Earlier this spring we published a post on the rising rates of lethal skin cancers. As we made clear, UV rays from the sun are the primary cause of skin cancer (along with skin aging). And other than avoiding sun exposure altogether, your best bet for lowering your risk of skin cancer and your exposure to harmful UV rays is with adequate sunscreen protection. The question is, what counts as adequate sunscreen coverage, and what can and should you be doing to protect yourself as best as possible?

First let’s put out a few basic facts about sunscreen, especially as it appears there’s a lot of misinformation or even falsehoods circulating about the value of using sunscreen. First and most basic: The rise in skin cancers is due to UV ray exposure, not due to increased use of sunscreen. Radiation from the sun is a potential carcinogen, even in low doses. Next, chemical and mineral sunscreens are both effective. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays while mineral sunscreens (which are actually made with chemicals) deflect the UV rays so they can’t penetrate the skin. Which is best? Experts make clear whichever one you will wear is the best one for you.

Next, even if you cover yourself fully with sunscreen, you can still get the occasional vitamin D benefits from sun exposure. Though truth be told, studies suggest that most people do not apply a sufficient amount of sunscreen. How much sunscreen should you apply? Experts typically recommend a “shot glass’ amount for your body (wherever on your body the sun will hit), and at least a nickel-size amount for your face and neck. And how frequently should you apply sunscreen? Certainly, all year whenever you get sun exposure (which you can get through glass) and in the warmer weather, you should reapply if you get sweaty or wet from a pool or ocean. And how high a level of SPF should you use? The minimum recommended level is SPF 30 but frankly, SPF 50+ will provide much better protection. 

How do you know whether your sunscreen is still good or has it expired? The FDA, which regulates sunscreen as an over-the-counter drug, rather than a cosmetic (which means in the US we have less access to some of the most current and effective types of sunscreen that are available in other parts of the world) states that sunscreens need to be potent and effective for 3 years. While some sunscreens put an expiration date on their packaging, that’s not mandated by the FDA, so if you have doubts, it’s recommended that you purchase a new bottle and use a permanent marker to date the bottle when you buy it.

Finally, what’s the best sunscreen out there? Again, whatever you will wear will provide better protection than not wearing it. However, if you’re looking for recommendations, consider these suggestions from the NY Times Wirecutter for your body and your face. And speaking of your face, if having a bit of color in your sunscreen will mean you’re more likely to slather it on, then consider these tinted facial sunscreen recommendations from the Wall Street Journal. Finally, if you’re not constantly wearing a hat to cover your head, you also need to consider sunscreen on your scalp. So grab a comb and start looking here.