Whether you’re super-sporty or eco-conscious, these options will help you enjoy summer’s rays the healthy way.
Green Girl
Natural wonders! If you want to avoid chemicals or parabens in you SPF, choose a mineral-based sunscreen that protects with physical blockers such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Many brands also contain fruits and vegetables such as watermelon and carrot that are rich in antioxidants, which stimulate circulation for rapid skin-cell repair.
Busy Gal
In a rush? Wipes or clear sprays can trim application time without missing key spots such as the back of your neck and the tops of your feet. For face, use SPF-packed moisturisers that dispense an ideal dose (1/2 tablespoon to coat forehead, cheeks, chin and nose) in one pump. Or try brush-on mineral SPF: Spill-proof packaging is great for on-the-go touch-ups.
Active Athlete
Taking your workout outside? Water resistant sunscreens stay put even when you sweat or splash in the salty surf. Because glistening perspiration attracts more rays onto the skin, protect yourself with an extended-wear broad-spectrum block that contains polymers (which help sunscreen stick to skin) and vitamins A, C and E prevent sun damage.
Our Hot List
So long, sticky sunscreen! The newest ray blockers are super-lightweight. Made with UVB-and UVA-absorbing salicylic acids such as homosalate (rather than traditional titanium dioxide), they absorb quicker and don’t feel greasy, as they contain smaller particles that disperse more evenly on the skin for more long-lasting coverage.
Dr.Andrew WEIL for Origins Mega-Bright SPF30, $54 www.sephora.com
Supergoop! Antioxidant-Infused Sunscreen Mist with Vitamin C SPF50, $19 www.supergoop.com
Drunk Elephant Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF30, $36 www.sephora.com
Colorescience Sunforgettable Broad Spectrum SPF50, $64 www.colorescience.com
Hampton Sun SPF35 Continous Mist, $32 www.hamptonsuncare.com
Dior Capture Totale Dream Skin Perfect Skin Cushion, $82 www.dior.com
Moroccanoil Sun Lotion SPF50, $32 www.moroccanoil.com
Clinique SPF50 with Solar Smart, $25 www.clinique.com[/dt_fancy_image]
Algenist Sublime Defense Ultralight UV Defence Fluid, $28 www.algenist.com
Sun Safe Tips
1 |
Choose the right number. Apply at least SPF 15 for daily incidental exposure and SPF 30 for extended outdoor wear. When you apply sunscreen to your body, stand naked in front of a mirror so you won’t miss any spots. |
2 |
Re-apply, re-apply, re-apply! If you plan to swim, make sure to pick a water-resistant formula and re-apply every two to three hours. |
3 |
Protect trouble zones. Ears, legs and the scalp are hot spots for skin cancer. Protect yourself by wearing a hat and shades. |