sun protection factor

noun

Definition of sun protection factor

: a number assigned to a sunscreen that is the factor by which the time required for unprotected skin to become sunburned is increased when the sunscreen is used —abbreviation SPF

Examples of sun protection factor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying a water-resistant broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher. — Heloise, Washington Post, "Hints From Heloise: Pop this balloon," 13 July 2019 Lotions, foams and sprays that prevent sunburn are tested at 2 milligrams per square centimeter of skin to determine the sun protection factor, or SPF. — Jo Craven Mcginty, WSJ, "The Burning Question: How Much Sunscreen?," 29 June 2018 Choose sunscreen that is broad-spectrum (blocks UVB and UVA rays) with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. — Katy Mullens, Md, USA TODAY, "Ask a Doc: How do I keep my newborn safe from the summer heat and sunshine?," 12 June 2018 Legitimate sunscreens are made in a wide range of sun protection factor values, also known as SPF values, and are over-the-counter drugs that come in many forms. — NBC News, "Sunscreen pills are fake medicine, FDA says," 23 May 2018 Typically, the first line of business is to decide on your level of SPF, or sun protection factor. — CNN Underscored, "Do your skin a favor with this top-rated sunscreen," 1 Nov. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sun protection factor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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The first known use of sun protection factor was in 1968

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sun protection factor

noun

Medical Definition of sun protection factor

: spf

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