If you’re looking for the best sunscreen, the first place to start is: What SPF should I use? When it comes to sun protection, there are plenty of factors to take into consideration, such as chemical sunscreen versus mineral sunscreen, oil-free formulas, and tinted options—not to mention the different forms like spray, powder, and stick.
But a good sunscreen is nothing without SPF and it turns out there is a certain amount you need to make sure you’re getting full protection.
SPF stands for sun protection factor. According to the Food and Drug Administration, SPF measures how much solar energy (UV radiation) is required to produce sunburn on protected skin (a.k.a. wearing sunscreen) relative to the amount of solar energy required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin. As SPF value increases, sunburn protection also increases.
What SPF should I use?
The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher for the body and face. SPF 30 is the baseline, but many dermatologists agree SPF 50 is the gold standard.
However, from SPF 50 upwards, it doesn’t make much of a difference. You’ve seen SPF 70 or SPF 100, but they aren’t necessarily more effective options. While the SPF is greater, it offers marginal extra protection, explains Gretchen Frieling, MD, a triple board-certified dermatopathologist in Massachusetts. In fact, SPF 100 can give a false sense of security and may influence people to reapply less frequently.
“There‘s a heavy misconception in some consumers that a higher SPF means indefinite time in the sun, when in reality, the best practice is to reapply your sunscreen for every hour or two you are out in the sun, depending on your activity level and activity type,” explains Dr. Frieling.
How much sunscreen should I use on my face?
There are a few methods to make sure you’re applying the sufficient amount of sunscreen. According to Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, a good rule of thumb is the two-fingers rule. “Draw the sunscreen out on your index and middle finger, roughly about half a teaspoon, or if easier, try for around a nickel-size amount,” she says.
You want to aim for at least a “thin layer” all over the face, which achieves the SPF on the label. “The exact amount to achieve your sunscreen’s SPF is 2 milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin, but that’s too complicated to remember,” Dr. Nazarian explains. “The two-fingers rule can effectively help you protect your face with sunscreen, without too much hassle.”
Should I wear mineral sunscreen or chemical sunscreen?
Dermatologists usually recommend mineral sunscreen, since it’s more gentle on skin. However, its active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (which reflect UV rays) can leave a white cast on darker skin tones. Chemical sunscreens usually contain a mix of oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate that absorb UV rays instead of reflecting. In short, it all comes down to your preference and skin type.
The most important factor is making sure your sunscreen is broad-spectrum, to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
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