A Dermatologist Shares the Ideal SPF to Use This Summer
What is SPF?
SPF, or sun protection factor, describes the amount of solar energy needed to produce a sunburn on protected skin relative to unprotected skin, according to the US Food and Drug Administration. Logic would follow, then, that wearing a higher SPF would offer you better protection when you're out and about, basking in the sun's rays.
Is a higher SPF better?
Is higher SPF sunscreen more protective in a measurable way that actually matters? The tested difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is small, according to Dr. Steven Daveluy, board-certified dermatologist and program director at Wayne State University Department of Dermatology. There was a difference of 96.7% blocking vs. 98% blocking, in one example he provided. Research on people wearing sunscreen out in "real life" has suggested higher SPFs are more protective, Daveluy said in an email.
Combine this with the fact you're probably not wearing enough sunscreen -- studies have shown people apply only 25% to 50% of the amount that they should, Daveluy said -- and a higher SPF may come out reasonably more protective.
"You should use about 1 ounce of sunscreen to cover your head, neck, arms and legs when wearing shorts and a T-shirt," Daveluy recommended, adding that people without hair should use a little more.
"That means your 3-ounce tube of sunscreen is only three applications," Daveluy said. "Most people are not using that amount."
What is the minimum SPF you need in a sunscreen?
The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends your sunscreen be SPF 30 or higher. It also recommends you look for sunscreen that has broad-spectrum protection (it protects against UVA and UVB rays) and make sure it's water-resistant.
"If you follow the recommendations for the proper amount of sunscreen, then SPF 30 is great," Daveluy said. If you think you're skimping on the layers, though, a higher SPF could offer more benefit. He added that he generally recommends looking for at least SPF 50 or 60.
Does skin tone matter when choosing an SPF?
People with darker skin tones have more melanin, which does offer some protection from the sun's damaging rays. For this reason, skin cancer rates in people of color are lower than rates in white people, but the risk isn't zero. Research also suggests that people of color may be more likely to experience a missed or late diagnosis of skin cancer, making outcomes more dangerous. (It's also important to note that melanoma can have other causes besides exposure to sunlight or UV rays, and can show up in areas not typically exposed to sun.)
"SPF 30 is the minimum for everyone," Daveluy said. He added that tinted sunscreens may be a better fit for darker skin tones, leaving less of a white cast.
"If you have very fair skin, the higher [SPF] numbers may be a good idea, especially if you aren't using the proper amount, because you will see the consequences of underuse more easily," Daveluy said.
Sunscreen red flags
As long as you're wearing a minimum of SPF 30, applying it properly and also looking for products that are broad spectrum and water resistant, you've got the basics down. Daveluy added that for people with sensitive skin, finding a mineral sunscreen with "active ingredients of zinc and/or titanium" may be a good choice.
Daveluy pointed out other measures of protecting yourself from the sun, including wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sun-protective clothing and hanging out in the shade when possible. But don't forget that sunscreen has a proven safety record going back for decades, he said.
"The biggest red flags for sunscreen are any people or reports that try to tell you sunscreen isn't safe," Daveluy said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
The Silent Symptom That Could Be a Sign of Blood Clots
The Silent Symptom That Could Be a Sign of Blood Clots originally appeared on Parade. Your blood's ability to clot after a cut or injury is an important defense mechanism to keep you from bleeding too much. But blood clots can cause serious health issues like strokes and heart attacks when they happen outside of that. About 900,000 people in the U.S. develop a blood clot each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). An estimated 60,000 to 100,000 Americans die from blood clot complications annually, making this an important health issue to be aware of. 'Awareness of blood clot symptoms is critically important because early recognition can be life-saving,' says, a pulmonologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. 'Recognizing symptoms early allows for prompt medical treatment.' That can help lower the risk of permanent damage to organs or tissues, he points the problem: Not all symptoms of blood clots are obvious, and one in particular can be easily mistaken for other, much less severe health issues. Here's what doctors want you to keep in mind about this symptom, why it can be confused with other things and when to take action. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 How Do Serious Blood Clots Happen? Before we go over the symptom, it's important to first go over how blood clots can become serious. Blood clots that happen spontaneously usually start in the legs, explains , a vascular surgeon at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. 'They aren't life-threatening in themselves, but they occasionally dislodge and go to the lungs,' he says. This is called a pulmonary embolism. Related: With a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot gets stuck in an artery in the lung and blocks blood flow to part of the lung, Dr. Yi explains. There, it can cause permanent damage to the lungs, low oxygen levels in your blood, and damage to other organs in your body (from not getting enough oxygen), he says, adding, 'This can be life-threatening." The Silent Sign of Blood Clots To Know About, According to a Vascular Surgeon Back to that silent symptom: Shortness of breath is common with pulmonary embolisms. 'Shortness of breath is a hallmark symptom of pulmonary embolism because of how the condition affects the lungs and oxygen delivery,' Dr. Parson says. 'The blocked artery prevents blood from reaching parts of the lung, so oxygen can't be absorbed into the bloodstream efficiently, resulting in shortness of breath.' This blockage usually comes on suddenly, so the body doesn't have time to compensate for the lower-than-usual oxygen, he explains. That can lead to sudden and intense shortness of breath. Related: When Shortness of Breath Is a Sign of a Blood Clot Shortness of breath can also be a sign of a slew of other things, including being out of shape, having asthma or just having a cold, making this a tricky thing to pin on a blood clot. But doctors say there are a few key differences between 'regular' shortness of breath and feeling breathless due to a blood clot.'Standard shortness of breath usually comes with exercise or activity,' Dr. Yi says. 'With a blood clot, there is a sudden onset of shortness of breath where you feel like you can't catch your breath.' You may also start breathing faster than usual, he explains. Along with coming on hard and fast, shortness of breath from a blood clot tends to get worse with exertion or taking deep breaths, according to Dr. Other Signs of a Blood Clot and What To Do While sudden shortness of breath alone should raise concerns about a possible pulmonary embolism, there are other blood clot symptoms doctors warn should be on your radar: Fast breathing Chest pain (it usually gets worse when you cough or take a deep breath) A faster-than-usual heart rate Coughing, including coughing up blood Very low blood pressure Feeling lightheaded Fainting It can be tempting to write these signs off if you have one or two that can be explained away as something more minor. But doctors stress the importance of taking these seriously if you or someone around you has them. 'If someone experiences these symptoms, immediate medical attention is critical,' Dr. Parsons says. Up Next:Sources: How Does Blood Clot? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Data and Statistics on Venous Thromboembolism, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dr. Christopher Yi, MD, a vascular surgeon at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA Pulmonary Embolism. US National Library of Medicine Dr. Jonathan Parsons, MD, a pulmonologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center The Silent Symptom That Could Be a Sign of Blood Clots first appeared on Parade on Jul 27, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 27, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Spine Surgeon: These Uncommon Exercises Will Fix Neck and Upper-Back Pain for Men Over 40
Spine Surgeon: These Uncommon Exercises Will Fix Neck and Upper-Back Pain for Men Over 40 originally appeared on Men's Fitness. Getting older means more wisdom, along with a whole lot more neck and upper-back pain. Nicholas Clark, M.D., an orthopedic spine surgeon for HSS at NCH, says that while many guys prioritize building their chest, arms, or legs, they often ignore the muscles in the neck and upper back—leaving them prone to pain and limited movement. "The neck and trapezius muscles are your body's unsung heroes, stabilizing your head and shoulders during every lift, run or even desk session. Neglecting them can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility and even spinal issues down the line," Clark tells Men's Fitness. In his work as a spine surgeon, he's treated countless men in their 40s and 50s dealing with chronic neck and trap pain—issues that could often be prevented or improved with the right exercises. Below, Clark shares four underrated exercises—ones you've probably never done—that target the neck and traps to help reduce pain, improve posture, and keep you strong and mobile well into middle and Trapezius Exercises for Pain Relief Directions "Start with two to three sessions per week, and pair them with your existing routine. Over time, you'll notice less stiffness, better posture and a stronger, more balanced upper body," Clark says. Cervical Retraction with Resistance Band Sets: 3 Reps: 12-15 How to do it: Anchor a light resistance band to a sturdy object at chest height. Hold the band with both hands, standing about 2 feet away, and keep your arms relaxed. Gently tuck your chin toward your neck (think of making a double chin) while pulling the band slightly toward your face, keeping your head level. Hold for 3 seconds, then release. Tip: Focus on keeping your shoulders relaxed to avoid tensing the traps. If you feel strain, use a lighter band or no band at all until you master the movement. By 40, many men develop forward flex head posture from the impacts of daily life—like prolonged sitting or smartphone use. In turn, this strains the cervical spine and trapezius. "This exercise strengthens the deep neck flexors and posterior neck muscles, counteracting that slouch while relieving tension in the upper traps," Clark says. Scapular Wall Slides Sets: 2-3 Reps: 10-12 How to do it: Stand with your back against a wall, feet about 6 inches away. Press your lower back, upper back, and head lightly against the wall. Bend your elbows to 90 degrees, with your forearms and hands touching the wall (like a 'W' shape). Slowly slide your arms upward to form a 'Y,' keeping your elbows, forearms, and hands in contact with the wall. Lower back to the starting position. Tip: If your arms don't reach the 'Y' position without losing wall contact, don't force it. Work within your range and progress as mobility improves. "Tight traps often stem from poor scapular mobility, which is common in men who lift weights or sit for long periods. This exercise improves scapular movement and strengthens the lower trapezius, reducing upper trap dominance and neck strain," he says. Prone Trapezius Raise Sets: 3 Reps: 12-15 How to do it: Lie facedown on a bench or the floor with a light dumbbell (2–5 pounds) in each hand. Let your arms hang straight down, palms facing each other. Keeping your arms straight, lift them out to the sides to form a 'T,' squeezing your shoulder blades together. Your thumbs should point upward at the top of the movement. Lower slowly. Tip: If you feel your upper traps taking over, reduce the weight or do the exercise without weights. Focus on initiating the movement from your mid-back. "The middle and lower trapezius muscles are critical for stabilizing the shoulder blades and supporting the neck, but they're often neglected in favor of upper trap-focused exercises like shrugs. This move isolates the mid and lower traps, reducing neck stiffness and improving posture," Clark explains. Isometric Neck Bridge Sets: 2 Reps: 10-12 How to do it: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place a folded towel (about 2 inches thick) under your head for slight elevation. Gently press the back of your head into the towel, engaging your neck muscles without lifting your head. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then relax. Tip: To target the traps more, slightly shrug your shoulders toward your ears during the hold, but keep the movement subtle to avoid strain. "Unlike traditional neck bridges used by wrestlers, this gentler isometric version builds neck stability without excessive strain, making it ideal for men over 40. It strengthens the cervical muscles and traps, improving resilience against daily stressors like heavy lifting or poor posture," he Surgeon: These Uncommon Exercises Will Fix Neck and Upper-Back Pain for Men Over 40 first appeared on Men's Fitness on Jul 20, 2025 This story was originally reported by Men's Fitness on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Over 40? These Daily Mobility Drills Will Help You Move Like You're 30 Again
Over 40? These Daily Mobility Drills Will Help You Move Like You're 30 Again originally appeared on Men's Fitness. Entering your 40s comes with an entire new set of rules for self-care. Protecting your mobility should be at the top of the list in order to support an active, pain-free, and independent lifestyle. Movement already begins to decline at this stage due to natural changes in your joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Incorporating just the right exercises in your workout regimen will help you remain flexible, avoid stiffness, and limit injuries. We spoke to the experts and are here with eight daily mobility drills to help you move like you're 10 years Mobility is Important 'Aging is inevitable, even when you are active,' says Amani Taylor, physical therapist, DPT at FYZICAL Affton. 'Some reasons for a decline in mobility include stiffening of tendons and joint capsules and changes in muscle, collagen, cartilage, and connective tissue. A decline in mobility can make it difficult to maintain strength, balance, and endurance needed to carry out daily activities leading to loss of independence, decreased quality of life, and hospitalization.' Even active individuals—weightlifters and runners alike—can experience mobility decline if they're not regularly weaving mobility, strength, and recovery drills into their routine. 'Over time, that tightness can sneak into everyday movement, really taking a toll on the ego, making things like bending down, twisting, or reaching overhead feel more restricted or uncomfortable,' says Phillip Solomon, C.P.T, Barry's Bootcamp coach, and breakout star from NBC's Deal or No Deal Island. According to Solomon, the spine, shoulders, and hips are typically the first parts of the body to stiffen as you age. This is especially true if you lead a more sedentary lifestyle. 'Daily mobility drills keep those joints functional, help muscles stay elastic, and teach the body to move well through full ranges of motion so stiffness is not the 'new normal,'' Solomon adds. This is why we asked Taylor and Solomon to share essential mobility drills that will help you move like you're 30 at 40. Keep in mind that just 10 to 15 minutes of mobility training can make a major difference in your efforts, Solomon notes. Consistency is key. Simply sprinkle in some of these movements before or after working out. You can even do them while relaxing in front of the TV! Every little bit counts. The Best Mobility Drills for Guys Over 40 1. Shoulder Flossing Shoulder flossing can be incredibly beneficial to stretch and relax your shoulders. This movement also alleviates tension in the pecs and reduces compression in the neck. Start standing tall with your core engaged and feet shoulder-width apart. Hold a long towel or yoga strap with both hands, shoulder-width apart. Take a deep breath in as you lift both hands overhead. Exhale and slowly lower your hands to the back of your neck, keeping solid tension in the strap/towel. Inhale and lift your arms overhead. Exhale as you lower your arms to the start position. Complete 10 reps. 2. Cat-Cow Spine Roll '[This drill] restores spinal fluidity and gently wakes up the whole back,' says Solomon. Begin in a tabletop position. Take a deep breath in as you arch your back and lift your chest for cow pose. Breathe out as you round your spine and tuck your chin for cat pose. Keep the movement smooth, flowing with your breath for 8 to 10 reps. 3. World's Greatest Stretch (Lunge With Reach) The world's greatest stretch fires up the spine, shoulders, hips, and hamstrings. Begin standing tall. Step one foot forward into a long lunge. Place both hands inside your front foot. Lower your back knee, if necessary. Reach the same-side hand as your front leg up toward the sky while smoothly rotating through your spine. Hold the position for a moment. Switch sides. Perform 5 reps on each side. 4. Deep Squat Hold '[The deep squat hold] restores ankle, hip, and low back mobility while calming the nervous system,' Solomon notes. Stand tall with your feet planted shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and hinge at the hips to lower into a deep squat. Make sure your heels stay down and your chest remains tall. Hold the deep squat for 30 to 60 seconds, using your elbows to press your knees apart if it feels comfortable. 5. Ankle Rocks '[This drill] restores ankle mobility, which improves squatting, walking, and balance,' Solomon explains. Assume a half-kneeling position with your front foot flat. Smoothly drive your front knee forward over your toes without allowing your heel to lift off the ground. Rock in and out of the stretch, completing 10 to 15 reps on each side. 6. Scapular Wall Slides '[Scapular wall slides] help your shoulders move freely and build stability around the shoulder blades,' says Solomon. Stand tall with your back pressed against a wall and your arms assuming a goal post position. Slide both arms overhead as far as you're able to while keeping your back and arms in contact with the surface. Slowly return to the goal post position. Complete 10 to 12 controlled reps. 7. Thread the Needle Thread the needle helps alleviate tension in the neck, back, and shoulders while boosting mobility in the spine and ribs. Begin on all fours with your wrists below your shoulders and knees under your hips. Inhale, shift your weight onto your right hand, and lift your left hand to the ceiling. Breathe out and reach your left hand through the space between your right knee and right arm. Lower your left shoulder to the floor. Engage your core and inhale as you raise your left shoulder. Raise your left hand toward the sky again and exhale. Perform 5 reps per side. 8. Forward Fold to Yogi Squat This combo drill improves mobility by strengthening and stretching your core and lower body. Stand tall with your feet outside hip-width, pointing outward. Inhale as you reach your hands overhead and activate your core. Exhale, hinge at the hips, and reach your hands toward the floor or your thighs while keeping your back flat. Inhale in the forward fold position. Exhale as you bend at the hips and knees until you're in a deep yogi squat. Inhale in the squat position. Exhale as you press through your feet to extend your legs and return to the forward fold. Complete 5 40? These Daily Mobility Drills Will Help You Move Like You're 30 Again first appeared on Men's Fitness on Jul 15, 2025 This story was originally reported by Men's Fitness on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
