Beach season is here, and in Florida the sun beams down on us hard. It is very important to protect your skin! But be aware of what you are putting on your skin because ingredients matter, and in the store, seeing all the different options, who knows what to buy? What’s the difference between SPF 70 and SPF 100? Next time you’re searching for sunscreen, here are some things to look for and some things to steer away from.

what to look for:

• Choose SPFs between 15 and 50 ( after 50 its all the same).

• Broad-spectrum coverage – Protects against both types of  rays: UVB and UVA.

• Water-resistant. It must specify whether it protects the skin for 40 or 80 minutes of swimming and/or sweating.

• Sunscreen that uses mineral and/or organic components.

What to avoid:

• Sunscreens with vitamin A – Good for eating, but not for the skin.

• Oxybenzone – It is synthetic estrogen that can penetrate the skin and disrupt your hormone system.

• Avoid any skin and/or lip products with ingredients including octinoxate, homosalate or paraben preservatives.

• Sunscreens with insect repellent – If you need repellent, buy it separately and put it on first.

Keep these tips in mind on your next trip to the beach, and you and your skin will be covered!