Sunscreen: does SPF matter and which one should I choose?

If you spend any time outside, chances are you’ve heard a warning or two about how important it is to wear sunscreen.

While wearing sunscreen is better than not wearing any, if you have a choice, it’s best to choose a sunscreen with broad-spectrum UV protection of at least SPF 30. These recommendations apply to people of all skin tones. Ideally, you should also apply sunscreen to your skin 30 minutes before going out into the sun.

Does SPF matter?

SPF is short for sun protection factor. In sunscreen, SPF helps to block your skin from the sun’s radiation.

SPF works by extending your skin’s natural defenses against the sun’s rays. For example, an SPF of 15 provides about 15 times more protection than just your normal skin without sunscreen. An SPF of 50, then, would provide 50 times more protection than skin without sunscreen.

Sunscreen for babies and toddlers

You should avoid using sunscreen on babies under 6 months old. It’s best to keep babies under 6 months old in the shade and dress them in protective clothing to prevent sun exposure. 

When choosing a sunscreen for your baby, choose one of at least SPF 30. Most baby sunscreens are SPF 50.

Does SPF affect how long the sunscreen protects your skin?

Sunscreen lasts an average of two hours. That means you should plan to reapply every two hours. If you sweat a lot, notice your skin burning, or spend time in the water, you’ll want to reapply more frequently.

Choosing a sunscreen

For low exposure to the sun, a moisturizer or makeup with a base of SPF 15 built in is sufficient. However, for other situations, you’ll want to consider your outdoor activity to determine what kind of sunscreen you should use. There are many different types of sunscreen you can choose: water-resistant sunscreen, spray sunscreen, all-natural sunscreen, low or high SPF. 

 You can still get a tan while wearing sunscreen. Sunscreen needs to be continually applied and it can be rubbed off, sweated off, or washed away if you’re spending a lot of time in the pool or water.

Using sunscreen is an important way to reduce negative side effects from harmful radiation from the sun. Adults of all ages and skin color should use at least an SPF of 30 during all outdoor activities. Children over 6 months old should wear a cream-based sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Additionally, you shouldn’t rely on just sunscreen as a way to avoid the sun’s radiation. Protective clothing and shade can also help protect you from the sun.

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