Remember that SPF refers only to UVB protection and doesn't help you on UVA. And buying a sunscreen that says "broad spectrum" or "UVA Protection" won't necessarily protect you much. Some of those have only a tiny amount of zinc or titanium for UVA blocking.

You need to make sure your summer sunscreen has zinc (at least 5%), titanium (at least 5%), stabilized avobenzone (helioplex), or mexoryl (at least 3%).

Use the high quality, more expensive sunscreens on your face, neck, and chest, and use less expensive but still high zinc or titanium products on your body.

Affordable UVA sunscreens for the body (don't use these on your face; they're too white and heavy):

• Solbar ($11.33)
• Estion ($15.50)
• Fallene ($25.70)

More expensive UVA sunscreens for face, neck, and chest:

• DermaQuest ZinClear (doesn't white you out or look chalky) ($51.50)
• Elta MD UV Daily SPF 40 Pump ($23.80)
• Elta MD UV Physical SPF 41 Chemical Free Tube ($27)
• Colorescience Powder ($49.50) ( great for oily acne prone skin)

See all of Dr. Irwin's sunscreen recommendations.

See Dr. Irwin's new Glossary of General Dermatology Terms.