May 31, 2016 07:37 AM EDT By Anita Valencia, UniversityHerald Reporter

SPF sunscreen ratings refer to the measure of time it takes to shield the skin from UV rays. An oncologist and skin expert, Dr. Collete Pameijer conducted a research on SPF forms and finds that SPF is a personal number that may have different outputs on various types of skins.

A person with fair skin is likely to absorb more solar energy that of those with darker skin tone. Thus, it makes the amount of SPF and the frequency in applying differ from one to another.

Applying higher sunscreen SPF may not be wise

According to the expert, there is a wide range of UVA and UVB sun protection sold in the market. The values can be as small as 2 or as high as 100. It indicates how long a person should re-apply the protection in order not to get sun burnt. However, the protection of SPF 30 for someone may have different result compared to the other skin types.

Furthermore, Pameijer explained that higher SPF ratings, such as SPF 55, may not be effective if someone applies it incorrectly. Sunscreen, like lotion, has to be applied at least every two hours or more often if a person is sweating, FDA suggests. Otherwise there is a false sense of security that could take a lot of money for paying sun lotion with high SPF ratings.

Not planning to apply sun screen? Wear UV clothing instead

The important part of applying sunscreen on skin, according to Pameijer, is to ensure the skin gets the protection it needs. Some people prefer not to apply any lotion to their skins but they can opt for UV clothing instead.

Bright color shirts offer more UV protection for the skin. White fabrics, for instance, contain optical whitening agents which can absorb UV rays, Skin Cancer Foundation reported. There are also UV shirts that can be worn in and out of water and these shirts are less hassle because you do not need to re-apply.

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