1) Is Higher SPF Better? The simple answer is NO according to James E. Fulton, Jr., M.D., Ph.D. He recommends against anything greater than SPF 30, which blocks 97% of UVB rays. Bumping up to SPF 50 blocks 98%. That additional 1% protection is gained at the expense of a higher dose of UV blocking chemicals, which can irritate sensitive skin and may have additional health implications. It just makes sense to minimize your exposure to these ingredients, especially when the additional sun protection they offer is so negligible!
2) What type of sun screen is best? Many people do not realize that most sunscreen products take 30-45 minutes until they begin to work. EXCEPT the mineral sunscreen zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Look for these active ingredients for your facial and body sunscreen products.
3) The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours no matter what level SPF you’re using, and especially after swimming or sweating. And no amount of SPF provides 100% protection.
4) Whatever sunscreen you choose, make sure it’s labeled “broad-spectrum,” which provides protection from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays. SPF protects only against UVB.
