Q. I am in my late 20s and have combination skin. I am often confused with the different SPF numbers on a sunscreen. How should I choose the SPF?
■ Rosya Adhikari
A. When it comes to sunscreen, it’s all about protecting the skin from UVA / UVB rays which are harmful to the skin. When it comes to the number, my only suggestion is to go for the highest. The higher the SPF, the better it’s protection and less chances of having sun burn or sun damaged skin. Studies also show that higher number SPF sunscreens are more effective at preventing sunburn. Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before going out in the sun and every two hours while in the sun. It’s important to continuously reapply when you are outdoors because the sun can degrade sunscreen and make it less effective, plus sweating and swimming can cause it to wear off.
