How to Pick the Right Sunscreen for You
Whether you’re a total beach or pool bum or someone who avoids the sun at all costs, you need sunscreen. During the spring and summer especially, the sun’s UV rays are especially powerful, and you can’t shield yourself entirely. Getting a little sunlight is important — it gives your body Vitamin D and can of course improve your mood — but to protect yourself from skin cancers, premature aging and burns, you need the right sunscreen.
First check SPF, or Sun Protection Factor. Doctors recommend applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and most agree that there isn’t much difference in anything above 30. If you’re super pale and worried about the sun, choosing a higher SPF might give you some extra protection, but make sure you buy lotion that is at least SPF. Slathering on oil with SPF of 4 or 8 probably won’t give you any real protection whatsover, and if you plan on spending a lot of time in the sun, you’ll still get a nice tan with sunscreen that’s SPF 15 or even 30.
Also check sunscreens for their protection against UV rays. Most sunscreens today do offer this protection, but look for UVA/UVB protection on the bottle just in case, since those rays cause your skin the most damage. Also remember that UV indexes can be surprisingly high even on cloudy days, so always wear sunscreen if you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time.
Wearing sunscreen on your face is a good idea even if you won’t be outside for a long time, since the skin on your face is especially vulnerable to wrinkles and sun damage. If you’re worried about adding extra grease to your face or applying a sunscreen that will make you break out, look for moisturizers that contain SPF 15, or even makeup bases that contain sunscreen. Special face sunscreens have also been popular sellers over the last few years and offer sensitive skin protection from the sun without greasing up your pretty face.
Waterproof and water-resistant sunscreens are best for those who plan on laying out, swimming and/or playing sports. You won’t have to reapply nearly as often if you use these types of lotions.
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