If you’ve lived in Austin for any length of time, you’ve gotten to know the sun all too well. The same glowing ball that permits warm, bright, cheerful outdoor fun can also cause some serious skin problems, from premature aging and painful sunburns, to deadly cancer. So you probably wouldn’t think of heading off to the beach or going for a jog without first applying sunscreen. Unfortunately, you can’t grab just any product from the supermarket shelf and assume that it will give you the protection you need.

All sunscreen is not created equal -- and neither is all skin. First and foremost, you want a product that delivers sufficient protection against both UV-A and UV-B (the two types of UV radiation not blocked by the atmosphere). The Elta MD broad-spectrum products that we offer do just that. These products have an SPF (sun protection factor) ranging from 30 to 50. Even the SPF 30 products block 97 percent of UV rays, which is why the ADA recommends that everyone use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

You must also consider your skin type when choosing a sunscreen. For instance, most products don’t make any special allowances for conditions such as acne, rosacea, or hyperpigmentation. Elta MD’s UV Clear is formulated for all of these conditions. If you have dry skin, you might need a sunscreen that moisturizes as it protects, a feature offered by many Elta MD sunscreens. Don’t forget to apply a separate product specially formulated to protect the skin on your lips.

Should you go with a cream, spray-on, or stick product for your UV protection? Actually, all of these forms can get the job done admirably. Whichever kind of sunscreen you choose, make sure to apply it evenly and re-apply it regularly. Check out our range of sun protection products for the high-quality sunscreen you need!