SPF 30 vs. SPF 15 Facial Moisturizer: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Question
Hi Griffin,
Initially, I was using facial moisturizer with spf15. Then, I heard the minimal amount should be spf30. Months ago, I did purchase facial moisturizer with spf30; which is much more expensive than the moisterizer with 15spf.  I'm just about to run out of moisturizer, so I was wondering:

Should I continue using spf30?  Can I get away with using spf15?
Thank you

Lisa

Answer
I would say so, as long as is is a broad spectrum sunblock. It needs to block UVA and UVB rays. I also recommend that the two blocking ingredients are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The FDA is about to start regulating sunscreen ingredients and watching them more closely and my sources tell me these are two ingredients that have already been approved to stay in sunscreens. Good for you for being concerned about your sun protection factor! It takes about ten years for sun damage to be seen on the skin so it's never too late to start using it!