SPF Guide: How to Choose the Right Sunscreen

SPF (sun protection factor) is a metric describing the effectiveness of sunscreen products against the sun’s damaging UVB (type B ultraviolet) rays. The free radicals of these UVB rays can cause sunburns, skin damage, and reddening, as well as melanoma and other skin cancer issues via the UV radiation they emit (as indicated on the UV Index); they can also expedite the skin aging process. SPF sunscreens absorb a high percentage of these UV rays before sun exposure can cause harm to all kinds of skin types.

UVA (type A ultraviolet) rays can also cause skin issues, but a sunscreen’s SPF number doesn’t describe how well it provides UVA protection, potentially giving you a false sense of security. In order to stop those UVA rays from adding to your risk of skin cancer and sun damage in general, you’ll need to look beyond just obtaining high-SPF sunscreens. The best protection is usually provided by a formulation of broad-spectrum sunscreen ingredients.

The SPF scale is worth understanding, but you should know its limits. For instance, an SPF 15 sunscreen will provide less protection than an SPF 40 sunscreen, but although higher SPF numbers indicate higher levels of protection, the scale is somewhat arbitrary, especially the higher it goes. You shouldn’t take these numbers too literally.

SPF 100 may sound like the best sunscreen available, but it provides a 99% level of protection compared to SPF 50’s 98%. While it’s an improvement, it’s nowhere near the quantum leap the difference in SPF values seems to suggest. In general, any SPF 50 or above is going to give you practically the same level of maximum protection.

The UV Index is a useful scale (from 0 to 11+, with 0 indicating the least danger) you can use to determine how likely the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are to damage or burn your skin. If you are in an area that is in the 1–2 range, there’s less danger from the sun’s ultraviolet rays near you. In the 3–7 range, consider lathering up with some sunscreen. If you’re in 8 or higher territory, be extra mindful of applying and reapplying high SPF sunscreen when outside.

Choosing a sunscreen with the right level of SPF is essential to protecting yourself from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Here are seven steps to ensuring you choose the right product to meet your needs:

1. 1. Consider your skin type. Skin contains a natural pigment called melanin, which offers some level of protection against sunburn. Darker skin indicates the presence of more melanin, meaning darker skin tones may be naturally more able to absorb and withstand the sun’s UV rays for longer periods of time, whereas paler skin may be more susceptible to sun damage. For example, you may only need an SPF 30 product if your skin is darker, while an SPF 50 product may be in order if your skin is lighter. The dryness or oiliness of your skin type is also worth thinking about. Dry skin calls for hydrating ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid), while sunscreens with matte finishes are better for those with oilier, more acne-prone skin because they won’t contribute additional oil.
2. 2. Be wary of false advertising. The FDA is skeptical of most sunscreen products advertising an SPF level above 50. Their reasoning is that the difference between SPF 50 products and their higher-valued competitors is so negligible as to be nonexistent—the lack of thorough scientific proof is also notable. For safety from both the sun and potentially dishonest advertising, it’s wise to use a broad-spectrum SPF 50 for maximum protection.
3. 3. Settle on a general type of sunscreen. Physical sunscreens are generally thicker and can provide more protection, but they can also leave a white cast on your skin. These are also generally mineral sunscreens, featuring mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreen contains more ingredients—such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, niacinamide, etc.—and is thinner, but it can also cause more skin irritation.
4. 4. Consider extra features and additional protection. Some people prefer the ease of spray sunscreen, others enjoy slathering on their sunscreen. Fragrance-free options are available for people who don’t enjoy the typical sunscreen smell. If you’re going to the beach, water-resistant sunscreen is a must. Many choices also include antioxidants. In addition to the broad-spectrum protection provided by the best sunscreens, you can add a layer of protective clothing. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that loose, darker, and densely woven clothes absorb more sun, keeping your skin safer.
5. 5. Spread the product over every exposed area of skin. You should cover every exposed area from your face to your feet with high-SPF sunscreen when venturing out on a sunny day. The general suggestion is that you should put on enough sunscreen to fill a shot glass. You can use a different sunscreen on your face than what you apply to the rest of your body if you prefer, given how easily some sunscreens can make you tear up.
6. 6. Reapply often. Reapplying sunscreen is a necessity—all it takes is one long day without doing so in the sun to wake up the next morning reddened and in pain. The length of time spent in the sun will indicate the amount of sunscreen you should be reapplying. Putting on a new layer every couple of hours is a good idea to start, even with a high-SPF sunscreen.
7. 7. Add sunscreen to your regular skincare routine. Wearing sunscreen is an important aspect of a daily, holistic skincare routine. Consider choosing an SPF moisturizer to mitigate sun damage when you’re out and about. Plenty of generalized skincare lotions come with high SPF as well. Alongside hydration and common sense, adding SPF into your routine year-round will lead to healthier skin overall.

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