The summer is officially here! That means the sun is here to stay; At least for the next couple of months. It is extremely important to wear sunscreen when outdoors to protect your skin against harmful UV rays. Experts say that the number one cause of skin damage is excessive sun exposure. Aside from staying out of the sun or covering up, your best protection from harmful UV rays is sunscreen. Here are a few things you should know about sunscreen before you out and stock up for the summer.
SPF comes in coverage from 15-100
The higher the SPF, the better the protection you’ll have against the harmful rays of the sun. However, there is no proof that higher than 30 provides better protection.
Not 100% Waterproof
No sunscreen is 100% waterproof, even though it’s marketed as such on the bottle. It is advisable to re-apply every 40 minutes to an hour after being in the water.
Apply Sunscreen Before You Go Outside
Most people wait until they are at the beach or the pool to apply the sunscreen. However research has shown that it is best to apply it at least 30 minutes prior to being outside. This gives the skin time to absorb the lotion.
Now that you know the facts about sunblock, it may seem even more confusing to have to choose the right brand.
Below are our picks for the top 5 sunblocks of 2011:
Banana Boat Sport Sunblock, SPF 100:
This sunscreen provides the highest level of sun protection that is available on the market. It is great for athletes and people who plan on spending many hours outside. It’s a lotion that is thick and creamy because of the level of SPF in it, however, it only needs to be reapplied ever 2 hours instead of every hour like most other sun blocks.
Blue Lizard Sunscreen Sensitive, SPF 30:
This sunscreen is very gentle on the skin. It is a great option for babies and people who have a lot of skin allergies. It’s very thick which can be good for long sun exposure unless you don’t like that heavy creamy feeling. The major drawback of using this product is that it leaves a white film on the skin. When applying, you will need to rub it in for a while longer than the others to make sure the film disappears completely.
Badger, SPF 30:
If you prefer organic products, then this is the sunblock for you. Bader SPF 30 uses only organic ingredients and is suitable for sensitive skin. This brand comes in an herbal scented version and an unscented version.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunblock, SPF 30:
This product is known to have high quality UVA and UVB protection. Both UVA and UVB are dangerous types of rays emitted from the sun. Neutrogena sun block will protect you against both types of rays. It’s labeled as very water resistant so if you plan on being in the water for a long period of time, this may be the best option for you.
NO –AD Sunblock, SPF 45:
Just to be clear, No-AD does not refer to the fact that you don’t need to add more. It means that the company does not do any advertising so you may have a hard time finding this product. However, it is very cheap as compared to the other brands. If you have a large family or you plan on using sun block numerous times over the summer, this product will get you the most for your money. It’s also not greasy. Its runs and absorbs into the skin easily and smoothly and has no fragrance.
Choosing the right sub block this summer depends on many factors such as skin type, how long your sun exposure will be and the amount you will use it cumulatively. The bottom line is to make sure that the SPF is above 30. The American Academy of Dermatology warns of the importance of protecting your skin from the sun especially in the summer months. Make sure to weigh each option carefully before choosing the best sun block for your needs.
