5 tips for choosing the right sunscreen NBC Boston [Video]

Whether you’re hanging out poolside or taking a trip to the beach this summer, a towel isn’t the most important thing you need to bring.

Sunscreen is a must-have for those outdoor activities under the sun. By reflecting or absorbing the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, sunscreen can save you from developing a painful case of sunburn and help keep your skin healthy in the long run. Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to UV rays, according to the American Cancer Society.

While sunscreen doesn’t completely block all UV rays, it’s still an important tool in protecting your skin from sun damage.

So, how do you go about picking the right sunscreen? Here are five tips:

Make sure your sunscreen is labeled as “broad spectrum,” which means it offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Only broad-spectrum sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher can state that they protect …