Your SPF

Your SPF

The key to determining your SPF is identifying your skin type. Here are the six main skin types. Determine which one you are and then reference the SPF Chart below to maximize your protection when exposing yourself to the sun. Following these basic guidelines should ensure a nice even tan without burning.

Type 1 - Always burns easily, never tans, extremely sun sensitive. Includes red heads, freckle faced individuals.

Type 2 - Burns easily, tans minimally, also sun sensitive. Includes fair skinned, fair haired people. Many Northern Europeans fall into this group.

Type 3 - Sometimes burns, tans gradually to light brown, some sun sensitivity. Common among darker haired Caucasians.

Type 4 - Burns minimally, tans to moderate brown, and virtually no sun sensitivity.

Type 5 - Rarely burns, tans well, sun-insensitive skin. Includes Middle Eastern People, some Hispanics, some African Americans, and some native Americans.

Type 6 - Never burns, deeply pigmented, sun-insensitive skin.

The First Sunscreen

The first sunscreen is thought to have been developed in 1949 by chemist Franz Greiter. After getting a sunburn climbing the Alps, he made Glacier Cream which is believed to be SPF 2.

Your SPF

Did you know that up to 90% of visible aging is caused by sun exposure? Sunscreens help deflect and absorb harmful UV rays and protect the skin from photo damage. For the most protection, use a broad spectrum sunscreen that provides coverage from both UVA and UVB rays.

 

What SPF should you use?

The key to determining your SPF is identifying your skin type. Here are the six main skin types. Determine which one you are and then reference the SPF Chart below to maximize your protection when exposing yourself to the sun. Following these basic guidelines should ensure a nice even tan without burning.

Type 1 - Always burns easily, never tans, extremely sun sensitive.

  

Type 2 - Burns easily, tans minimally, also sun sensitive. 

  

Type 3 - Sometimes burns, tans gradually to light brown, some sun sensitivity.

  

Type 4 - Burns minimally, tans to moderate brown, and virtually no sun sensitivity.

  

Type 5 - Rarely burns, tans well, sun-insensitive skin.

  

Type 6 - Never burns, deeply pigmented, sun-insensitive skin.

SPF Basic Guidelines Chart 

If you are exposing yourself to the sun for the first time this season, I recommend starting with at least an SPF 30 for the first hour, followed by an SPF 50 for the second hour. It is best to limit your exposure to no more than 2 hours on your first day out. Otherwise follow these guidelines below to maximize your tan and minimize your burn.