New research suggests higher SPF sunscreens may be your best bet to avoid sunburn.
A recent study found that SPF 100 was more protective than SPF 50. Researchers compared SPF 50 versus 100 on skiers in Colorado.
The study found the SPF 50 side of the face was 11 times more likely to burn compared to the SPF 100 side.
The study was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and funded by Johnson & Johnson.
One of the study's authors advises choosing a sunscreen that's SPF 30 or higher.
“You want to look for the words broad spectrum because that means it protects ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays,” said Dr. Darrell Rigel, study author for the Schweiger Dermatology Group. “You want something that's water resistant for 80 minutes. That's the maximum of protection. “
Dermatologists also recommend re-applying sunscreen at least every two hours. Also check the expiration date before you lather up.
