Sunscreen labels are often confusing. Does a higher SPF mean your better protected from the suns harmful rays? Sharecare expert Dr. Ellen Marmur explains what that SPF number really means.
You are to a point, but above 50 you really only getting 50 plus, you're not getting 60, 70, 80, 100, 200, it doesn't really mean anything over 50. That being said when you test sunscreen it really goes on extremely fit. So the SPF 50 means it's 50 times better protected if you really coat your skin.
None of us do that, they were really only getting a fraction of that number. Go for a higher number but no you're really only getting a fraction of it, so your SPF 50 might really be as SPF 25.
Ellen Marmur, MD is a leading dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon. She is a recognized and admired expert in skin cancer diagnosis and surgery, Mohs surgery reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery, and women's health dermatology.
View Profile