With the official start of the summer season looming, experts are warning beach revelers and those intent on simply baring more skin about the need to employ sunscreen.

Exposure to UVA and UVB rays has long been known to be dangerous, with the potential damages ranging from sunburn to wrinkles to skin cancer.

"My general sense is that people are much more savvy about sun exposure," said Dr. Colette Pameijer, a surgical oncologist and associate director of translational research at Penn State Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen Matters

But just in case, experts like Pameijer are advising everyone to be careful about things as seemingly simple as choosing a sunscreen.

Most sunscreens on the market offer spectrum projections for both UVA and UVB, but SPF values can range from 2 to 100, which indicates in minutes how much time the individual can remain in the sun before exposing themselves to potential dangers.

"I think what a lot of people don't realize is that SPF is really a personal number," Pameijer added. "The amount of protection that I get from an SPF 30 is different than what someone else with a different skin type would get."

Sunscreen Should Have SPF Level of Around 30

It's recommended that just about everyone use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, and experts like Pameijer hint not be wise to pay more for a SPF that that exceeds 55.

"You may end up paying a lot of money for diminishing returns, and it may lead to a false sense of security," she said. "The product needs to be used correctly -- reapplied every two hours -- in order to work. If you pay a lot of money for a sunscreen and then use it sparingly, you're not really getting the SPF you think."

Parents looking to safeguard their children may want to consider a spray form of protection.

"You want to make sure you are getting the coverage and protection you need," Pameijer said.

Those who would rather avoid sunscreen altogether now have the option of purchasing UV clothing, which is available at many mass retailers and sporting goods stores.

Most UV clothing is made with bathing suit fabric, allowing it to be worn in or out of water and not have to be reapplied.

"The best sunblock is one that you will wear, so find one you like," said Pameijer.

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