New Study Contradicts Common Knowledge On Sunscreen SPF

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A new study finds that when it comes to sunscreen, the higher the SPF the better.

Researchers found when people use sunscreen, they tend to under apply to the higher SPF compensated for skimpy coverage.

According to the study that was funded by Johnson and Johnson, people using SPF 50 were 11 times more likely to burn compared to people using SPF 100.

When choosing a sunscreen, experts advise to use SPF 30 or higher and to look for the words "broad spectrum." That means it protects against ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays.

What's most important, though, is the way we use sunscreen that might make it worth spending the extra money on the high SPF sunblock.

Researcher Darrell Rigel says the problem is that we don't always use enough.

"People under-apply sunscreen, so the higher SPF is more forgiving," he said. "That's really what the advantage was, for the average user. If they put on a little less or skimp or a little bit, they're still getting strong protection."

Researchers compared SPF 50 versus SPF 100 on skiers in Colorado and found the 50 side of the face was 11-time more likely to burn compared to the 100 side.

Dr. Rigel advises choosing a sunscreen that's SPF 30 or higher.

The bottom line is that if you use it early, often, and liberally you'll virtually get the same protection with an SPF 30 sunscreen as with 100.