What does SPF 6 indicate on sunscreen?

What does SPF 6 indicate on sunscreen?

• A. The sunscreen protects from UVA rays for 6 hours
• B. It prolongs the time to sun burn by a factor of 6
• C. It will continue to work 60 minutes in water
• D. It protects from UVB rays for 6 hours

Answer: (B)

SPF shows how much longer you can stay in the sun before you burn when sunscreen is used correctly. An SPF of 6 means you can stay about six times longer before burning compared with not wearing sunscreen, assuming you apply enough product and reapply as directed. This is a simplification that depends on proper application and factors like sweating or swimming. SPF mainly reflects protection against UVB rays, which cause sunburn. It does not indicate UVA protection, nor does it guarantee a fixed number of hours of coverage in or out of water. Water resistance is a separate label that indicates how long the product remains effective while swimming or sweating, after which reapplication is needed. For kids, use a broad‑spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply at least every two hours or after swimming or heavy sweating.

SPF shows how much longer you can stay in the sun before you burn when sunscreen is used correctly. An SPF of 6 means you can stay about six times longer before burning compared with not wearing sunscreen, assuming you apply enough product and reapply as directed. This is a simplification that depends on proper application and factors like sweating or swimming.

SPF mainly reflects protection against UVB rays, which cause sunburn. It does not indicate UVA protection, nor does it guarantee a fixed number of hours of coverage in or out of water. Water resistance is a separate label that indicates how long the product remains effective while swimming or sweating, after which reapplication is needed.

For kids, use a broad‑spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply at least every two hours or after swimming or heavy sweating.