Which spf should i use

At some point around the early s, brands started to one-up each other by putting out sunscreens with higher and higher SPFs, until we reached A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in late seemed to confirm that we should all be buying the highest SPF possible by concluding that SPF plus was more protective against sunburn than SPF Not only that, but a high SPF sunscreen can give you a false sense of security , which might make you feel like you don't have to reapply sunscreen as often as you really should.

If you are particularly prone to getting sunburn, getting a sunscreen with SPF might be worth it. However, according to the major health authorities, most of us will do just fine with SPF 30 and above. Everyone should wear sunscreen, regardless of your skin color , because anyone can get skin cancer. Both chemical and mineral sunscreens are considered effective and safe by the FDA.

All sunscreens, regardless of SPF, can rub off or break down on your skin in the course of two hours -- even faster if you're swimming or sweating.

That's why no matter what SPF you use, you need to reapply sunscreen every two hours to get the full protection. The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice.

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See more conditions. Healthy Lifestyle Adult health. Products and services. Free E-newsletter Subscribe to Housecall Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics. Sign up now. Best sunscreen: Understand sunscreen options The best sunscreen is one that you'll use generously and according to label directions. By Mayo Clinic Staff. You're heading to the pool or beach, and you stop to pick up some sunscreen.

So how do sunscreen brands calculate an SPF? You're heading out the door for a day of fun in the sun with your family. But most people don't know that skin covered by clothing can still get sunburned. Show references AskMayoExpert. Rochester, Minn. Tips to stay safe in the sun: From sunscreen to sunglasses. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed March 14, Sunscreen FAQs.

Sunscreen is just one vital part of a strategy that should also include seeking shade and covering up with clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses. Steven Q. Wang is a board-certified dermatologist with fellowship training in melanoma, Mohs surgery, dermatologic surgery and laser surgery. He is actively involved in clinical research, with a focus on photoprotection and the development of noninvasive imaging technologies to diagnose skin cancer.

How high should I go? UVA rays cause skin damage that leads to tanning as well as skin aging and wrinkles. The shortest wavelengths of UVA rays also contribute to sunburn. Updated June 9, About the expert: Steven Q.