Which Sunscreen To Wear This Summer

skin doctor in Salem

As your skin doctor in Salem, it’s important that our patients at Valley View Dermatology understand the risks they face from the sun on a daily basis. Harmful radiation from the sun dramatically increases your risk of age spots, frown lines, skin cancer, and a range of other long-term problems.

Normally, patients are recommended to wear sunscreen whenever they leave the house to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful rays. But the results of a new study now suggest that not all sunscreens provide the kind of protection they advertise.

Over 40 percent of sunscreens tested by the consumer advocate publication Consumer Reports failed to meet their SPF claims, according the magazine’s latest annual report on the products.

Of the sunscreens tested, 28 failed to deliver the promised SPF level, reports the magazine. Shockingly, two brands that claimed to provide SPF of 50 actually tested as providing SPF level 8 protection, according to the testing results.

This year’s publication included ratings for facial sunscreens, sticks, sprays, and lotions, and reviewed products designed for both kids and adults. The publication also includes commonly asked questions regarding sunscreens, such as what “broad spectrum” and SPF (sun protection factor) actually means.

The results of the magazine’s testing on sunscreen products are set to be published in the July issue.

Of the sunscreens tested, 17 earned a spot on the magazine’s “recommended” list.

The testing process involved volunteers who soak themselves in water following the application of a sunscreen before then being exposed to UV light on their skin.

Winners & Losers – 2016 Sunscreen

Of the test products, only two earned perfect scores: Trader Joe’s SPF 50 Spray and La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk lotion.

The other 15 brands to make this year’s list of recommended products are:

  • Up & Up Ultra Sheer SPF 30
  • Avon Sun + Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 40
  • Up & Up Kids Stick SPF 55
  • Coppertone Kids Stick SPF 55
  • DG Body Sport SPF 30
  • Equate Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30
  • Caribbean Breeze Continuous Tropical Mist SPF 70
  • Banana Boat Sun Comfort Continuous Spray SPF 50+
  • Aveeno Protect + Hydrate SPF 30
  • Ocean Potion Protect & Nourish SPF 30
  • No-Ad Sport SPF 50
  • Equate Ultra Protection SPF 50
  • Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50
  • Pure Sun Defense SPF 50 Disney Frozen

Keeping your skin protected from the sun’s harmful rays are important for not only protecting how you look, but also for protecting your long-term health. If you have any questions about which sunscreens are right for you, feel free to ask your skin doctor in Salem during your next appointment at Valley View Dermatology.