Is there such a thing as "too high" when it comes to SPF?

Considering how scary and widespread skin cancer has become, it’s easy to go overboard when it comes to sunblock. (Unfortunately, it’s even easier to neglect your sun protection routine altogether. Don’t make that mistake!) If you or someone you love has ever had skin cancer, or even undergone the decidedly unpleasant experience of having a suspicious mole removed, you may want to slather yourself in a high SPF sunblock 24/7, especially during the hot summer months which are now upon us. Even if skin cancer isn’t among your concerns (hello, what are you thinking?!), you may have the memory of a painful sunburn in your past to inspire your zeal. I’m definitely a fan of sunblock, both for health reasons and because I dislike

tanning, let alone burning. Still, even I was surprised to see Neutrogena’s newest sun protection offering: This Ultra Sheer

Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 100+ with Helioplex. Yes, you read that right - triple-digit SPF! Do you think this super-high-SPF trend will continue, or is this a simple case of overcompensation? Some dermatologists feel that SPFs that high are basically unnecessary, and provide no substantial additional protection over their lower-SPF counterparts. Could just be a clever marketing ploy to make consumers feel like higher SPF = safer sunblock. I have to admit, however, that it’s working on me - I think I need some 100+ SPF sunblock before I head out into the fray this summer. Are you with me, or do you feel like this is just a little too much of a good thing?

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