What does the acronym SPF represent?

The acronym SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which is a measure used to indicate the level of protection a sunscreen provides against UVB rays, the type of radiation that primarily causes sunburn and contributes to skin cancer. SPF is crucial for understanding how long you can stay in the sun without getting burned compared to wearing no protection at all. For instance, if a product has an SPF of 30, it theoretically allows you to stay in the sun 30 times longer without getting sunburned than if you weren’t wearing any sunscreen. This concept helps consumers choose appropriate sun protection based on their activity and skin type. The other options provided do not accurately represent what SPF stands for in relation to sun care products.