Which sunscreen protects you the best: SPF 30 or SPF 50?

Sun cream isn’t just for the beach – and yes, you need it more than you think

Think again if you thought sun creams were only for those blistering August days or the two weeks spent in Marbella. The truth is, whether you’re walking the dog, doing the school run, or simply enjoying a cup of tea by a sunlit window, the sun’s rays are reaching your skin – and doing their damage quietly, day after day. The question is asked every summer (and should be all year round): which SPF do you choose? There are bottles ranging from SPF 15 to SPF 100. But most of us can’t decide between SPF 30 or SPF 50. Which is better? Is it just clever marketing or is this all a misunderstanding? Let’s look at it properly.

What exactly is SPF? How to break down the numbers

SPF is the acronym for Sun Protection Factor. This is not just some random number. SPF measures how long you’re protected against UVB (rays that cause skin cancer and sunburn) compared to if you didn’t wear any protection. Theoretically, if your skin would start to burn after 10 minutes of exposure to the sun, SPF 30 will extend that time to 300 minutes. SPF 30 may seem simple, yet there are more benefits.

SPF 30 blocks around 97% of UVB rays while SPF50 increases that to about 98%. It sounds like a tiny difference, but in real-world conditions – like when you don’t put on enough, or you forget to reapply – that extra percent matters.

According to dermatologists no SPF is able to block 100 percent of UV rays. It’s important to reapply every two hours, especially after sweating or swimming.

SPF 30 vs SPF50: When is it important to know the difference?

Let’s face it, we don’t always apply the recommended shot glass amount of sunblock. In practice, the SPF 50 offers an extra layer of protection when you are likely to miss spots and not reapply sunscreen as often as recommended. If you’re someone who spends hours in the sun – whether you’re gardening, hiking, or just glued to the deckchair – SPF 50 is your safer bet.

What if you spend most of your time indoors or only go for short walks? If you are usually indoors or only go out for short walks, SPF 30 will be fine. Just make sure you apply it correctly and reapply it if you spend a long time outdoors.

Skin type and lifestyle – It’s not ‘one size fits all’

• Do you have fair, sensitive, mature, or mature-looking skin? If you’re prone to burning more easily, use SPF 50.
• Darker skin tones? Although more melanin can provide a natural defense, sun damage and skin cancer don’t discriminate. It is recommended to use SPF 30, but you may want to consider SPF 50 if the sun is strong.
• Are you oily or acne-prone? Consider using a lightweight, water-based or gel-based formulation. Nobody wants to have a shiny, sticky face.
• What if you have dry skin or sensitive skin? You can keep your skin happy by using creamier sunscreens or lotions with ingredients like hyaluronic acids or ceramides.

What the pros say about texture, application, and more

If you have ever cursed an unblendable, sticky sunscreen, you are not alone. The best sunscreen is one you will actually use. For oily skin types, matte finishes are ideal, while rich creams with a dewy finish are best for dry skin types. Some modern formulas feel and look like nothing.

The dermatologists have a great tip for you: apply two fingers of sunscreen to your neck and face. Yes, really! What about your body? Imagine a shotglass. Reapply after swimming or every two hours.

Remember broad-spectrum protection: SPF measures only UVB protection. UVA rays also age the skin, and can cause cancer. Look for the “broad spectrum” label.

Dr Gaur also warns: “Don’t get fooled by SPF 70 or 100 – above SPF 50, there’s barely any extra benefit, and people often get a false sense of security and forget to reapply.”

Common sunscreen mistakes  and how to avoid them

• If you don’t buy enough, you are at risk.
• Missing spots: Ears, eyelids, lips, back of the neck – easy to forget, easy to burn.
• Relying solely on makeup is not enough. Even if you use a foundation with SPF, that’s usually not enough.
• If you forget to reapply, sweat, water and time will all wear away the product.

Tip: Use your phone to set a reminder. You’ll thank yourself later.

What is the difference between SPF 30 and 50?

Here’s the bottom line: both are great – but how and when you use them makes the real difference.

• If you spend most of your time indoors and have darker skin, or if you don’t tend to burn easily, choose SPF 30.
• If you plan to be outside for a long time, have sensitive, fair, or light skin, and are not very diligent about reapplying sunscreen, then SPF50 is the best choice.

As every dermatologist will tell, consistency is more important than perfection. It’s better to use SPF 30 every day rather than buy SPF 50 only when you remember.

FAQs about SPF: What sun seekers need to know

• Does a higher SPF mean better? Does higher SPF mean better? The improvements above SPF 50 are minimal.
• Does SPF prevent all skin aging? But hats and sunglasses are important too.
• What happens if I’m using sunscreen from last year? Check the expiry dates. Sun cream that has expired may not provide protection.

SPF 30 and 50 both work – if you use them well. Do not let your indecision prevent you from protecting yourself. Choose a formula that you enjoy and apply it often. You’ll thank your skin and future self.

You should only use sunscreen that you will actually wear.