Pennsylvania Cosmetology Practice Exam

The recommendation for daily use of sunscreen is generally 30 SPF. This level of protection blocks about 97% of UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn and can contribute to skin cancer. SPF 30 is considered to provide adequate protection for most people during daily activities, especially when combined with other sun protection measures such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and reapplying sunscreen every two hours. SPF levels higher than 30, such as 50 or 100, can offer slightly better protection, but the difference in UVB ray blockage is minimal (about 98% for SPF 50 and 99% for SPF 100). Furthermore, people often apply sunscreen in insufficient amounts, which can lead to reduced effectiveness, particularly with higher SPF amounts. This is why SPF 30 is often suggested; it strikes a balance between sufficient protection and practicality for everyday use. Using sunscreen with SPF 15 may not provide adequate protection for prolonged exposure, which could lead to an increased risk of skin damage, while higher SPFs may create a false sense of security, leading individuals to spend more time in the sun without reapplying. Therefore, for overall daily usage, SPF 30 is widely regarded as the ideal choice.