The question
Is there really any difference between SPF 35 and SPF 70 or is it just marketing?
The answer
There are indeed differences when it comes to SPF numbers, but you need to understand your skin and how quickly it burns to know which one you should be applying. In theory, an SPF of 15 blocks out about 93 per cent of UVB rays and an SPF of 30 blocks out about 97 per cent. The higher the number, the more UVB rays are being blocked from your skin. The percentage may not seem like a big deal, but it is. Even small amounts of added protection will help prevent serious problems from developing down the road. To truly protect yourself, though, you must reapply often and liberally, which most people don't do. If you are diligent about reapplying throughout the day, you're bound to benefit from that higher SPF number.
Bahar Niramwalla is a celebrity makeup artist and beauty specialist on The Marilyn Dennis Show. Have a beauty question? E-mail style@globeandmail.com .