What Level SPF Do You Need For Your Beach Vacation?

We’ve all heard of the dangers too much sun exposure can pose to your skin. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer in young adults age 15–29, but it is also one of the most preventable. Of course, expecting to stay inside or under the cover of shade is a fairly unrealistic expectation. Summer is coming, and that means beach trips, hanging out by the pool, backyard BBQs and loads of exposure to sunlight. Luckily, this problem can be fixed with the right level SPF.

If you have very fair skin, your best bet is to stay with SPF around 30–45. Those with fair skin tend to burn easily and should reapply sunscreen every hour or so. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends not using anything higher than this, as the SPF advantage of so-called SPF 70, 80, 90 or 100 is minimal and can actually be harmful, as many people apply sunscreen less frequently when wearing a higher SPF.

If you have skin which fades from burn to tan, you probably do not need more than SPF 30 unless you are outside for a lengthy period of time. Even if your burn may fade, it is still damaging to skin and can cause skin cancer in the long run. To play it safe, apply SPF 2 –30 if you’re outside for more than an hour.

If you have tan or dark skin, you may not think you need sunscreen outside, but it is still an absolute must. While you may not need the same SPF as someone with light skin, you should still apply SPF 8–15 to avoid the dangerous rays of the sun. To avoid a chalky white residue, check out brands like GlobalSun specifically designed for people with darker skin tones.

To ensure you have the best time this summer while also keeping your skin healthy, be sure to pick up a bottle of sunscreen before you head to the beach, go hiking or do any other outdoor activity.