Home / Sun Protection Information Center / SPF & UPF: What's the difference?  SPF & UPF: What's the difference? SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) are both standards that measure the amount of sun protection. • SPF is the standard for measuring the effectiveness of sunscreen. • UPF is the rating system used for sun protective fabrics and clothing. SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) was developed to describe the amount of protection that a sunscreen provides. SPF ratings apply mainly to UVB rays only. SPF numbers tell a person how much longer he/she can stay in the sun without burning while wearing sunscreen as opposed to not wearing any sun protection. For example, if your skin usually burns in 10 minutes (without any type of sun protection,) then an SPF of 15 means that you can stay in the sun 15 times longer (10 x 15 = 150 minutes) until you begin to burn. It is important to note that an SPF of 30 is not twice as protective as an SPF of 15. If viewed in terms of percentages, SPF 15 blocks approximately 93 percent of all incoming UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 97 percent; and SPF 50 blocks 99 percent. No sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor)
The UPF rating system measures the UV protection provided by fabric and clothing. It is similar to the SPF system used for sunscreens, although the UPF testing includes both UVB and UVA radiation. Garments are rated on a scale of 15 to 50+, with 50+ being the highest level of protection. The table below illustrates the various UPF ratings and the corresponding percentage of UV blocked:
• All of Suntego’s certified sun protective clothing is clearly labeled with a UPF number on the item’s product page. Likewise, all clothing displaying a UPF rating has been tested and rated by independent laboratories according to officially accepted professional standards. |
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