What is SPF, and what does it mean?
SPF means sun protection factor. It is the amount of UVB protection the sunscreen provides; it doesn’t apply to UVA protection, so a high SPF does not guarantee UVA protection. The rating (SPF 30, etc.) indicates how long someone can be in the sun before burning, compared to wearing no sunscreen. If you can stay in the sun 10 minutes without sunscreen before burning, multiply that number by the rating. Which sunscreen would you recommend for normal, daily use? Neutrogena. It’s chemical-free, SPF of 30 and can be worn under makeup. Blue Lizard is good for sensitive skin. C.O.T.Z. is great, and you can purchase it online. It’s waterproof, protecting skin from UVA and UVB rays. Anthelios SX is the new gold standard, protecting against both UVB and UVA rays. Look for La Roche Posay Anthelios SX in area doctors’ offices. Which sunscreen is best for children? Blue Lizard Sport, SPF 30 plus, exclusively. It’s very water-resistant, good for sensitive skin, and provides both UVA and UVB protect
