Pro Tips: 6 Sunscreen Shopping Tips
With summer fast approaching, Dr. Paul Cohen, a dermatologist at Toronto’s Rosedale Dermatology Centre, shares his must-haves list.
By Christine Walewski
- The SPF (sun protection factor) number matters. “There is a difference. People seem to think there isn’t, but you do block more ultraviolet B [UVB] with a higher SPF,” Cohen says. He recommends an SPF of 30 when spending a prolonged amount of time in the sun.
- A higher SPF means you can reapply less often. “With the lower stuff, you have to reapply every couple of hours, especially if you sweat or swim. With a higher SPF, you tend to get more protection.”
- Apply your sunscreen generously. “A lot of people don’t apply it thickly enough, so when they think they’re putting on an SPF of 15, they’re getting an SPF of only 10,” says Cohen.
- Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen. “You need to block both UVA and UVB rays,” he says.
- Keep your skin type in mind. “If you’re really dry, pick a lotion or cream. If you’re oily or acne-prone, you may prefer a gel-based or spray sunscreen, which has a lot of alcohol, so rather than clogging your pores it might actually help prevent acne,” says Cohen.
- Look for an ingredient called Mexoryl. “It really improves the stability of the SPF,” says Cohen. This means better protection for your skin.
Comment on this article
Editor's note: This is a moderated forum, so your comments won't appear until approved by the moderator. Please help us foster a friendly environment by keeping your posts civil and on-point. We reserve the right to delete comments that include foul language, personal attacks on others, sales solicitations or any other inappropriate content. Posted comments reflect the opinions of the poster, not of Fashionmagazine.com. Read our privacy policy for more information.
Paulette writes:
I saw a documentary about SPF- that it does not matter if you apply 30, 45, etc... the maximum that you can get is 15. So why spend money on the one's that are in the 30 or more if it does not do the job any better?
—posted July 25, 2006 at 11:53 a.m.
Janet writes:
From what I've heard, after 30 (instead of 15 like Paulette mentioned), it doesn't matter how much higher the spf is...and it's actually not that great for your skin to go up to 50, etc. Not too sure though...
—posted June 26, 2007 at 11:54 p.m.
Kelly writes:
I heard the same thing...the doctor tells me this is true. SPF 30 is as high as you need.
—posted July 10, 2007 at 8:54 a.m.
Your comment