If you buy your sunscreen based on the SPF factor you may not be getting what you paid for. New testing has discovered that a lot of sunscreens on the counter do not offer the protection they claim to.

Consumer Reports tested 34 sunscreens by applying them to people's backs and then having them soak in a tub for 40 or 80 minutes, depending on the product's water-resistance claim. Then the area is exposed to UVB light.

The next day, the area is examined for redness and the tests revealed cause for concern. Almost a third of the sunscreens tested had SPF’s below what they promised.

For example, Banana Boat Sport Spray claims an SPF of 50 plus, but only averaged an SPF of 24.

The Yes to Cucumbers Natural sunscreen claimed to have an SPF of 30, but averaged only 14.

In the real world, most people don't apply the proper amount of sunscreen and often rub or rinse most of it off.

"If you don't put enough on, if you're not consistent on how you apply it and if you're doing a lot of activities it will come off, or you'll sweat it off and then it loses its effectiveness,” said dermatologist Dr. Jason Rivers.

Dr. Rivers recommends an SPF 30 for day-to-day sun exposure and SPF 60 if you're spending a day at the beach. He says the key is putting the sunscreen on before you leave the house.

By the time moms get their kids protected, they've often gone up to an hour being exposed to harmful rays.

If you don't want to expose your children to the chemicals in sunscreen then cover them up.

"You're getting an equivalent of SPF 50 with clothing and there's no chemicals involved whatsoever,” said Dr. Rivers, "Let’s face it. You can get a little bit of sunlight, it’s not the end of the world. The issue is you don't want people who are frying or people who are very susceptible to skin cancer, they really should protect themselves from the sun." 

Consumer Reports did find one sunscreen in particular that it recommends to Canadian consumers. It gave the thumbs up to Banana Boat's SunComfort continuous spray with an SPF of 50 plus.  The sunscreen got excellent scores for both UVA and UVB protection.