When you pick up a sunscreen, the first thing you probably notice is the number on the bottle — SPF 15, 30, 50, maybe even 100. But what do these numbers actually mean? And which one is better for you? At Minara, we know choosing the right SPF can be confusing, so let’s break it down in the simplest way possible.
What Does SPF Mean?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It measures how well the sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays (the rays responsible for sunburn and skin damage).
- SPF 15 → Blocks about 93% of UVB rays
- SPF 30 → Blocks about 97% of UVB rays
- SPF 50 → Blocks about 98% of UVB rays
- SPF 100 → Blocks about 99% of UVB rays
Surprising, right? The difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 isn’t as huge as most people think.
Which Number Should You Choose?
The “best” SPF really depends on your skin type and lifestyle:
- Everyday Indoor Use → SPF 30 is usually enough, especially if you spend most of your time inside but still get some sun through windows.
- Outdoor Activities → SPF 50 is ideal if you’re out for long hours, exercising, or at the beach.
- Sensitive or Fair Skin → Higher SPF (like 50+) gives extra reassurance against burns and tanning.
Why SPF Isn’t Everything
While SPF tells you how much protection you get from burning rays, it doesn’t tell the full story. You also need to look for broad-spectrum protection, which shields you from both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays).
That’s why all Minara Sunscreens are:
✔ Broad-spectrum (UVA + UVB protection)
✔ Available in SPF 30 and SPF 50
✔ Designed for different skin types (gel, cream, matte, mineral, and water-resistant)
The Golden Rule: Reapply!
No matter which SPF number you choose, sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2–3 hours for it to work effectively. SPF 50 won’t protect you all day unless you top it up.
