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What SPF is recommended when selecting sunscreen?

  1. 15

  2. 30

  3. 45

  4. 60

The correct answer is: 30

The recommended SPF for sunscreen is 30 because it offers a good balance of protection against harmful UV rays while being practical for everyday use. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn and can lead to skin cancer. This level of protection is generally sufficient for most individuals, especially if they are applying sunscreen correctly and reapplying it every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Using a sunscreen with SPF 30 helps to mitigate the risk of damage to the skin without the potential concerns related to higher SPFs, such as decreased likelihood of reapplication or the false sense of security that may come with using a higher number. While options like SPF 45 and SPF 60 provide slightly more protection, they may lead to complacency in application practices. Thus, SPF 30 is widely endorsed as an effective and user-friendly recommendation.