SPF

True or false? An SPF of 100 protects you twice as long as SPF 50. The answer is a resounding false, with the difference between the two being so little it can be considered negligible.

This is the issue that watchdog organizations such as the Environmental Working Group are hoping to make public on the coattails of the US Food and Drug Administration's recent update of federal requirements for sunscreen. The push, which was put into place last year, bans terms such as "waterproof" from sunscreen bottles, as well as enforces that formulas block both UVA and UVB rays. Consumer groups are now arguing that high SPF numbers are just as misleading and dangerous as terms like waterproof.

"The high SPF numbers are just a gimmick," Marianne Berwick, professor of epidemiology at the University of New Mexico, told the Associated Press. "Most people don't really need more than an SPF 30, and they should reapply it every couple of hours." High SPF numbers, on the other hand, lead consumers to believe that they can spend more time in the sun without reapplying. Find out the truth about SPF numbers when you keep reading.

I'll admit it: I leave my SPF up to my foundation, which isn't always the best thing unless you're using 3Lab Perfect BB Cream SPF 40 PA+++ ($95). This tube is a skin-perfecting wonder that's packed with broad-spectrum sun protection and a myriad of ingredients for serious skin care benefits. Apple stem cells help to heal skin and prevent signs of aging, while other ingredients fight dark spots and help stimulate collagen. There is also a range of tints available to give you a moderate amount of coverage for a flawless complexion. Plus, there is no telltale smell of sunscreen, which makes using a higher SPF every morning so much easier to do.

Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, SPF is naturally on the brain this time of year, but it's a skin care must all year long. Although the list of sun-protectant ingredients is relatively short, making sure your product contains chemical and/or physical ingredients is a necessity. But what's the difference between these two formulations anyway? Find out when you read on.

It's Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and we all know how important sunscreen is for preventing not only skin cancer, but also the photodamage that causes signs of aging in your skin. No matter what season it is, sunscreen is an important step in your daily skin care regimen. To find out what sunscreens are best for your skin type, keep reading.

The so-called dog days of Summer have arrived. And with temperatures blazing and humidity rising, skin can sometimes take a beating, especially if your SPF is out of whack. But with a few sunscreen strategies on hand, hopefully your biggest worry will be limited to what flavor margarita to get while dining al fresco. Get three sun protection tips when you read more.

While the good things about Summer (fireflies at dusk, piña coladas by the pool, fresh caprese salads) outweigh the bad, there are still some challenges this warm-weathered season pose. Hair color can fade in the sun and those harmless-looking espadrilles you just bought may even leave you ridden with painful blisters. And when it comes to your mug, makeup slippage and sunburns are just a few setbacks you may encounter. Fret no more. Learn four tips for getting a fresh face — even when faced with sun and sweat — when you keep reading.

While we're sure you're in the habit of applying sunscreen to your face and body, perhaps the hair doesn't get the SPF protection it might need too. So, to find out how to help keep your coiffure from fading and frying this season, just keep reading.