When a person chooses between sunscreen options, does the SPF really matter? Not as much as you might think.

As Consumer Reports explains, it’s easy to assume that a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 would give you twice the protection as an SPF of 15. But that’s not the case. An SPF of 100 provides 99 percent protection from ultraviolet B (UVB) rays while one with an SPF of 15 offers 93 percent, as the chart to the right shows. Also keep in mind: No sunscreen is 100 percent effective, and only those that are labeled “broad spectrum” provide protection from UVA rays as well.

Learn more about SPFs and how to safely enjoy the sun this summer in Stay Safe in the Sun on the Consumer Reports website.