Close-up of rich, light brown woodgrain texture used as the background pattern for Sun Bum SPF 50 sunscreen packaging

Original SPF 50 Sunscreen

The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) on a bottle of sunscreen indicates the level of protection we're getting from the sun's UVB rays—which are the sun rays most commonly responsible for sunburns and skin cancer. SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays.

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Is It Good to Wear SPF 50 Every Day?

Absolutely. SPF 50 sunscreen is a great everyday choice, even if you are mostly indoors. It gives you a little more protection than SPF 30, blocking about 98 percent of UVB rays, and it helps guard against UVA rays that can still reach you through windows. Most dermatologists agree that daily sunscreen is one of the easiest ways to help prevent sunburn, early signs of aging, and skin cancer. Just put on a good layer in the morning, and reapply if you are outside for a while. Your skin will thank you later.

Will You Still Tan With SPF 50?

Yes, you can still tan while wearing SPF 50 sunscreen. It blocks about 98 percent of UVB rays, which means a small amount still reaches your skin and can trigger melanin production. That is what creates a tan. The tan might come on slower and look lighter, but it is still a sign your skin is reacting to sun exposure. SPF 50 gives you strong protection, but no sunscreen blocks everything. So if you are out in the sun for a while, apply it generously, reapply every 80 minutes, and know that a safe glow is better than a painful burn.

How Long Will SPF 50 Protect You?

SPF 50 sunscreen offers strong protection for 80 minutes once it’s applied evenly and in generous layers, and that clock starts ticking as soon as you head outside. Even though SPF 50 blocks roughly 98 percent of UVB rays, it doesn’t last longer than other SPFs, so whether you’re at the beach or just walking the dog, reapply every 80 minutes or right after swimming or sweating. Think of SPF rating as the strength of the shield; not how long it stays up. Sun protection comes from staying on top of it.