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1 spf is equal to how many minutes
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Question #18173
9 hours ago
7

1 spf is equal to how many minutes - #18173

Atharv

I am kinda confused right now. Last summer, I spent a lot of time at the beach, and I felt like I was constantly reapplying sunscreen, but I never really understood the whole 1 SPF is equal to how many minutes thing. My friend said like, “Oh, 1 SPF is equal to how many minutes of protection?” and I thought I was good with just that info. But then when I checked, I couldn't find a clear answer. I usually burn really easily, like I can be out in the sun for just 20 mins and start turning pink. I often use SPF 30, but does that mean I have 30 times the protection? Or is there a different way to think about that? Maybe I missed some science class. It feels like everyone talks about SPF but hardly anyone explains how long 1 SPF is equal to how many minutes of actual protection. Is it just about skin type, or is there more to know? Should I apply every hour? Also, if I’m swimming, does that change how long 1 SPF is equal to how many minutes of protection? Feeling a bit overwhelmed here, any insight would really help!

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