We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Beauty

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Choose the Appropriate SPF?

By Erin J. Hill
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,306
References
Share

Choosing the right sun protection factor (SPF) is really a matter of listening to doctors' recommendations regarding skincare. Most dermatologists recommend an SPF of at least 15-30, although there are sunscreens with an SPF of up to 100. There is little evidence that these products protect much better than lower SPF items.

Your unique skin type plays a major role in how badly and how quickly you will burn in the sun. The SPF on most sunscreens also gives an indication of how much longer you can stay outdoors without burning. For instance, if you would normally begin to develop a sunburn after being outside for 20 minutes, a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 means that you could stay outside 30 times longer without damage. This system can be deceptive, however, since higher SPF numbers do not seem to offer much more protection than lower ones. For example, products with a sun protection factor of more than 30-45 will not protect you much longer than items with lower protection.

Aside from choosing a sunscreen with high enough sun protection, you should also choose products that you don't mind using. This means choosing lotions or sprays that feel good against the skin and which have a fragrance you enjoy. If you don't like wearing a product, then you are much less likely to practice proper sun safety.

The most common types of sunscreen are lotions and sprays. Both of these offer similar protection, so choose the one that is most convenient for you to apply. Sprays are often easier for young children since they have trouble holding still long enough for lotion to be applied and rubbed in sufficiently. Just make sure you use a sunscreen that is designed for kids or for sensitive skin types, and that you avoid getting it in their eyes. You can also choose sunscreens without scents if you have problems with fragrances.

It's also important that you apply sunscreen every two hours, no matter what SPF level you choose. The chemicals in lotions and sprays both lose effectiveness over time, so reapplication helps to ensure maximum protection if you will be outside for longer periods. If you will be swimming or otherwise engaging in activities involving water, make sure to choose a water-resistant or waterproof sunscreen. Water resistant products do wash off, however, and should be reapplied as often as every hour.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-choose-the-appropriate-spf.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.