SPF 55 may not protect you

Summertime is here, which means pools, parties and plenty of sun!

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It's common knowledge that sun exposure can have an array of health risks and that protection is incredibly necessary.

What isn't as known, however, is what exactly constitutes enough protection when battling those harmful UV rays at the beach.

New research has proven that sunscreens with an Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 55 or higher may not be that much more effective.

Oncologist Dr. Colette Pameijer reports that since SPF has different outputs on various types of skin, the specific SPF number is not necessarily a direct indicator of effectiveness.

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SPF protects skin from the ultraviolet light, or UV rays, that the sun emits.

More specifically, SPF sunscreen targets UVB rays, the harmful rays that affect the outer layers of the skin and can result in sever burn and/or tanning.

Studies suggest that UVB rays are approximately 98-percent blocked with the use of SPF 50.

You may want to consider this percentage when dishing out the extra cash for a bottle of SPF 70 or 100.

Regardless of the SPF you choose, make sure to use a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection, as SPF does not protect against UVA rays, which can cause aging.

Most importantly, remember to re-apply every two hours. Don't let sun get in the way of your fun!

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