The great outdoors can help you feel and stay healthy, even when it’s only your backyard. A bright, sunny day is wonderful! But if you’re going to be in the sun, you also have to protect your skin. So what are your best choices when it comes to sunscreen?
Don’t worry; we’ve done some checking for you! We looked at a lot of brands and types to help you choose a sunscreen that will keep your skin healthy short- and long-term.
There are a lot of options out there – most do a good job, although a few just aren’t worth it. We’ve talked elsewhere about why sunscreen is so important and how you should use it. Here, we’ll look at some of the best options around.
What We Considered
When we evaluated sunscreens, we looked at a lot of factors.
First and most importantly, we considered how good they are for you. That means they should have an SPF of at least 30. We also stuck to those between 30 and 50, since any increase in protection by higher SPFs is so minor that it’s not significant.
We also wanted to be sure that we recommended only those that have broad spectrum protection. That means they block both UVA and UVB rays.
But we went beyond these, too, for some quality of life issues.
For instance, how does the sunscreen feel? Too many have an oily sensation. We looked for something that felt smoother and more natural.
We also were concerned about the smell. No one likes an unpleasant smell or something with the odor of chemicals. Sure, not everyone will have the same taste, but we tried to stick to ones that are generally considered pleasant.
Recommended Sunscreens
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen
- SPF: 45
- Type of protection: Broad spectrum
- Application: Lotion
- Scent: Neutral
From experts in skin care, this Neutrogena product is great for sensitive skin. The white cream disappears as soon as you rub it in.
Banana Boat Light As Air Sunscreen
- SPF: 50
- Type of protection: Broad spectrum
- Application: Lotion
- Scent: Fresh
It smells a bit like line-dried clothes, so it’s just natural to have that pleasant smell on your body. No greasy feeling to it, and it absorbs quickly.
Sun Bum Original Scent Sunscreen
- SPF: 30
- Type of protection: Broad spectrum
- Application: Lotion
- Scent: Listed as “original”; mild, pleasant
Sun Bum does a great job protecting the skin. The application is smooth, although some people find it slightly greasy. Overall, a great product with a pleasant smell!
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen
- SPF: 30
- Type of protection: Broad spectrum
- Application: Lotion
- Scent: Mango
I love mangoes, so I was a bit partial to this variety. If you share the same taste, you’ll love it. But it’s not so overpowering to be annoying if you’re not a fan.
Coppertone SPORT Sunscreen
- SPF: 30
- Type of protection: Broad spectrum
- Application: Spray
- Scent: none
This spray sunscreen applies nicely and is clear on dry skin. If you apply it on wet skin, it might look white for a few moments before clearing.
There’s no greasy feel, and it doesn’t leave an oily trail in the water either.
Conclusion
As Mary Schmich wrote back in 1997, “Always wear sunscreen.” She also left a lot of other great advice to that year’s graduating class, but rightly stressed sunscreen’s importance. But since we have to do it, we should make sure we get the most useful, and most comfortable type available. We’re sure you’ll agree with our suggestions!
