What is the recommended sunscreen SPF for daily use?

The recommended sunscreen SPF for daily use is at least 30. This level of SPF provides a good balance of protection against harmful UV rays while still being suitable for daily activities. SPF 30 blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays, whereas lower SPFs offer slightly less protection, making it more effective in preventing sunburn, skin damage, and long-term skin issues such as premature aging and skin cancer.

Using a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 is especially important for individuals who spend time outdoors or have skin that is sensitive to the sun. Higher SPFs, such as SPF 50, do provide slightly more protection, but for daily use, SPF 30 is generally adequate for most people.

Additionally, after applying SPF 30, it is vital to reapply every two hours of sun exposure, or more frequently if sweating or swimming, to maintain effective protection. While SPF levels above this may offer more protection, they can also lead to a false sense of security regarding sun exposure time and may require more frequent reapplication than users anticipate.

Therefore, for everyday use, SPF 30 is the optimal choice to ensure adequate protection against UV rays while also encouraging proper application and reapplication practices.