If you have a darker skin tone, SPF 30 or 50 would be enough. However, if you have fair or sensitive skin, which is more susceptible to sunburn, consider SPF 50, 70, or higher for the proper defense. What to Look for in a Sunscreen Other Than the SPF? The numbers on your sunscreen can be very misleading; many folks feel that by doubling your number on your SPF you’re doubling your protection level. The truth of the matter is there is only a slight change in the percentage of coverage you’re getting when you raise your SPF level. Key features: In addition to its broad spectrum SPF 30 protection, this sunscreen offers two shades that satisfy a range from dark chocolate to very light tones. This allows users to wear it alone or underneath makeup as a primer. It claims to color-correct redness and dark spots upon application. In regions with severe sunlight or at elevated altitudes, select SPF 50, 70, or higher to protect your skin from the powerful sun rays. (1) Personal history

When we spend time in the sun, we are exposed to two potentially harmful types of ray: UVA and UVB. Sunscreen is an important way of protecting the skin against the sun’s harmful rays. With such a wide range to choose from, how can we know which is the best option? Considerations: While the company boasts that the product formulas have been tested and found reef-safe, keep in mind that there is no set standard or regulatory group for such concerns. Many people don’t consider applying SPF unless they’re on holiday, or when they know they’ll be sat in the sun for hours on end; the latter being a strong possibility now pub gardens and terrace dining is in full swing. Yet SPF should be used daily. Even in winter. Even if you’re not planning on leaving the house. James Spencer, MD, spokesman, American Academy of Dermatology; professor of clinical dermatology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, N.Y.; president, Florida Society of Dermatology.Blüthgen N, et al. (2014). Accumulation and effects of the UV-filter octocrylene in adult and embryonic zebrafish ( Danio rerio).

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Sensitive SPF 30+– I think they may know a few things about sunscreen in Australian. This brand has done an amazing job protecting my family for many summer vacations Key features: At an affordable price and available in many stores, Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen has a non-greasy feel, an SPF of 70, and water resistance for up to 80 minutes. Note: Remember to use sunscreen as the final step of your skin care routine. Most-Asked Questions What is SPF?To add to this, the intensity and wavelength distribution of UVA rays varies throughout the day and depends on where you are in the world. If in doubt, always opt for the highest number available. Best SPF products Make sure your sunscreen has SPF 30 or higher: According to the American Cancer Society, higher SPF numbers do mean more protection, but the higher you go, the smaller the difference. SPF 15 sunscreens filter out about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 sunscreens filter out about 97%, SPF 50 about 98% and SPF 100 about 99%. Because of the confusion about UVB absorption, the FDA proposed a cap on SPF numbers. Any sunscreen higher than 30 SPF would be a "30-plus." Thirty was the decided cap because above that, the percentage of UVB absorbed and overall protection of the skin increases only slightly, but people may misinterpret these higher SPF numbers as a much higher level of protection or even a guarantee of all-day protection. https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/labeling-and-effectiveness-testing-sunscreen-drug-products-over-counter-human-use-small-entity Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

We would like to stress that standard mineral (zinc and titanium) and chemical sunscreens are safe to be used for sun protection. These SPF values may be useful for people with incredibly sun-sensitive skin, such as those who are very fair or on medication that induces photosensitivity. These can also be good for those with skin conditions that worsen with sun exposure or those who live at a high altitude. (1) (6) Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Spray sunscreen: Sprays are used mostly for their convenience however these should be sprayed onto the skin until it appears wet and then rubbed in with your hands – so actually, if used correctly, it may not be as convenient as you would imagine. They should also not be sprayed directly on the face or the head. There are some concerns with regards to children breathing in the spray particles however more research is needed into whether this is harmful or not. Kim K-B, et al. (2017). Risk assessment of zinc oxide, a cosmetic ingredient used as a UV filter of sunscreens.