Beyond the Label
When choosing a sunscreen there’s no shortage of options, but that doesn’t mean they were all created equal. The American Academy of Dermatology offers these cues for deciphering sunscreen labels
Look for: SPF 30 or greater
Look for: Broad-spectrum or UVA and UVB protection
The sun emits two types of rays: Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which cause skin to age, and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which cause sunburns. Sunscreen should say “broad-spectrum,” meaning it protects against both rays to help prevent skin cancer.
Look for: Water-resistant or waterproof
During scorching summer days, sweat can remove sunscreen from your skin. Buy water-resistant or waterproof sunscreen to ensure longer-lasting protection. But that is still no guarantee, be sure you apply it frequently, especially after you take a dip or dry off with a towel.
Look for: The right formula
Sunscreens come in a range of formulas, all meant to target different areas of the skin. Here are few quick guidelines: Try creams for faces and dry skin, gels on hairy areas like the scalp, sprays on children (for quick and easy application), and wax sticks for the sensitive area around the eyes.