sun protection factor
noun
: 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
On top of that, it’s formulated with SPF 40, providing notable protection against the sun’s UV rays (this is the second highest sun protection factor of our winners).
—
Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 12 Sep. 2023
Selecting a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) is essential.
—Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2023
Use one that offers broad-spectrum coverage to filter out both UVA and UVB rays and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
—Alyssa Hui Published, Verywell Health, 12 July 2023
That’s because the rating system for sunscreen products — better known as SPF (sun protection factor) — pertains only to a sunscreen’s effectiveness against UVB rays; UPF, on the other hand, gauges a fabric’s effectiveness at filtering both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB).
—Jen Ator, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2023
The fabric also offers the benefit of a sun protection factor of UPF 50, which protects the skin from sun damage.
—Courtney Leiva, Peoplemag, 10 June 2023
Here are some tips for using sunscreen:9 Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Reapply your sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
—Leah Groth, Health, 24 Mar. 2023
All sunscreens and sunblocks come with an SPF (sun protection factor).
—Claire Gillespie, Health, 24 Mar. 2023
The researchers had about 80 people put SPF30 sunscreen or moisturizer with the same sun protection factor on their faces.
—Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2019
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Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 12 Sep. 2023
Selecting a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) is essential.
—Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2023
Use one that offers broad-spectrum coverage to filter out both UVA and UVB rays and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
—Alyssa Hui Published, Verywell Health, 12 July 2023
That’s because the rating system for sunscreen products — better known as SPF (sun protection factor) — pertains only to a sunscreen’s effectiveness against UVB rays; UPF, on the other hand, gauges a fabric’s effectiveness at filtering both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB).
—Jen Ator, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2023
The fabric also offers the benefit of a sun protection factor of UPF 50, which protects the skin from sun damage.
—Courtney Leiva, Peoplemag, 10 June 2023
Here are some tips for using sunscreen:9 Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Reapply your sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
—Leah Groth, Health, 24 Mar. 2023
All sunscreens and sunblocks come with an SPF (sun protection factor).
—Claire Gillespie, Health, 24 Mar. 2023
The researchers had about 80 people put SPF30 sunscreen or moisturizer with the same sun protection factor on their faces.
—Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2019
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sun protection factor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1968, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of sun protection factor was
in 1968
Dictionary Entries Near sun protection factor
Cite this Entry
“Sun protection factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sun%20protection%20factor. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.
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Medical Definition
sun protection factor
noun
: spf
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