Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

When advising clients on the use of protective lotion with sunscreen, it's important to emphasize the importance of adequate sun protection to prevent skin damage, including sunburn and long-term effects like skin cancer and premature aging. An effective sunscreen should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. An SPF of 15 blocks approximately 93% of UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn. This level of protection is generally considered sufficient for most individuals during everyday activities, though higher SPFs can provide a greater level of protection, particularly during extended outdoor exposure or in high sun intensity conditions. While options for higher SPFs exist, such as SPF 30 or SPF 50, which would offer even more protection by blocking a higher percentage of the sun's harmful rays, the minimum recommendation often cited by skin health professionals is SPF 15. This standard takes into account the needs of the average client, who may be looking for practical, daily sun protection. Overall, when educating clients on skin care practices, it's crucial to communicate that using sunscreen with at least SPF 15 is an essential step in their skin health regimen.