Introduction:
Sun protection plays a crucial role in day-to-day life for several reasons. Sun exposure can result in skin damage, like sunburn, wrinkles, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Sun protection with sunscreen or protective accessories helps shield the skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation emitted from the sunlight. Moreover, sun protection helps circumvent the development of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone caused by skin exposure.
So, incorporating sun protection into the daily skincare routine, including topical cream, protective clothing, and sunglasses, is a rudimentary and essential practice to safeguard skin health, appearance, and overall well-being. Sun protection is more likely to help one get high on the outdoors safely while reducing the acute and long-term consequences of sun damage.
What Is SPF?
SPF typically stands for sun protection factor, which is the numerical rating signifying how well the sunscreen (cream or topical sunblock) filters out the ultraviolet radiation from the sun. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), SPF is the measurement of the amount of time exposure to ultraviolet B radiation required to cause sunburn on protected skin. So, it signifies the level of sun protection, with higher numbers providing more protection. It is crucial to use sunscreen with appropriate sun protection factors.
What Is UPF?
Ultraviolet protective factor (UPF) is a measurement criterion for how much ultraviolet light passes via sun-protective fabrics before attaining the skin. This also measures how effective the clothing can be in blocking certain forms of ultraviolet radiation. Clothing with a UPF of 50 and greater provides exquisite protection by inhibiting over 98 percent of the UV rays. UPF-rated fabrics are greater choices for excess sun protection, particularly in outdoor activities.
What Is the Difference Between SPF and UPF?
SPF and UPF are used for the measurement of sun protection, but they both apply to different things. They also differ in what they measure and certain things. The attributes discriminating SPF and UPD are discussed below.
Application:
SPF and UPF possess distinct applications.
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The sun protection factor (SPF) is chiefly used for sunscreen creams and sunblock products administered directly to the face or skin. This indicates how well a sunscreen could protect the skin from ultraviolet B radiation. Ultraviolet B radiation is a form of rays emitted from the sunlight that is attributable to sunburn and skin damage.
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In contrast, the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) is used for measuring the protection with means of clothing and textiles. So, it signifies how efficacious clothing or fabric is at blocking the two kinds of radiation, ultraviolet A and B rays, from reaching the skin.
Measurements:
SPF and UPF are expressed in varied ways.
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The SPF number is the reflection of how long it takes to induce sunburn when wearing sunscreen compared to no application. The sun protection increases as the SPF number increases. However, sun protection also relies on the intensity of the sun's radiation and the amount of sunscreen applied. SPF is expressed as numerical ratings like SPF 15, SPF 30, and SPF 50, quantifying the level of protection against UVB rays.
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UPF rating system is similar to that of the SPF system. A higher UPF value unveils greater protection. UPF is also expressed in numerical ratings, generally ranging from UPF 15 to UPF 50+. It implies how well a garment or clothing guards the skin from UVA and UVB radiation.
UV Range:
Two fundamental types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight cause skin aging, burns, and skin cancer. They include UVA and UVB rays. UVA is typically the longest wave of radiation that tends to cause premature aging and wrinkles. On the contrary, UVB is shortwave rays that result in sunburn and sequelae of sunburns.
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SPF markedly accentuates ultraviolet B protection, which is the contributing factor for sunburn and skin cancer. However, the sunscreen does not intercept UVA rays unless that specified product is labeled as broad spectrum. Dermatologists usually recommend sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 as it protects the skin 30 times longer compared to no sunscreen application.
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UPF embraces both UVA and UVB protection. The ultraviolet protection factor provides a broader range of coverage and shields against various types of ultraviolet radiation.
Requiring Reapplication:
People are somehow exposed to potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation even while ambling outside during the cloudy season. Hence, reapplication of the sunblock or cream is consistently practiced.
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For sunscreen containing broad-spectrum or SPF, it is advised to reapply the sunscreen two hours after exposure to the sun or following the initial application. It is also recommended to reapply the sunscreen cream every two hours for adequate protection. Sunscreen is usually water-resistant and not water-proof. Hence, one must consider reapplication topical cream right after a shower or swimming.
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The UPF does not require any reapplication. Hence, UPF is considered a great low-maintenance option compared to the SPF. Moreover, UPF is not greasy, and one does not need to bother about accessing sunscreen in the eyes.
Is UPF Considered Better Than SPF?
UPF and SPF serve different applications and purposes. However, one is only sometimes better or more effective than the other. They usually complement each other. SPF helps prevent sunburn and skin damage. UPF-rated clothing contributes an additional layer of protection, specifically for the areas of the body that are covered. Using both sunscreens containing a high SPF and wearing fabric with a high UPF is considered a good strategy for comprehensive protection from the skin, particularly in circumstances where one is exposed to the sun for prolonged periods. They work together to help protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Conclusion:
In summary, the sun protection factor (SPF) is meant to assess the sun protection of sunscreens and topical products, while the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) is for evaluating the sun protection of fabrics and clothing. Nevertheless, it is crucial to understand that SPF and UPF are essential for fortifying and safeguarding the skin from the potentially harmful effects of the sun.
