We all know sunscreen is a must—but let’s be honest, most of us still get confused when we see labels like SPF 15, SPF 30, or SPF 50. What do those numbers really mean? How long do they protect your skin? Let’s break it down in a simple, salon-style way — just like how our Ashtamudi experts explain it to clients every day.
What Does SPF Actually Mean?
Think of SPF as a measure of how long your skin can safely stay in the sun without burning.
For example, if your skin normally starts to burn in 10 minutes without sunscreen, using SPF 30 means it would take 30 times longer (around 300 minutes) to burn.
But remember — that doesn’t mean you can stay out all day!
Sweat, water, and even pollution can reduce the sunscreen’s power. So reapply regularly.
What Does Sunscreen SPF Measure?
SPF measures protection against UVB rays (the ones that cause tanning and sunburn).
To protect your skin completely, you need a broad-spectrum sunscreen — that means it guards against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
Ashtamudi Cosmetics experts always recommend choosing broad-spectrum SPF 30 or SPF 50 for complete skin safety — whether you’re driving, walking, or relaxing at the beach.
SPF 15 vs SPF 30 vs SPF 50 — What’s the Difference?
Let’s keep this simple 👇
| SPF Level | % of UVB Blocked |
|---|---|
| SPF 15 | ~93% |
| SPF 30 | ~97% |
| SPF 50 | ~98% |
So yes, SPF 50 gives slightly more protection, but not double the power of SPF 25 or SPF 30. Still, that small extra percentage can really help if you have sensitive skin, pigmentation, or uneven tone.
Common Myths About Sunscreen
🚫 Myth 1: Higher SPF means longer protection.
✅ Truth: SPF tells how much UV is blocked, not how long it lasts. You still need to reapply every 2 hours.
🚫 Myth 2: SPF protects from all UV rays.
✅ Truth: It mainly blocks UVB. Always choose broad-spectrum protection for UVA too.
🚫 Myth 3: SPF 100 is much better than SPF 50.
✅ Truth: SPF 100 blocks 99%, while SPF 50 blocks 98%. The difference is just 1%.
🚫 Myth 4: Darker skin doesn’t need sunscreen.
✅ Truth: Melanin gives slight protection, but no skin is immune to sun damage. Everyone needs SPF.
How to Choose the Right SPF for You
Here’s what Ashtamudi Cosmetics experts recommend:
- Daily indoor/outdoor life: SPF 30 broad-spectrum is perfect.
- Beach, sports, or outdoor work: Go for SPF 50, water-resistant type.
- Sensitive or acne-prone skin: Choose non-comedogenic, mineral-based SPF 30–50.
- Pigmented or tanned skin: Use SPF 50 PA+++ regularly to prevent dark spots.
Look for ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or avobenzone — these give effective protection without harming your skin.
Application Tips for Best Protection
Always check the expiry date — expired SPF doesn’t work properly.
Use two fingers’ worth of sunscreen for your face and neck.
Apply 15–20 minutes before stepping out.
Reapply every 2 hours, especially if sweating or swimming.
Don’t forget your ears, neck, hands, and feet!
Use powder or moisturizer-based sunscreen for reapplication over makeup.
Final Thoughts from Ashtamudi Cosmetics
Healthy skin starts with consistent care, not just high SPF numbers.
Our experts at Ashtamudi believe in protecting your skin the natural way — with the right knowledge, good habits, and quality products that suit your lifestyle.
So next time you step out, let your glow stay protected — confidently and beautifully.
