Avoiding Sun Damage: What SPF Should You Use?

There are so many sun protection products with a variety of SPF levels available — do you know which ones would work best for you?

You may have found yourself asking, what SPF should you use? The following information can help you make the right choice when selecting the appropriate level of SPF for you and your family.

What Is SPF?

Sun protection factor, most frequently known as SPF, is a number that rates a sunscreen's ability to filter out the ultraviolet B (UVB) rays that cause sunburn. There's a wide range of SPF ratings among different products — but put simply, higher numbers indicate more protection. In fact, studies have shown that increased SPF helps prevent sunburn under real-life use conditions.

Still, some people may not realize exactly what the SPF number means. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, "The SPF number tells you how long the sun's UV radiation would take to redden your skin when using the product exactly as directed versus the amount of time without any sunscreen. So ideally, with SPF 30, it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you weren't wearing sunscreen."

What SPF Should You Use?

As a general standard, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a product with an SPF of 30 or more. But, like many other health and wellness decisions, choosing an SPF level is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Individual factors like skin type, sun intensity, time spent outdoors and activities during sun exposure can all influence SPF choice.

People of all skin types need to protect themselves from too much sun exposure, but the reality is that not everyone is at the same amount of risk. People who frequently experience sunburn, people with blonde or red hair, and people who have blue, green or gray eyes are at a greater risk of being diagnosed with skin cancer — and therefore, should use a higher SPF product.

Those experiencing prolonged outdoor exposure or doing activities that take place on or near reflective surfaces, like water or snow, can also benefit from a higher SPF. Individuals with a history or high risk of skin cancer, genetic diseases or certain immune disorders may need an SPF higher than 50. Some specific scenarios requiring a higher SPF might include outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing at a high altitude or vacationing near the equator.

For further perspective on SPF ratings, consider that SPF 30 blocks around 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. This example shows that while there is an increase in protection, it may be slight. If you opt for a higher SPF product, keep this in mind. Sometimes, people use a very high SPF but then neglect to properly reapply or double up on protective measures, which can lead to the very UV damage they were looking to avoid in the first place.

While UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn, there are also UVA rays to consider. UVA rays can prematurely age the skin, causing wrinkles and age spots. So, make sure to select a product that is labeled as broad-spectrum, which offers both UVA and UVB protection. In addition, if you know you'll be sweating or swimming, consider the water-resistant sunscreen options.

How To Make the Most of Your Sun Protection

Seeing as no sunscreen can provide complete protection from the sun's powerful rays, it's important to take additional measures:

·     Check Expiration Date: Before applying, take a look at the sunscreen's expiration date. Without an expiration date, sunscreen has a shelf life of no more than three years, and that shelf life can be even shorter if the sunscreen has been previously exposed to high temperatures.

·     Apply 30 Minutes Before: Regardless of SPF level, be sure to apply 30 minutes before heading outside and then reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours. This is even more important if you've been swimming or sweating, in which case you'll want to reapply immediately after the activity. Use one ounce (one shot glass full) for your entire body per application.

·     Avoid Direct Sunlight: If possible, avoid staying in direct sunlight for prolonged periods to reduce your risk of sunburn or sun-related injuries or illnesses.

·     Opt for UPF: Utilize sunglasses, protective clothing and hats with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) to support the protection you're receiving from your choice of sunscreen. UPF indicates how much UV radiation (both UVB and UVA) a fabric allows to reach your skin.

·     Check the UV Index: It's smart to take a look at the UV index, which forecasts the strength of UV rays each day. If the index reads at three or higher where you are, you'll want to pay particular attention to your sun exposure.

Protect Yourself Against Sun Exposure

With many options available for sun protection at varying levels, it's important to understand SPF ratings to begin your comprehensive sun protection protocol. Taking into account individual factors and needs, along with sun intensity and the duration of your exposure, are important aspects of selecting the right tools to safeguard yourself from the potential dangers of the sun.

Opting for broad-spectrum protection, practicing proper application and combining sunscreen use with other protective measures helps to ensure your best chance at shielding your skin from sun damage while also reducing your risk of skin cancer and premature aging. With that in mind, grab the SPFthat's right for you, throw on some clothing with UPF and go enjoy the great outdoors!

These articles are intended for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and are not intended to treat or cure any disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in these articles. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid, or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of scientific literature may vary. Consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise or medication regimen.