Choosing the right sunscreen ahead of summertime
School is almost out, pools will open soon, and more people will head outdoors to soak up the sunshine and warmth of summertime. But most will not have proper protection from the sun and its harmful UV rays.
Many don't have the time or interest to dig into sunscreen science. Slapping on a layer of the closest drugstore sunscreen usually does the trick, so why worry about SPF or what "broad spectrum" means?
Those terms on sunscreen bottles can be confusing, but they're meant to save your life and your skin. In the U.S., more people will be diagnosed with skin cancer than with all other cancers combined this year, as in every year for the past three decades.
Studies show that increased exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation is driving the high number of skin cancers. However, we also know that proper sunscreen protection can reduce the chance of developing skin cancer by about 40%.
Choosing a good sunscreen isn't as hard as it sounds, and you don't have to do any math to pick the right SPF. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) indicates how much UV light is blocked, and a higher SPF means more coverage.
At SPF 15, about 93% of UV rays are blocked, which is effective for day-to-day activities with minimal sunlight exposure. You need SPF 30 or higher (over 97% coverage) when going to the pool or taking a walk.
Always choose a "broad spectrum" sunscreen; this isn't a gimmick. These sunscreens offer protection across the UV spectrum, from UVA (which causes aging) to UVB (which causes burning).
And don't fall for marketing! The small difference in protection between SPF 30, 50, or 70 is usually not worth the extra bucks. SPF 30 protects against 97% of UV rays, increasing to 98% at SPF 50 and 98.5% at SPF 70. Always consult your doctor for your specific needs or concerns.
Properly applying sunscreen is just as important as choosing the right one. Use the two-finger rule when applying sunscreen to your face, and use about an ounce for full-body coverage. Apply sunscreen before moisturizer or makeup, and reapply every 2 hours or after sweating. Many moisturizers today also come with built-in SPF 15 protection for the workday.
UV levels are strongest in the middle of the day, usually between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun is highest in the sky. The UV forecast is expected to reach high levels through the middle of this week, which can cause sunburn in just half an hour without sunscreen.
