What to look for in a sunscreen and what to avoid

SPF 30 provides 95% protection against damaging rays that lead to increased skin cancer risk

SPF 15 is not adequate protection

SPF 50 or 80 provides 98% protection

Each 10 SPF increment provides approximately 1% additional protection

Physical sunblocks (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) have a whitish tint

Blue Neutrogena is a physical block beneficial for acne-prone skin in gel formulation

Ceramides in sunscreen provide hydration to skin

Oxybenzone and tin oxidate are ingredients to avoid in chemical sunblocks

Most drugstore sunblocks no longer contain oxybenzone or tin oxidate

Chemical sunblock is absorbed into skin and provides protection once sun hits the skin

Physical sunblock sits on top of skin and blocks UV rays but provides no protection once washed off

Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours during beach or boat exposure

Waterproof physical sunblock claims of 80 minutes protection depend on whether the product sticks to skin

Physical sunblock should be applied before going outside

Evidence for natural sunscreen efficacy is incomplete and depends on specific ingredients (zinc, titanium, or protective overseas formulations)