You don’t need to use sunscreen above SPF 30 — but there’s another rating you should be looking at

11 things you may not know about sunscreen:

Your sunscreen may not protect you from cancer

There are two types of sunscreen in the world – types that protect you from UVB rays, which cause sunburn, and types that protect you from both UVB and UVA rays, which cause cancer. If you’re not buying a sunscreen that is labeled for both, you’re not fully protected.
Fortunately, the FDA introduced new labeling rules in 2012 that only allow sunscreens to be labled “broad spectrum” if they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. And, sunscreens that don’t protect against skin cancer must include a warning label to that effect.

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The American Academy of Dermatology says creams are best for dry skin and the face, while gels may work better for hairy areas. Sticks are available to apply sunscreen around the eyes, especially for children. Be careful when using sprays to be sure you apply enough, and don’t use sprays around heat, open flame or while smoking.

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Certain sunscreens may be purchased using Flexible Spending Account funds, which you can have deducted from your paycheck pre-tax to help save on medical expenses. The sunscreen must be SPF 30 or higher to qualify. Lotions (such as cosmetics) containing sunscreen are not eligible. Some retail websites will label their products as “FSA eligible” to help shoppers find what they need.

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The FDA says a sunscreen with 30 SPF or higher protects against 97 percent of the sun’s rays. While higher SPF products provide more protection, no SPF level protects 100 percent. The FDA has proposed a regulation that would limit the SPF value on a sunscreen label to “SPF 50+.” The FDA said it has no data to show that SPF higher than 50 provides additional protection from the sun.

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Just because you have sunscreen on does not mean you should stay out in the sun all day. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends staying in the shade when the sun’s rays are strongest, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Being near water, snow and sand, which reflect the sun’s rays, increases your chances of being sunburned.

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A recent study found that when applied regularly, sunscreen can help prevent the skin from aging, in addition to providing skin protection.

The American Academy of Dermatology says most people only apply 25-50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. Dermatologists say the right amount for the average adult is enough to fill a shot glass. And don’t forget your ears, hands, tops of your feet and lips.

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The FDA requires that all sunscreens last for three years at their original strength. If your sunscreen is past its expiration date or has undergone a noticeable change in color or consistency, it’s time for a new bottle.

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The FDA advises parents of babies under 6 months to keep the baby out of the sun instead of applying sunscreen. Babies are at greater risk of overexposure to the chemicals in sunscreen due to thinner skin that absorbs sunscreen more quickly and a higher surface-area to body-weight ratio.

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Sunscreen manufacturers are no longer allowed to market a sunscreen as waterproof or sweatproof, according to the new FDA guidelines released last year. Sunscreens may be labeled as water or sweat resistant for one of two time periods: 40 minutes or 80 minutes.

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UVB rays, which commonly cause sunburn, can’t pass through glass, but UVA rays can, the American Academy of Dermatology says. And UVA rays are responsible for premature aging, wrinkles and age spots, in addition to skin cancer.

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