SPF 30 VS 50. Which One Is The Best In 2024?

SPF 30 and SPF 50 are one of the most popular types of sunscreen. Their main differences are price and level of protection. Both are very effective in protecting your skin, but SPF 50 does it better. On the other hand, its price is higher, so for some people, SPF 30 can still be a perfect choice due to its lowest price and good level of protection.

Table of Content

• Understanding SPF: What Does Mean?
• SPF 30 Vs 50. What Is Better?
• How Often Should You Use Sunscreen?
• Is SPF 30 Really Enough?
• Conclusion

Let’s be honest, everyone wants to have clean and beautiful skin. Over time our skin gets older, and for many of us the main question is: “How do I make my skin look better over time?”

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Well, the answer is pretty complex. Eating healthy, being active, staying hydrated, and blah blah blah. Don’t get me wrong, it all works perfectly, but together without a good skincare routine, the result will not be as astounding as it might be. 

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The environment affects our skin, and the sun’s UV rays do it as well. That’s why using SPF is crucial to every good skincare routine. Sunscreen protects your skin against UV rays and prevents fast aging.

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But when it comes to choosing the right SPF, many people see different types of it in drug stores or supermarkets. There’s SPF 10, 20, 30, 50, 100+. Which one do you choose? Let’s talk about it today!

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In this article, I’ll teach you everything about SPF, and what types of SPF are out there. Then we’ll take the two most popular types (SPF 30, and SPF 50) and compare them so that you better understand what will work the best personally for you.

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Before we start, I recommend you to read my previous articles about skincare, like 9 Best Toners For Combination Skin or How Do Pimple Patches Work?

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Without further ado, let’s dive deep into today’s topic!

Understanding SPF: What Does Mean?

You probably know that sunscreen is your trusty shield against the sun’s harmful UV rays. At its core is SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, which rates the sunscreen’s capacity to guard your skin from UVB rays. But do you actually know what these SPF numbers really mean?

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The SPF number tells you how well a sunscreen protects your precious skin against UVB rays. SPF 30 filters about 97% of these rays, while SPF 50 offers slightly higher protection at approximately 98%. Now, you might think that SPF 50 is the clear winner here with that extra 1%, but it's not quite that simple.

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While SPF is vital, it doesn't work linearly. SPF 30 doesn't offer half the protection of SPF 60. In reality, SPF 30 filters out around 97% of UVB rays, meaning it lets 3% through. When you step up to SPF 50, it blocks about 98%, allowing 2% of UVB rays through. You might think it's not a difference at all, but this one percent will make a slightly bigger difference eventually. But is it worth paying more? That’s up to you.

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Generally, there are many other types of SPF numbers that are even bigger than these most popular ones. But the difference between them is even smaller. The price on the other hand is always way bigger. 

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Don’t spend your money on very big SPF numbers, this will not make your skin look noticeably better. 

SPF 30 Vs 50. What Is Better?

In the great SPF debate, where do SPF 30 and SPF 50 fit in? To make a choice you will not regret, it's crucial to understand their differences, so listen carefully. The SPF number indicates the sunscreen's effectiveness against UVB rays. 

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UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburn, which by itself doesn't sound as scary. But when you understand that it can lead to skin cancer, it gets way more scary. Now, SPF 30 filters out approximately 97% of UVB rays. It lets 3% through, which might not sound like a lot, but it can add up over time, especially during extended sun exposure. 

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On the other hand, SPF 50 provides a bit more protection, blocking around 98% of UVB rays and allowing only 2% to reach your skin. The key point here is that the difference between SPF 30 and 50 isn't as dramatic as it may seem. The numbers represent the percentage of UVB rays the sunscreen filters out. 

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While SPF 50 offers marginally better protection, both SPF 30 and 50 are effective at shielding your skin from UVB damage when used correctly.

How Often Should You Use Sunscreen?

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Actually, choosing between SPF 30 and 50 isn't just about the initial protection they offer; it also involves considering how frequently you can reapply sunscreen. Sunscreen's effectiveness wanes over time due to factors like sweating, swimming, or just the simple passage of time.

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This is why experts recommend reapplying sunscreen every two hours when you're outdoors. If you're engaged in vigorous activities, swimming, or sweating profusely, it's essential to reapply even more frequently. 

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The durability of SPF 50 shines in this context. Since it initially provides slightly better protection, it can afford you an extra layer of safety between reapplications.

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But should you buy SPF 50 for a slightly longer effect? I wouldn’t say so. It's vital to note that diligent reapplication with SPF 30 can level the playing field. If you're vigilant about reapplying SPF 30 every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating, it can offer nearly as robust protection as SPF 50 in most scenarios. 

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So, when debating SPF 30 vs. 50, it's not just about the number but also about how consistently and thoroughly you apply and reapply your sunscreen.

Is SPF 30 Really Enough?

The burning question for many sun-wary individuals is whether SPF 30 is truly sufficient. Let's be honest, it's enough for the vast majority of your activities outside. Remember, it blocks about 97% of UVB rays, meaning only 3% reach your skin. This level of protection can be perfectly suitable for everyday activities when used correctly.

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However, certain situations demand a more robust sun shield, and this is where SPF 50 comes into play. If you're planning an entire day outdoors, especially during the peak sun hours, or you have fair, sensitive skin prone to burning, SPF 50 might be the wiser choice. The extra 1% of UVB rays blocked might not seem like much, but it can make a difference, especially over prolonged exposure.

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Moreover, SPF 50 can be the superior option for those with a history of skin cancer or skin conditions that require extra protection. Dermatologists often recommend SPF 50 for their patients with such concerns, as it provides an added layer of security against harmful UVB rays. While SPF 30 can work well for most people, SPF 50 is the go-to choice when you need an extra margin of safety.

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Wanna make sure you make the best choice ever while choosing sunscreen? Just consider your skin type, activities, and the duration of sun exposure. In everyday situations, SPF 30 is usually enough, but there's no harm in opting for SPF 50 for those long beach days or hiking adventures. 

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Ultimately, the best sunscreen is the one you'll use diligently, so choose accordingly, and worry about it much, you're fairly safe anyway.

Conclusion

There are a lot of different types of sunscreen. but the most popular ones are SPF 30 and SPF 50. 

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Let’s compare them again:

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• SPF 30: Ideal for everyday use, it's suitable for a wide range of activities and skin types. Just remember to reapply it diligently, especially if you're sweating or swimming. If you're indoors most of the day or your sun exposure is brief, SPF 30 should have you covered.

• SPF 50: Opt for this option if you're planning a full day in the sun, have fair or sensitive skin, or a history of skin conditions. SPF 50 is also an excellent choice for those who want an extra layer of protection without frequent reapplication.

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Don’t forget to use a good skincare routine to make sure your skin looks better over time. The more consistent you are with it, the better results you will have in the long run.

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Thank you for reading. Hope you enjoyed reading this article and better understand what is SPF, and what’s the difference between those weir numbers!

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