For reasons that are beyond the scope of my comprehension, tanning is trending again with the younger generations, and (likely) as a result, melanoma, a deadly skin cancer, is on the rise. We’ve long reported on sunscreens, from chemical to mineral formulations, options with great skin care ingredients and our favorite finds at Amazon. Finding a truly great SPF is a personal passion of mine, and I wanted to know what dermatologists are recommending this season.
All the experts we spoke to suggested wearing a minimum of SPF 30 daily, regardless of the weather. “If you’re spending extended time outdoors, especially in direct sunlight, bump that up to SPF 50+ for optimal protection,” Dr. Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, board-certified dermatologist and dermatological surgeon and Real Self partner in California, told HuffPost.
Dr. Alexander Witkowski, MD, PhD, board-certified dermatologist and Melanoma Research Alliance Dermatology Advisor, explained that, “During the summer months, including overcast days at the beach, UV radiation levels are significantly elevated...Broad-spectrum formulations are essential, as they shield the skin from both UVA rays, which contribute to premature aging and long-term skin damage and UVB rays, which cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer.”
