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What Kind of Sunscreen Should I Use? Best Sunscreens for Kids, Face and More

Best Sunscreen Lotion, Summer Season

After a relaxing day at the pool, basking in the summer sun, do you sometimes get a little pinker than anticipated? In order to enjoy your backyard pool all summer, it’s necessary to employ sensible sun protection. That means swimming during off-peak times such as early morning and late afternoon, wearing protective clothing, and —of course—using sunscreen. Not sure which type of sunscreen is the right choice for you? We’ve rounded up some of the best-rated sunscreens around for you to explore.

Best Sunscreen for Babies

Tender newborn skin deserves to be pampered with extra-gentle sunscreen, and our pick is Aveeno Baby Sensitive Skin. Utilizing zinc oxide at SPF 50 as well as oat extract, the gentle formula is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It boasts a fragrance-free, paraben-free, dye-free, and phthalate-free formula. Even adults with eczema or sensitive skin will find a friend in this gentle option.

Best Sunscreen for Face

Your face has some of the most sensitive skin of your entire body, making it even more prone to sun damage. Therefore, you must ensure that the face sunscreen you choose has some serious sun protection as well as being light enough as to not clog pores and cause breakouts. For these reasons, we selected Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF. Broad spectrum SPF protects against both types of UV rays that cause skin damage (UVA - aging and UVB – burning).

Best Sunscreen for Hair and Scalp

Have you ever meticulously applied sunscreen all over your face and back, only to emerge from a day at the pool with a rosy part line in your hair? COOLA Organic Scalp and Hair Mist targets that, providing SPF 30 protection while functioning as a hair styling serum as well. Monoi oil and gotu kola extract nourish your scalp and hair while locking in color. The water-resistant mist (up to 80 minutes) surrounds you with the tantalizing scent of “ocean-salted sage.”

Best Sunscreen for Sporty Types

If you’re very active—surfing, splashing, climbing mountains—you’ll want a sunscreen that can withstand the elements. Coppertone Sport provides SPF 50 protection in a rugged formula that sticks on even when you get sweaty. It’s non-greasy to keep your grip strong. For watersports, you’ll want to reapply frequently—the sunscreen is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Sunscreen Tips:

Tip 1:

Reapply sunscreen every two hours and when you get out of the water. Even if your sunscreen is water-resistant, it’s best to make sure that you’re covered each time you get out of the water.

Tip 2:

Don’t use expired sunscreen. Sunscreen loses its UV protection over time. It should be effective three years from purchase but be sure to discard it if is beyond the expiration date.

Tip 3:

Apply liberally! Generally, a liberal application of sunscreen is 1 ounce, so the amount of sunscreen necessary for an average adult is the amount that would fit in a shot glass. If you have a 4-ounce bottle, you should use nearly a fourth per application.

Tip 4:

Be aware of the two types of skin-damaging UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA is responsible for premature aging while UVB causes skin burns. Select a sunscreen that offers “broad spectrum” protection for both.

Check out our sun exposure safety guide for more tips.