Many of my patients ask me what is the best sunscreen. I always tell them that the best sunscreen is waterproof, rubproof, protects from both ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB), and has a sunprotection factor (SPF) greater or equal to 30. I never included cost in my list for "best sunscreen" until a patient mentioned a study done by Consumer Reports - published July 2007. You can find the article by searching for "sunscreen" at www.consumerreports.com.
In this study by Consumer Reports they tested the SPF of all the sunscreens 15 minutes after application . Products claiming water resistance were scored again after immersion in water. They were tested for both UVA and UVB protection.
Cost sometimes but not always correlated with sunprotection - especially with protection from UVA. The "best" suncreen (in terms of sunprotection) - Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 45 - was also the most expensive. The "best" sunscreen (in terms of value) was No-Ad Sunblock Lotion Maximum SPF 45, a CR Best Buy.
An SPF 30 sunscreen lets you stay in the sun, unburned by UVB, up to 30 times longer than without it. But people typically apply about 25 to 75 percent less sunscreen than the amount used in most sunscreen tests. The lesson: be sure to use enough sunscreen. To get the labeled protection, an adult in a swimsuit needs to use at least 2 to 3 tablespoons of sunscreen. Reapply it every two hours and after swimming or substantial sweating. If you’re out all day, find some shade or add protective clothing, including a hat.
Now go have fun...
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The Science of Skin Cancer is for patients and physicians who are interested in reading about new developments in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer. The information in this publication does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be a substitute for proper medical care provided by a physician.
About Me
- John Hendrix, MD
- John Hendrix, MD has over 17 years experience diagnosing and treating skin cancers. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery.