Sun protection is not a luxury. It is a daily habit that helps shield your skin from long-term damage, premature ageing and pigmentation. Yet SPF remains one of the most misunderstood steps in skincare. Let’s clear things up.
SPF30 VS SPF50: HOW IT WORKS AND WHERE IT GOES WRONG
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The number indicates how much UVB radiation still reaches your skin. A simple rule of thumb:
- SPF10 allows 10 percent of UVB through → 90% protection
- SPF30 allows 3.3 percent through → 96.7% protection
- SPF50 allows 2 percent through → 98% protection
The jump from SPF10 to 30 is significant. From 30 to 50 it is much smaller. That is why we recommend using at least SPF30, but placing more focus on how you apply it.
In lab tests, SPF is measured under ideal conditions: two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimetre of skin. That translates to about one third of a teaspoon for the face and neck, or 30 ml for the whole body.
In reality, people often use half that amount. You may think you are wearing SPF30, but in practice it performs closer to SPF10.
That is why it is important to:
- apply generously
- reapply every two hours when exposed to sunlight
- and use additional protection like clothing, hats or shade during intense or prolonged exposure
The number on the bottle matters, but how you use it makes the real difference.
UVA, UVB AND SCREENS WHY LIGHT STILL MATTERS INDOORS
UVB is mostly responsible for sunburn. UVA penetrates deeper, breaking down collagen, accelerating pigmentation and weakening skin structure. And yes, UVA is present in all weather conditions, even when it is cloudy or you are sitting near a window indoors.
This is why we recommend applying SPF every day, regardless of season or sunlight.
Research also shows that blue light (HEV light) from digital screens can damage the skin. It has been linked to:
- increased free radical activity
- pigmentation changes
- premature ageing
So if you spend hours behind a screen, daily protection becomes even more essential.
HOW SUNSCREEN FILTERS WORK
Sunscreen protects the skin by either blocking or absorbing harmful rays. There are two main types of filters:
- Physical filters reflect UV rays, are gentle on sensitive skin, and may leave a light white cast
- Chemical filters absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, often feeling lighter on the skin
Most formulas at Salon d’Homme use a combination of both, offering broad-spectrum protection in a texture that feels pleasant on the skin. The higher the SPF, the more filters are needed. That makes it more challenging to keep a product both effective and comfortable.
That is why we go beyond protection and texture when selecting our products. Every daily moisturiser at Salon d’Homme contains a high SPF, but that is just the beginning. They are also enriched with active ingredients that:
- neutralise free radicals
- retain moisture
- strengthen the skin barrier
So you are not just protected from the sun, but also from external stressors like pollution, wind and everyday environmental exposure. One smart step that protects and cares for your skin without complicating your routine.
HOW TO APPLY SPF PROPERLY
- Apply SPF as the final step in your morning routine
- Use two finger lengths for your face and neck
- Reapply every two hours when exposed to sun, sweat or water
Think of it as brushing your teeth. Easy to forget at first, but eventually second nature.
CONCLUSION
SPF is not about sunny holidays or a number on a label. It is about daily protection against invisible damage that often shows up years later. SPF30 or higher is a smart start, but how much you use, how well you apply it and how often you repeat it is what truly counts.
At Salon d’Homme, we help you find products that go further. Protecting, hydrating and reinforcing the skin in one simple step. Because effective should also mean effortless.
REFERENCES
- Wang, S. Q., et al. (2001). Ultraviolet A and B protection by sunscreens: in vitro measurements. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 44(5), 781–784.
- Nakashima, Y., et al. (2021). Blue light-induced oxidative stress in live skin. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 162, 162–168.
- Duteil, L., et al. (2014). Differences in visible light-induced pigmentation according to wavelengths: a clinical and histological study in comparison with UVB exposure. Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research, 27(5), 822–826.
- Osterwalder, U., et al. (2014). Rational approach to broad-spectrum sunscreen protection. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, 30(6), 323–329.
