the spf scoop

SPF stands for sun protection factor. Sunscreens are classified by an SPF number which refers to their ability to deflect UVB rays.

SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to burn sunscreen-protected skin vs. unprotected skin. So if a person who might typically burn after 10 minutes in the sun puts on SPF 2, they have double that time before a sunburn, so 20 minutes. Skin protected with SPF 15 would take 15 times longer, or 150 minutes for a sunburn to occur.

Keep in mind though, the increase from 20 to 45 level SPF provides only 2.8% more UV protection.

give your spf a big squeeze

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. More than 250,000 cases are diagnosed each year, resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths each year.

1 in 5 Americans and 1 in 3 Caucasians will develop skin cancer over the course of a lifetime. More than 90% of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. A person's risk for skin cancer doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns. So love your SPF, it could save your life.