We recommend using any sunscreen that is labelled broad spectrum, water-resistant and SPF30 or above. Interestingly, SPF50 offers only marginally better protection from UV radiation than SPF30 filtering out 98 per cent of UV radiation compared to 96.7 per cent blocked by SPF30.
Personal preference and skin sensitivity: Some individuals with fair or sensitive skin may prefer using SPF 50 for the added margin of protection it offers. However, SPF 30 is also considered effective for daily use and offers a high level of protection for most people.
The answer to this varies depending on you, your skin, and how much time you'll be spending in the sun. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends choosing a sunscreen that's in the SPF 15-50 range. SPF 15 is best for those who spend most of their time indoors or will spend a short amount of time in the sun.
However, the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation both recommend using a water-resistant, broad-spectrum product with an SPF of at least 30 for daily sun protection.
The best type of sunscreen for your face is one that you will use every single day--no ifs, ands, or buts. The most important thing to remember is that you should always choose an SPF of 30 or higher (anything below that won't protect much) and make sure the formula protects against UVA and UVB rays.
Following the example above: if you can spend 10 minutes in the sunlight without burning, a lotion with SPF30 will multiply this "self-protection time" by 30 to equal 300 minutes, and a lotion with SPF50 will equal 500 minutes.
The ideal SPF can vary depending on factors such as skin tone, climate, and sun exposure duration. However, dermatologists generally recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for Indian skin.
SPF 50 provides approximately 98% protection from UVB rays, as opposed to approximately 96.7% provided by SPF 30. Protection levels above SPF 50 only offer marginally additional coverage, and no level of SPF protection can provide 100% protection.
The Best Sunscreen
Blue Lizard has reformulated its Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+, our top pick. It now contains an aloe extract and the SPF booster butyloctyl salicylate, among other inactive ingredients. The active ingredients, zinc oxide (10%) and titanium dioxide (8%), remain the same.
Does SPF 50 Clog Pores? Just because sunscreen has an SPF 50 doesn't mean it will clog pores. If you have acne-prone skin, oily skin, or are just generally concerned about skin care products clogging your pores, look for formulas that are non-comedogenic or expressly made with your skin type in mind.
But the extra protection is negligible. Properly applied SPF 50 sunscreen blocks 98 percent of UVB rays; SPF 100 blocks 99 percent. When used correctly, sunscreen with SPF values between 30 and 50 offers adequate sunburn protection, even for people most sensitive to sunburn.
Learn more here. Applying SPF 30+ protects you from 97% of UV rays, while SPF 50+ from 98%. This means that some rays will still reach your skin despite wearing sunscreen, so it will not prevent tanning completely.
Everyone, regardless of age, gender or race, should use sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. But what's in your sunscreen may be just as important as the SPF number. While SPF 85 sounds like it offers more protection, higher SPF numbers can be misleading.
You can still tan with sunscreen, as UV rays can still reach your skin, even when you're wearing plenty of sunscreen.
Generally, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. If you work indoors and sit away from windows, you may not need a second application. Be mindful of how often you step outside, though. Keep a spare bottle of sunscreen at your desk just to be safe.
Dermatologists Say
Marisa Garshick, MD, you should look for a moisturizer that has an SPF of 30 or higher, as well as one that has broad-spectrum coverage to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Our best overall pick, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50, is one great option.
"Properly applied SPF 50 sunscreen blocks 98 percent of UVB rays, while an SPF 30 sunscreen blocks 97 percent of sunburn rays – the difference being one percentage point."
Dermatologists recommend choosing a facial sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that provides broad-spectrum coverage. While there are many other features you can choose from, experts agree that the best sunscreen for your face is the one that you'll feel comfortable wearing every day, year-round.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher for any extended outdoor activity.
Face vs body = SPF 30 or 50
There's no difference in the sunscreen factor you should apply to your face versus your body. Skin is skin, and it all needs the same level of protection.
The Downsides of Higher SPF Sunscreens
Higher SPF products often require more active ingredients to achieve their level of protection. This can increase the likelihood of skin irritation, allergic reactions, or sensitivities, especially for people with delicate or acne-prone skin.
At Nakin we always recommend a separate moisturiser and sunscreen, as a moisturiser helps with hydration, nourishment and general protection. However, a sunscreen is only there to do one job, and that is protect skin from the sun.