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What Sunscreen Should I Use?

Posted on July 31st, 2021 by Orthopaedic Specialty Group

We’re sure you’ve heard this before, but wearing sunscreen every day, especially during the summer months, is so important! No matter your skin tone and whether you’re prone to sunburns or not, the sun’s rays can be damaging to your skin and overall health.

With this being said, there are so many different sunscreen options on the market, so we want to help you decide on which sunscreen is right for you.

What To Look For When Shopping For Sunscreen

When looking to buy sunscreen, the most important words to look for on the bottle or can are “broad spectrum.” In other words, sunscreen is designed to protect against both UVA and UVB rays which can be harmful. UVA rays cause premature aging, wrinkles, and age spots, while UVB rays cause sunburn. Overexposure to either can lead to skin cancer, so you want to be completely protected from both. 

Another thing to consider when shopping for sunscreen is whether you want it in the form of a spray or cream. Both can do the job, but you may want to consider buying and using both to have the safest and best chance at full coverage. 

Lastly, some sunscreens are ideal for different situations such as the beach or sports. You’ll notice some are labeled as “waterproof” or “sweatproof,” which are always ideal since it’s easy to sweat in the summer heat, so be sure to choose one of these.

Choosing The Right SPF

The most significant and most confusing part about sunscreen is the SPF numbers. How do you know which SPF is best for you?

SPF, or sun protection factor, measures how much protection there is against UVB rays. Typically, dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which filters out about 97% of UVB rays. So the next time you’re shopping for sunscreen, be sure to pick one that is SPF 30 or higher to ensure maximum protection.  

Orthopaedist in Bridgeport, Connecticut

It’s crucial to seek expert medical treatment if you are dealing with problems or pain associated with your bones or joints. Give the professionals at Orthopaedic Specialty group a call at (203) 337-2600, and let us know how we can help you! Don’t let that pain hold you back from living your life. Your health and safety are our top priority.