Choosing the right sunscreen is important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer.

With so many sunscreens available, it's helpful to know what to look for when picking the best one for your needs.

Key Things to Consider

1. Broad-Spectrum Protection

Always choose a sunscreen labeled "broad spectrum." This means it protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can cause your skin to age faster, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn. A broad-spectrum sunscreen will protect you from both types of damage.

2. Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

The SPF number shows how well the sunscreen protects against UVB rays. Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with at least SPF 30, which blocks about 97% of UVB rays. A higher SPF, like SPF 50, blocks a bit more (about 98%), but no sunscreen can block 100% of rays. It's important to reapply sunscreen regularly to stay protected.

3. Water Resistance

If you plan to swim or sweat, choose a water-resistant sunscreen. These sunscreens are designed to keep working for either 40 or 80 minutes while you are wet. But remember, even water-resistant sunscreen needs to be reapplied after swimming or heavy sweating.

4. Skin Type

Your skin type matters when choosing sunscreen. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for lightweight sunscreens that are non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog pores). If your skin is dry, pick a moisturizing sunscreen with ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. If you have sensitive skin, mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are gentle and less likely to cause irritation.

5. How to Apply and Reapply

Using sunscreen the right way is just as important as picking the right product. Apply sunscreen generously to all areas of exposed skin about 15 minutes before going outside. For full-body coverage, an adult should use about one ounce (roughly the amount that fills a shot glass). Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating, to keep your skin protected.

Conclusion

To pick the best sunscreen, look for broad-spectrum protection, a suitable SPF, water resistance, and a formula that fits your skin type. Applying sunscreen properly and reapplying it regularly will help you protect your skin from sun damage, keeping it healthier for years to come.