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How to Pick the Right Sunscreen

With so many different options, a dermatologist goes over some of the most important things to look out for when picking the right sunscreen this summer.

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CLEVELAND - We all know sunscreen should be part of our daily skincare routines.

But with so many options, what do you need to look for when browsing the sunscreen aisle?

“Sunscreens come in a lot of different forms. You should be looking for one with a broad spectrum, meaning it protects against UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF that’s 30 or higher,” explained Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, dermatologist for Cleveland Clinic.

Along with checking the SPF rating, Dr. Khetarpal saidit’s important to find one that’s water resistant if you plan on going to the pool.

Dr. Khetarpal said chemical sunscreens typically offer better water resistance than mineral sunscreens.

Chemical sunscreens are also often easier to apply and transparent on the skinwhile mineral sunscreens can be good for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Whether it’s a chemical or mineral, both offer adequate protection from the sun.

Dr. Khetarpal stressed the most important thing is simply using sunscreen and putting on enough of it.

“Most adults need oneounce of sunscreen, or enough to fill a shot glass. That one ounce should be applied every two hours if you are going to be at the beach or the pool all day,” Dr. Khetarpal said.

Dr. Khetarpal added the brand or form of sunscreen doesn’t really matter as long as you’re using it properly.

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Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 81,000 employees worldwide are more than 5,743 salaried physicians and researchers, and 20,160 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,690-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, 276 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2023, there were 13.7 million outpatient encounters, 323,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 301,000 surgeries and procedures throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 132 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at twitter.com/CleClinicNews. News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.

Editor’s Note: Cleveland Clinic News Service is available to provide broadcast-quality interviews and B-roll upon request.

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