When a client asks me, “Which is better, SPF 30, 50 or 70?” they’re often looking for a quick and easy answer – but the truth is, sunscreen is one of those topics that isn’t quite that simple.
You needn’t be confused by sunscreens – you deserve a clear understanding of what works and what doesn’t. So in this guide, I’ll give you the lowdown on the real difference between SPF numbers, the actual story behind those Sun Protection Factor ratings, the marketing hype, and what’s actually backed by science – and what will genuinely give your skin the protection it needs as you go about your daily life here in Brisbane.
If you want to cut to the chase: SPF 50 is about the most practical sun protection you’ll need in everyday situations, it gets a good balance right between actual protection, comfort and keeping you safe – especially here in Australia where the UV rays are consistently pretty extreme.
SPF 70 doesn’t actually do any harm, but don’t think it gives you loads more protection against UVB rays than SPF 50 – the difference is just a few percentage points, and the thing is, most people don’t apply it properly enough to get even that little bit extra. SPF 30 is fine for a quieter winter day, or if you’re not spending much time outside, but for our Queensland weather, it just won’t cut it.
Now let’s get down to brass tacks – because you should have a sunscreen strategy that feels manageable, not overwhelming.
| SPF Rating | Approximate UVB Protection | What This Means in Real Life |
|---|---|---|
| SPF 30 | ~97% | Good protection, but not ideal for high-UV days or skin that burns easily. |
| SPF 50 | ~98% | A noticeable bump in reliable, consistent protection. |
| SPF 70 | ~98.5% | Only a 0.5% increase above SPF 50 — not a dramatic improvement. |
This table clearly illustrates why SPF 70 sounds impressive but performs modestly in practice. For most clients, the application routine matters far more than chasing the highest number on sunscreen labels.
Brisbane’s UV levels are often “Very High” or even “Extreme” for most of the year, and if you’re not applying sunscreen every morning, you’ll see the damage in my treatment room for years to come.
SPF 50 is a wise choice because it’s got your back, even when:
It’s not that 50 feels heavy or greasy, which is often the most disliked aspect of higher SPF products. For clients who want something wearable in Queensland heat, formulas like Coconut Sunscreen SPF 50 are a practical example of high protection without that heavy, greasy feel.
As much as I swear by SPF 50 for Queenslanders, SPF 30 still has its place in your routine under certain circumstances.
SPF 30 Works When:
I’ve got some clients with rosacea or sensitive skin who do great with SPF 30 because it’s just gentle enough to encourage them to use it every day.
And if you’re relying on a spray tan for colour, remember it offers zero UV protection — SPF is still non-negotiable.
SPF 70 isn’t inherently problematic, but it doesn’t provide much additional real-world protection and often comes with downsides.
People often ask me about SPF 70 after seeing these U.S. influencers raving about “ultra-high SPF” products, but those products behave differently in our hot, humid climate.
Why SPF 70 is Hard to Recommend:
I’m not opposed to SPF 70, but for my Brisbane clients, I don’t see much additional benefit.
SPF is all about UVB protection, but UVA is the one that ages you prematurely, breaks down collagen and makes you more pigmented.
So if all you’re buying is SPF, you’re only doing half the job.
I always tell my clients to look for:
The best sunscreen is the one you use every day – not the one you’ve got sitting on your bathroom shelf, feeling too thick or too greasy.
Apply about half a teaspoon to the face and neck, and a teaspoon to each arm, to get the protection you’re paying for. This prep is especially important if you’re booking treatments like microdermabrasion, because freshly exfoliated skin needs proper cleansing and consistent SPF support to avoid post-treatment pigmentation.
But most people apply about 25-50% of the recommended amount, especially with very high-SPF sunscreens that feel heavy.
That’s probably why SPF 50 is so user-friendly – even when you don’t apply enough, you’re still getting some level of sun protection.
Technologies like oleosome tech and micro-encapsulation tech are now making sunscreens feel lighter and spread a lot better – just what my clients in Brisbane are looking for in this humid climate.
Living and working in a subtropical climate like Brisbane changes how sunscreen works. In my studio, I take into account:
So I often recommend:
Your sunscreen needs to fit your environment as much as your skin type. And if you’re doing resurfacing treatments like Spicule Herbal Peels, you absolutely need reliable SPF 50 while your skin barrier is rebuilding.
My clients are getting a lot more educated – and demanding products that are clean, vegan, reef-safe and comfortable. That’s why brands like We Are Feel Good Inc are becoming more popular with my Brisbane clients who want performance without irritation.
The Growing Trends:
But overall, sunscreen is getting a lot more wearable – and that’s great for long-term skin health and preventing skin cancer.
In the treatment room, I always start with their lifestyle and climate before recommending a formula. For example:
A Client Story
A client presented with persistent pigmentation from a high-SPF Korean sunscreen she loved, but the issue wasn’t the SPF itself. It was the lack of UVA protection and her pretty inconsistent sunscreen application.
Once we switched her to a broad-spectrum SPF 50 better suited to the humidity and added a Vitamin C serum for antioxidant support, her pigmentation improved within two months. We also supported her recovery with medical LED light therapy to calm inflammation and strengthen her barrier.
This is the beauty of proper skin care: it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about how you work with your skin.
Still can’t determine which SPF is right for you? No worries, it’s a question I get asked frequently in the clinic. Pop in to The Facial Hub, and we’ll have a chat about how your lifestyle, skin concerns and personal preferences all come into play when choosing an SPF. Sun protection isn’t just about slapping on some cream; it’s about ageing with confidence, caring for your skin, and enjoying the sunshine in Brisbane without worrying about the damage it can cause.
At studio where we do our facials in Brisbane, I’m regularly asked, “Which is better, SPF 30, 50 or 70?” In real-world conditions — especially here in Australia — SPF 50 is usually the most practical choice. It offers high UVB protection without relying on unrealistic application habits.
The difference between SPF 50 and SPF 70 is only a few percentage points in UVB filtering, and most people don’t apply enough sunscreen to achieve the labelled protection anyway. What truly matters is proper application, daily consistency, and reapplying as needed to maintain a strong sun protection routine.
— Sevine Foster
No way – SPF protection doesn’t work like that. The numbers don’t add up. In reality, SPF 70 only gives you a tiny bit more protection against UVB rays than SPF 50.
Yes, you do. All SPF products need to be reapplied every two hours when you’re in the sun.
Honestly, neither is better than the other. If you’ve got reactive or sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide are your best bet. But if you’re in a humid climate, you might find non-mineral sunscreens feel a bit lighter and more comfortable.
No way. The amount of product you’d need to apply to achieve the required level of protection isn’t feasible. Plus, even if you manage to get the right amount on, you can’t be sure it will meet the SPF claims on the label.
If you sit near windows or spend time outdoors, you should use SPF — UVA can still penetrate glass and quietly accelerate ageing. And while people often ask “Does drinking water improve skin?”, hydration from within supports skin function, but it doesn’t replace proper topical sun protection.
