Most of us picture a warm beach when we think about sunscreen. The truth is, no matter where the location or what the temperature, any outdoor activity that prolongs exposure to the sun should come with a good application of sunscreen.

There are many different types of sunscreen, categorized by protection levels such as SPF, UVA/UVB, water resistance and waterproofing. Add to these specialized sunscreens; such as ones with tanning compounds, various application methods, and extras like moisturizers; and choosing the right product can seem overwhelming.

With so many choices, finding the right type of sunscreen for your family may be more difficult than getting everyone in the car for that beach trip! We've broken down the common sunscreen language into easily understood categories that you can use next time you're shopping for sun supplies.

Sun Protection Factor - SPF

Bigger is generally better when it comes to the SPF number on the bottle. The SPF ranking is a rating for how strong the sunscreen is, but this number isn't very reliable. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 15+ for good protection and SPF 30 for maximum. The SPF rating can vary from 2 to as high as 100+, but the higher you go the less difference there is between strengths.