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Wednesday's beauty question:what is SPF?

SPF, kezaco? The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) or SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is the index that determines the effectiveness of a sunscreen product, i.e. its ability to protect the skin against sunburn. Sun. It is calculated in relation to the European standard which recommends applying 2 mg of sunscreen lotion per cm² of skin, every two hours. This index measures the rate of absorption by the skin of UVB, responsible for sunburn. It does not indicate the UVA protection provided, but legally, this corresponds to at least 1/3 of the SPF index.

20, 30, 50, 50+…what does that mean? Sun indices correspond to the percentage of UVB blocked. So an SPF 20 blocks about 92%, a 30.95% and a 50.98%. Until 2006, indices 60, 80 or 100 were available within the European Union (and still exist abroad). The problem ? Difficult for consumers to understand what they corresponded to. For many, applying an index of 100 provided 100% protection for the whole day, without having to reapply. But no, the total screen does not exist (unless you stay locked in a room without a window…)!! The Colipa (European Cosmetics Federation) has therefore grouped all indices above 50 under the name "50 +". Good to know:the SPF index is regulated, so regardless of the brand or the texture of the sunscreen product, an SPF 30 always provides the same protection.

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