, try our Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Lotion, silky, 100% mineral sunscreen lotion with cupuaçu butter to leave skin feeling hydrated and soft.
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Traveling? Pack our TSA-friendly 100ml Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Spray and the 90ml Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Oil in your carry-on for coverage on the go.
Want to try all three? Save when you shop the Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Trio.
How to Apply SPF
Even if you think you’re great about using sunscreen, you might not be applying it correctly. Here are some pro tips to get the most out of your Rio Radiance™ sunscreen:
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Apply generously: Use about a half-teaspoon of sunscreen for the face, and at least an ounce (the amount in a shot glass) for the rest of the body. When using a spray, be sure to cover each area, then rub in with your hands so you don’t miss anywhere.
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Don’t forget hidden spots: Some commonly missed areas include the ears, neck, hands, and feet. In direct sun, it’s recommended to wear a hat for added protection on the head and scalp, too.
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Re-apply every two hours: Put a timer on your phone so you don’t forget!
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Went swimming? Apply again: Took a dip in the water? Got extra sweaty? All of our sunscreens are water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, but you should still re-apply after toweling off.
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Keep it on-the-go: If you’ll be out for a while, it’s best to keep sunscreen with you for easy touch-ups. Worried about messing up your makeup? Try misting a spray sunscreen onto a makeup sponge, then blotting on top to avoid smudging.
Common SPF Myths Debunked
Now, for a little bit of myth-busting about how to wear sunscreen for maximum protection.
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Myth: You don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days. As we mentioned, 80% of UV rays can penetrate through clouds, and you can still get sunburned on overcast days. Don’t risk it!
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Myth: You don’t need to wear SPF every day. If you’re spending any time outside, in a car, or by a window, you’ll need to wear SPF. That would be pretty much every single day, by our measure!
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Myth: Skincare and makeup with SPF is enough. Moisturizers and makeup with built-in SPF can be excellent additions to your sun-care routine. That being said, in order to get the full amount of SPF promised, you would need to apply a very high volume. We recommend using these products as supplementary sun protection, and for touch-ups throughout the day.
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Myth: If you apply sunscreen in the morning, you’re set for the day. It’s easy to forget that you need to re-apply as the day goes on. But especially if you’re spending quality time outdoors, it’s important to re-up to keep your skin as protected as possible.
Now that you’re armed with these tips—and your favorite Rio Radiance™ sunscreens, of course—you’re ready to practice safe sun. Don’t forget to re-apply!
