We all love having fun in the sun, but those warm rays can do serious damage if we don't protect ourselves.

  • Use at least SPF 30
  • Look for “broad spectrum” on the label
  • Antioxidants under sunscreen boost effectiveness

"I'm concerned about skin cancer," a dad at Al Lopez Park in Tampa said on a hot, sunny afternoon.

"Living in Florida where it's predominantly sunny. It's the Sunshine State. It is a real fear, so you have to take precautions," another Floridian said.

What to look for

USF Physicians Group Dermatologist Dr. Neil Fenske says it's important to use sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 when you're outside, light skin or dark, because we're all at risk for skin cancer.

"If you're white, it's one in 40. One in 1,000 if you're African American, and one in 200 if you're Hispanic," Dr. Fenske said.

SPF Explained

One thing to keep in mind is that sunscreens with high SPF numbers only offer slightly more protection. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, SPF 15 filters out approximately 93 percent of all incoming UVB rays. SPF 30 keeps out 97 percent and SPF 50 keeps out 98 percent.

"I don't think you're getting much bang for the buck after you get much beyond a 30 to a 50," Dr. Fenske said.

Here's how it works: If it takes 20 minutes for your unprotected skin to start turning red, using an SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 15 times longer - about five hours.

One thing to remember: SPF only blocks UVB rays, not UVA rays. So, be sure to look for "broad spectrum" on the label, which indicates the product will also protect against the more dangerous UVA rays.

"They (UVA rays) mainly play a role in melanoma and that's the bad cancer that can spread internally and kill you," Dr. Fenske explained.

Natural vs. Chemical Sunscreens

When it comes to natural vs. chemical sunscreens, Dr. Fenske says one isn't necessarily better than the other; it really depends on your preference and what works best for you.

If your skin is sensitive, natural sunscreens, like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide might be better, but be aware that they wash off more easily. Active chemical ingredients, like avobenzone, tend to perform better than "natural" or mineral ingredients.

"The chemical sunscreens are the ones that penetrate into the skin, so they have better sustainability," Dr. Fenske explained. "They last longer, especially when you're in and out of the water."

Re-apply Often

The biggest mistake people make with sunscreen is not putting enough on.

It takes about an ounce, a shot glass full, to properly protect your face and body. Also, be sure to apply about 30 minutes before you go into the sun, so it's fully absorbed, and re-apply every two hours when you're in the sun, especially if you're in and out of the water.

Note: sunscreens can only be water resistant. No sunscreen is waterproof.

Keep in mind: sunscreens don't offer 100 percent protection. A recent Consumer Reports study found about a third actually don't deliver the SPF promised on the label.

Here are Consumer Reports top five sunscreens, based on its 2017 testing:

  • La Roche-Posay, Anthelios 60 Melt-in Sunscreen Milk, $36
  • Trader Joe’s Spray SPF 50+, $6
  • Equate, Sport Lotion SPF 50, $5
  • Pure, Sun Defense Disney Frozen Lotion SPF 50, $6
  • Banana Boat SunComfort Clear Ultramist Spray SPF 50+, $10

Boosting sunscreen effectiveness

One way to help boost the effectiveness of your sunscreen is to put on an antioxidant lotion or serum, like vitamin C, underneath your sunscreen.

"The antioxidants will quench the remaining free radicals from the sun that still get through the sunscreen," Dr. Fenske said.

Given that sunscreens wear off and some don't work as well as they claim, it's important for you to take extra precautions in addition to wearing sunscreen. Seek shade when you can and wear protective clothing, like a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, to provide more protection.