Sunscreen is a skincare essential all year round. Regularly using sunscreen is one of the best ways to avoid sunburn, reduce the risk of skin cancer and prevent premature aging of the skin, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF). Yet, with so many different products available on the market, it's easy to be confused by the terminology on sunscreen labels and common to feel unsure about which option is best suited for each individual.
Many U.S. adults could be struggling to decode sunscreen labels, according to a small survey published in 2015 in the journal JAMA Dermatology. The researchers interviewed 114 participants and found that only 43% of them understood the definition of "SPF value," while only 22.8% of participants correctly identified the terminology that indicated how well the sunscreen protected against sunburn.
