What sunblock should i use

Store shelves are lined with sunscreens touting 15, 30, 50, even SPF, but the higher the number doesn't always mean you're getting better protection. In fact, it can even give you a false sense of security that leaves you with a nasty burn. So what number should you aim for? We've got the lowdown. Specifically, it's a measure of how long it would take your skin to burn from UV rays. Let's say it would take you one hour for your skin to burn without any kind of protection on it.

With SPF 30, it would take 30 hours if you applied it perfectly. With SPF 50, it would take 50 hours and so on. Stock up, and throw out any sunscreen that is past its expiration date or that you have had for 3 years or longer. Every child needs sun protection. Although dark skin has more protective melanin and tans more easily than it burns, tanning is a sign of sun damage. Dark-skinned kids also can get painful sunburns.

Keep babies younger than 6 months old out of the sun. When going outside, dress your baby in lightweight clothes that cover arms and legs — and don't forget a hat with a brim. If you can't avoid the sun, you can use a small amount of sunscreen on your baby's exposed skin, like the hands and face.

Be a good role model too. Consistently wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater and limiting your sun exposure will reduce your risk of skin damage and teach your kids good sun sense. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size.

What Kind of Sunscreen Is Best? Check the label for a sunscreen that: has an SPF sun protection factor of 30 or higher protects against both UVA and UVB rays a "broad-spectrum" sunscreen is water-resistant protects kids while in the water for 40—80 minutes What Are the Different Types of Sunscreen? This budget-friendly sunscreen gets a stamp approval from Nazanin Saedi, M. Woolery-Lloyd is a fan of this one for darker skin tones. This powder sunscreen is a great option for those with acne-prone skin, says board-certified dermatologist Debra Jaliman, M.

Free of oils and fragrances, it dries down matte and has a slight blurring effect on pores. Vitamin C works to maintain radiance and keep the collagen in skin springy, while green tea extract helps safeguard against free radical damage that contributes to aging.

Earning a seal of approval from the National Skin Cancer Foundation, this tinted face sunscreen not only protects the skin, but also improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging , thanks to niacinamide, hydrating shea butter, and vitamins C and E, which act as antioxidants.

Fragrance-free, lightweight, and noncomedogenic, this fast-absorbing SPF leaves a matte finish for flawless wear. Lightweight and oil-free, this hydrating SPF is also contains hyaluronic acid a humectant that draws water to the skin. This tinted formula ensures your skin is left with no white cast in sight. The mineral formula sinks in like any other serum, leaving behind a demi-matte finish that looks just like skin. This ultra-blendable SPF feels like water on the skin and leaves behind an undeniable glow, doubling as moisturizer.

The zinc-based formula is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Wang is a board-certified dermatologist with fellowship training in melanoma, Mohs surgery, dermatologic surgery and laser surgery. He is actively involved in clinical research, with a focus on photoprotection and the development of noninvasive imaging technologies to diagnose skin cancer.

How high should I go? UVA rays cause skin damage that leads to tanning as well as skin aging and wrinkles. The shortest wavelengths of UVA rays also contribute to sunburn.

Updated June 9, About the expert: Steven Q.