SPF 30 and SPF 50: Choosing the Right Sunscreen
Key Takeaways
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As they say, well begun is half done. And, when you start your skincare routine right with sunscreen, the rest is going to automatically fall into place.
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When we talk about SPF 30 vs SPF 50, both protect well, but SPF 50 sunscreen gives a stronger defense in harsh sun. You should choose your SPF based on your skin type, lifestyle, and climate. This consideration holds true for your face care products, body care products and more as well.
In This Article
SPF 30 vs SPF 50: Key Difference
Which SPF Should You Choose Based on Skin Type?
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors That Influence Your Choice
Common Myths About SPF 30 and SPF 50
Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Sunscreen
Introduction
No matter how good your brightening skincare products are, or how thoughtfully you choose the best products for skincare routine, if sunscreen is not a part of your daily routine; you are not giving the necessary TLC to your skin that it truly deserves.
Sunscreen is not just a skincare product, but your everyday shield against tanning, premature aging, wrinkles, and skin damage. But here comes the big question. Should you choose SPF 30 sunscreen or SPF 50 sunscreen? In this blog, we are going to talk about the sunscreen SPF meaning and lay out the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50.
What Does SPF Really Mean?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The SPF number tells you how well a sunscreen is going to protect your skin against the UVB rays. These are the rays that are responsible for sunburn, skin damage, and long-term skin damage.
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SPF 30 meaning
It means that your sunscreen can block about 97% of UVB rays.
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SPF 50 meaning.
It means that the sunscreen can block about 98% of UVB rays. We know it sounds like a tiny difference, but in reality that 1% matters a lot if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
Therefore, the sunscreen SPF meaning is very simple. The higher the number, the stronger the shield.
SPF 30 vs SPF 50: Key Difference
The difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 has nothing to do with all day protection. Both need reapplication every 2-3 hours. The idea is to figure out if SPF 30 sunscreen suits you better or SPF 50 sunscreen, depending on your lifestyle;
Factor |
SPF 30 |
SPF 50 |
Protection level |
About 97% UVB protection |
About 98% UVB protection |
Duration |
2–3 hours (before reapplication) |
2–3 hours (before reapplication) |
Best for |
Indoor workers, mild sun exposure |
Outdoor workers, high sun exposure |
SPF 30 vs 50 |
Less intense but effective |
Stronger shield, great for harsh sun |
Which SPF Should You Choose Based on Skin Type?
Sunscreens do not come with a one-size-fits-all approach. How much SPF is good for your face and your decision to opt for SPF 30 versus SPF 50 has a lot to do with your skin type;
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Normal skin
Both SPF 30 sunscreen and SPF 50 sunscreen will work well for normal skin. Your choice is going to depend upon your sun exposure.
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Sensitive skin
Higher protection is safer in this case, so SPF 30 sunscreen will matter more for you.
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Oily skin
Are you wondering how much SPF is good for oily skin? We think it would be a good idea to go for a lightweight SPF 50 sunscreen that doesn't clog your pores.
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Dry skin
You can opt for an SPF 30 sunscreen that also offers moisturising benefits.
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Combination skin
Here, you can mix and match depending on your routine. SPF 30 when you are staying indoors and SPF 50 for outdoors.
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors That Influence Your Choice
It's not just your skin type, but also your lifestyle and environment that decide whether SPF 30 or SPF 50 should be your choice.
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Outdoor vs indoor lifestyle
If you work from home or in an office, SPF 30 sunscreen is usually enough. But if you're constantly on the move, SPF 50 sunscreen is going to give a stronger defence.
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Climate and sun intensity (tropical countries, beach vacations)
In tropical countries like India, where the sun shines all through the year, SPF 50 sunscreen is always a smarter pick.
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Pollution and high UV index zones.
SPF 50 + PA sunscreen is going to work like a skin saviour for you if you stay in high UV index zones.
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Daily commute exposure
No matter if your daily commute is on a bike or in a car, SPF 30 vs SPF 50 depends on how much sun you face daily.
Common Myths About SPF 30 and SPF 50
When it comes to sunscreen, misinformation can spread very fast. So come along and let us bust some myths about SPF 30 vs SPF 50 and how much SPF is good;
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“SPF 50 is double the protection of SPF 30”
The difference is just one percent. SPF 30 provides 97 per cent protection and SPF 50 sunscreen provides 98 percent protection. Having said that, this one percent can also make a huge difference.
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Higher SPF means all-day protection (not true, reapplication is key)
Both SPF 30 versus SPF 50 need reapplication every two to three hours.
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Darker skin doesn’t need sunscreen (myth)
Melanin offers some natural protection against the sun, but it is not enough. Everyone, regardless of skin tone and type, needs sunscreen.
Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Sunscreen
Before you pick the best skin care products for dull skin in India, or an SPF 30 sunscreen, or an SPF 50 sunscreen, here are a few things that you can keep in mind;
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Always look for a broad spectrum (UVA + UVB).
Broad spectrum is a must. Look for a sunscreen that can provide protection against UVA and UVB rays.
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Consider PA+++ rating in addition to SPF.
Are you thinking about the SPF 50 PA meaning? It simply suggests that your sunscreen is going to give you higher UVA protection, prevent tanning, and wrinkles.
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Texture/formulation (gel, cream, spray) based on skin type
Opt for creamy textures for dry skin, gel-based sunscreen for oily skin, and spray sunscreen for quick use when needed. For oily texture or acne-prone skin, you can also check out Ghar Soaps’ collection of acne products for targeted action.
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Water resistance for outdoor activities
Water-resistant sunscreen is a must-have for you if you sweat it out outdoors or frequently go swimming.
If you are looking for a trusted option, Ghar Soap's Magic Glow Sunscreen SPF 50+ and PA++++ is best sunscreen for daily use and is going to be an absolute game changer for your skincare routine. It's non-sticky, ultra-lightweight, and has the power of saffron and vitamin E. In addition to the Magic Glow Sunscreen, you can also explore Ghar Soaps’ range of bath soaps, exfoliate products, etc.
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