Summer is a time for enjoying the outdoors - whether that means a simple picnic at the park or adventurous white-water rafting. Whatever you decide to do during these next few months, make sure sunscreen is a part of your daily routine. Even though you may think you're not prone to sunburn, the sun's rays can cause cancers that, over time, may become life-threatening if not treated. Below are two of my favorite facial products with UVA/UVB protection: Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock with SPF 30 for Face and Olay Complete All Day UV Moisturizer.
Aveeno
What I like:
I've been a big fan of Aveeno moisturizers for years because of their use of natural ingredients, so I wasn't surprised when I had a positive reaction to this sunblock. The formula contains soy proteins and vitamins A, C and E. It's also oil-free and noncomedogenic, so it didn't clog my pores or cause breakouts. After doing a little research on the product at Aveeno.com, I found out it has also been recognized by the Skin Cancer Foundation for its sun-protection benefit. Feel free to take a dip in the pool with this sunblock on as well - it's water resistant.
What I don't like:
My only complaint about the sunblock is the smell. It's an unpleasant mix of sunblock and a fragrance you would find in a lotion or moisturizer.
Olay
What I like:
I have been using this moisturizer for about two months now, and it has excellent qualities when it comes to sun care. It provides all-day UV protection, keeps my skin hydrated without making it oily and is 100 percent oil-free. It also hasn't caused any harmful breakouts, which is good because my skin is generally acne-prone.
What I don't like:
The moisturizer cannot fully deliver what a traditional sunblock can, so I have to double up on sunblock when I use this product.
It's also important to take the rest of your body into consideration when choosing a sunscreen. These two sunscreens are excellent choices for the sunny summer months.
Coppertone Sport Continuous Spray SPF 70
This is a great option for all-day protection for the body, especially for the days where most of your time will be spent outside. It has broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and sprays at any angle, according to coppertone.com.
Banana Boat Natural Reflect Sunscreen Lotion
Perfect for those that want a more natural product, this formula is 100 percent natural mineral sunscreen, with active Zinc Oxide. According to bananaboat.com, this formula is ideal for those with sensitive and delicate skin.
Facts about sunscreen :
GÇó The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) found on sunscreen bottles determines the product's ability to screen or block out the sun's harmful rays, and ranges from 2 to as high as 75. For example, if you use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30, you can stay in the sun 30 times longer than you can without the use of sunscreen.
GÇó Dermatologists strongly suggest the use of a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or greater during the year for all skin types. Because the sun's reflective powers are great (17 percent on sand and 80 percent on snow), don't just use these products for summer days.
GÇó Choose a waterproof sunscreen, particularly if you plan on participating in outdoor activity. According to the FDA, a product "waterproof" if it maintains its SPF level after 40 minutes of water exposure.
GÇó Sunscreen should be used daily if you plan on being in the sun for more than 20 minutes.
GÇó Apply sunscreen 30 minutes BEFORE you go outside.
-From melanomafoundation.org
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