
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
21 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Man suffers spinal injuries after jumping off boat near North Shore beach
A young man was flown to the hospital with spinal injuries after police say he jumped off a boat and struck his head near a beach on the North Shore of Massachusetts on Friday. Emergency crews responding to a report of a person who dove off a boat, struck his head, and suffered a serious injury off Crane Estate in Ipswich just after 5 p.m. learned that a man in his 20s was undergoing life-saving care on Steep Hill Beach, Ipswich Police Chief Paul Nikas and Ipswich Fire Chief Paul Parisi said in a joint news release. When crews arrived at the beach, they learned that he had suffered acute spinal injuries and called for a Boston MedFlight helicopter, according to Nikas and Parisi. The helicopter landed on the beach, where firefighters and EMS personnel treated the conscious man, who was then flown to Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington for additional care. Parisi credited Crane Beach personnel with pulling the man from the water and performing life-saving measures that 'likely averted a fatality.' The incident remains under investigation. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Pfizer (PFE) Receives CHMP Recommendation For Adapted COVID-19 Vaccine COMIRNATY
BioNTech SE and Pfizer recently received a positive recommendation from the European Medicines Agency for marketing authorization of their COVID-19 vaccine, which likely contributed to Pfizer's share price increase of 8% in the last quarter. The company's advancements in COVID-19 vaccine development, alongside other product-related announcements like the XTANDI and BRAFTOVI trial results, added weight to this upward movement. Despite legal challenges and declining earnings, Pfizer's focus on innovation and strategic partnerships like the one with XtalPi possibly countered broader market moves, which saw a smaller 1% increase in the same period. We've identified 3 warning signs for Pfizer that you should be aware of. Trump's oil boom is here — pipelines are primed to profit. Discover the 22 US stocks riding the wave. The recent positive recommendation from the European Medicines Agency for the COVID-19 vaccine developed by BioNTech SE and Pfizer has contributed to an 8% increase in Pfizer's share price over the last quarter. This news may provide a temporary boost to Pfizer's revenue and earnings forecasts, especially as the company continues to innovate amidst legal challenges and declining earnings. The authorization could enhance immediate market confidence in Pfizer's product pipeline, impacting future revenue projections positively. Over the past year, Pfizer experienced a total return of 13.78% including dividends, reflecting a challenging period for shareholders. When compared to the broader US market's return of 17.2% over the same period, Pfizer has underperformed, highlighting investor concerns over competitive pressures and revenue growth prospects. The current share price movement toward the analyst consensus price target of $29.23 suggests a cautiously optimistic outlook among some market participants. Analysts' revenue forecasts reflect potential declines due to increased competition for existing products, yet others anticipate that strategic shifts in research focus, especially in oncology, might mitigate future earnings risks. With a modest increase of 8% in shares largely tied to vaccine authorization, it underscores the uncertainty surrounding longer-term performance relative to bearish analyst expectations. Understand Pfizer's track record by examining our performance history report. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include PFE. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
The #1 Dairy Product for Better Blood Sugar, According to Dietitians
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD If you're looking to manage your blood sugar, what you put on your plate truly matters. Stabilizing blood sugar levels isn't just about avoiding energy spikes or crashes; it's at the heart of supporting your long-term health, mood and even concentration throughout the day. The decisions you make in the kitchen can have a real impact on your body's ability to keep your blood sugar in check. Generally, dairy is a great addition to a diet focused on supporting healthy blood sugars. But with so many options in the dairy aisle, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Is milk the best bet? Should you go for cheese? Or is there a clear standout? To settle the debate, we reached out to leading dietitians for their expert advice. Their answer was clear: yogurt is the #1 dairy product they recommend for better blood sugar. Curious why yogurt gets their vote? Read on to discover what makes it their top pick. Why We Love Yogurt for Better Blood Sugar Packed with Gut-Healthy Probiotics Yogurt is one of the best dietary sources of probiotics, which are live, beneficial bacteria that support gut health. But what does gut health have to do with blood sugar? A lot, as it turns out. Research suggests that a healthy gut microbiome may help regulate blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation. Probiotics (like those found in yogurt) can promote a diverse and balanced gut microbiota, which plays a role in how your body processes and absorbs nutrients. Look for labels that mention "live and active cultures" to ensure you're getting a good dose of these beneficial bacteria in every serving. Toby Amidor, M.S., RD, CDN, FAND, notes that "consistent, beneficial associations were observed between fermented dairy foods and reduced risk of breast and colorectal cancer, type 2 diabetes, CVD and improved weight maintenance, bone and gut health." Rich in Protein for Better Satiety Protein is a macronutrient that plays a role in blood sugar control. It slows the digestion of carbohydrates, resulting in a more gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream. Data has shown that high-protein diets can be beneficial for managing blood sugar. Yogurt, particularly Greek yogurt, is an excellent source of high-quality protein. For example, a single serving of plain Greek yogurt can contain anywhere from 15 to 20 grams of protein. "Yogurt is great for blood sugar because it covers all the bases of helping prevent blood sugar spikes," shares Amanda Sauceda, M.S., RD. She highlights that yogurt is not only a great source of protein, but also "pairs well with fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables." This means that combinations like breakfast yogurt parfaits and savory yogurt-based dips are both tasty and beneficial for steady blood sugar. A Versatile Base for Balanced Meals Yogurt's versatility makes it easy to incorporate into a blood sugar–friendly diet. Whether you're adding it to smoothies, using it as a base for savory dips or topping it with fresh berries and nuts, yogurt can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and nutritional needs. Adding fruit with a low glycemic index (like berries or apples) along with healthy fats like chia seeds or nut butter can turn a plain bowl of yogurt into a balanced meal or snack. This combination of carbs, protein and healthy fats is ideal for keeping blood sugar levels steady. Helps Regulate Appetite One challenge in managing blood sugar is avoiding high-added-sugar snacks that may cause blood sugar spikes and crashes. Thanks to yogurt's high protein content and ability to promote satiety, this food may help curb your desire for a midday or late-night sweet bite. Amidor cites research showing that eating yogurt was linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. She adds that, in one study, "eating just 80 grams of yogurt every day was linked with a 14% lower risk for type 2 diabetes." When it comes to the yogurt you choose, there are some tips to consider for better blood sugar management. "Choose plain, unsweetened yogurt without added sugar and feel free to top your yogurt with berries and walnuts, for a boost of natural sweetness, fiber and healthy fat," advised Lisa Young, Ph.D., RD. You can also add a dash of cinnamon or splash of vanilla to make the base even more flavorful. Other Tips for Healthy Blood Sugar While yogurt is an excellent addition to your diet, it's not the only strategy for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Consider these additional tips to support your overall health: Eat balanced meals: Combine complex carbohydrates, lean protein and healthy fats at every meal to slow glucose absorption and prevent blood sugar spikes. Choose whole grains: Opt for whole grains like quinoa, brown rice or oats instead of refined grains to provide lasting energy and stabilize blood sugar. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water supports healthy kidney function, which helps flush excess sugar from your bloodstream. Exercise regularly: Physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity, making it easier for your body to transport glucose into cells for energy. Manage stress: Chronic stress can elevate cortisol levels, which may interfere with blood sugar regulation. Practices like meditation or yoga can help reduce stress and balance your hormones. Our Expert Take Yogurt stands out as the #1 dairy product for better blood sugar management, thanks to its low glycemic index, gut-healthy probiotics, high protein content and abundant calcium and vitamin D. In fact, the science supporting yogurt's benefits is stronger than ever. In March 2024, the FDA announced a new qualified health claim recognizing the association between yogurt consumption and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. This claim is based on an extensive review of research, highlighting yogurt's unique role in supporting better blood sugar outcomes. That said, it's important to remember that no single food, no matter how healthy, is a magic bullet. Blood sugar management requires a holistic approach, including a balanced diet, regular exercise and stress management. When choosing yogurt, opt for a variety with no added sugar and pair it with whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables and nuts for the best results. Together, these choices can set you on the path to improved health and well-being. Read the original article on EATINGWELL