By Mirela Draganescu, MD, Virtua Primary Care

Whether you spend time at the beach, in the mountains, by the pool, or in your own backyard this summer, you’ll expose your skin to the restorative, but also harmful, rays of the sun. 

While it’s important to apply sunscreen every time you go outside, even on overcast days, choosing the right one can be confusing. Sunscreens come in many formulas and types, such as creams, sprays, and sticks—it can take trial and error to find one you like.

The important thing is to avoid sunburn. Repeated sunburns are a leading cause of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Here’s how to sort fact from fiction when shopping for sunscreen that works for you.

Myth: Double the SPF means double the protection.

Truth: SPF, or sun protection factor, measures how much longer it takes for ultraviolet (UV) B rays to burn your skin when wearing sunscreen compared with when you’re unprotected. For instance, if you choose SPF 15, it will take your skin 15 times longer to turn red than if you use nothing at all.

SPF 15 sunscreen—the lowest number now allowed by the FDA—blocks 93 percent of UVB rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using at least SPF 30, which blocks 97 percent.

No matter what SPF you choose, reapply at least every two hours. Brands labeled “water-resistant” last through 40 minutes of swimming or sweating, while “very water-resistant” means you’ll have 80 minutes of protection in these conditions. But no sunscreen is waterproof. You should reapply after you get out of the pool or finish a workout.

Myth: The SPF number on the label tells you how well a sunscreen protects against skin aging.

Truth: SPF gauges protection against burning UVB rays. But, it’s UVA rays that cause wrinkles and age spots. Choose a product labeled “broad spectrum.” This means it filters out both UVA and UVB rays. The benefit goes beyond appearance—both types of rays contribute to skin cancer.

Myth: A thin layer of sunscreen will suffice.

Truth: Getting the amount of protection advertised on the label requires a generous coating. You should use about an ounce to cover your body—enough to fill a shot glass.

Make Skin Health Part of Your Annual Checkup

Sun safety starts with simple habits like wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, covering up, and limiting time in direct sunlight. But protecting your skin is important year-round, not just in the summer.

Do not wait for a problem to show up. Talk to your primary care provider during your annual exam about any skin changes or concerns.

To schedule your appointment, call 888-847-8823.