Sunscreen is not just for summer. It’s a must-have product for every season and every skin type. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best sunscreen lotion for your needs?
In this article, we’ll review some of the top-rated sunscreen lotions for 2023 based on expert recommendations, customer reviews, and ingredient quality. We’ll also give you some tips on how to apply sunscreen correctly and what to look for when shopping for sunscreen.
Types of Sunscreen Lotion
There are two main types of sunscreen lotion: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens use mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect UV rays away from your skin. Chemical sunscreens use synthetic ingredients like avobenzone and oxybenzone to absorb UV rays before they reach your skin.
Both types of sunscreen can provide broad-spectrum protection, which means they block both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause wrinkles, sagging, and dark spots. UVB rays affect the surface of the skin and cause sunburn and skin cancer.
Physical sunscreens tend to be more gentle on sensitive skin, less likely to clog pores, and more resistant to water and sweat. However, they can also leave a white cast on darker skin tones, feel heavier on the skin, and be harder to blend.
Chemical sunscreens tend to be more lightweight, invisible, and easy to apply. However, they can also cause irritation, allergies, or hormonal disruption in some people, degrade faster in sunlight, and harm coral reefs and marine life.
The best type of sunscreen lotion for you depends on your personal preference, skin type, and lifestyle. You may also want to use different types of sunscreen for different parts of your body or different occasions.
How to Choose the Best Sunscreen Lotion
When shopping for sunscreen lotion, there are a few things you should look for on the label:
- SPF: This stands for sun protection factor and indicates how well the sunscreen protects against UVB rays. Dermatologists recommend using at least SPF 30, which blocks 97% of UVB rays. Higher SPF numbers block slightly more UVB rays, but not significantly more.
- Broad-spectrum: This means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for this term or the UVA logo on the label.
- Water-resistant: This means the sunscreen stays effective after 40 or 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. No sunscreen is waterproof or sweatproof, so you need to reapply it frequently.
- Expiration date: Sunscreen can lose its effectiveness over time, especially if exposed to heat or light. Check the expiration date on the bottle and discard any expired or damaged products.
- Ingredients: Avoid sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other ingredients that are known to harm coral reefs or marine life. Look for sunscreens that contain antioxidants, moisturizers, or other beneficial ingredients for your skin.
How to Apply Sunscreen Lotion Correctly
To get the most out of your sunscreen lotion, you need to apply it correctly and generously. Here are some tips:
- Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside to allow it to absorb into your skin.
- Use about an ounce (a shot glass) of sunscreen lotion to cover your entire body. Don’t forget areas like your ears, neck, hands, feet, and scalp.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if you sweat or swim. Use a water-resistant sunscreen if you plan to be in water or do physical activities.
- Use a separate sunscreen lotion for your face that is suitable for your skin type and doesn’t cause breakouts or irritation.
- Use a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from sun damage.
- Wear sunglasses, a hat, and protective clothing to further shield your skin from UV rays.
Best Sunscreen Lotions for 2023
Here are some of the best sunscreen lotions for 2023 based on expert recommendations, customer reviews, and ingredient quality:
| Product | Type | SPF | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rodan Fields Essentials Face Body Sunscreen | Chemical | 50 | Winner of GH Beauty Lab’s body sunscreen test; silky and non-sticky; suitable for face and body | $35 |
| Hawaiian Tropic Skin Defense Sunscreen Lotion | Chemical | 50 | Best value body sunscreen; hydrating and nourishing; tropical scent; reef-friendly | $14 |
| Banana Boat Light As Air Face Weightless Protection Sunscreen Lotion | Chemical | 50 | Best everyday face sunscreen; lightweight and breathable; matte finish; non-comedogenic | $28 |
| Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide | Physical | 50+ | Best mineral sunscreen; gentle and hypoallergenic; bottle changes color in UV light; reef-friendly | $15 |
| CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Stick | Physical | 50 | Best stick sunscreen; convenient and portable; moisturizing and soothing; non-comedogenic | $10 |
Conclusion
Sunscreen lotion is an essential product for your skin health and beauty. By choosing the right type, SPF, and ingredients for your skin type and needs, you can enjoy the sun safely and confidently. Remember to apply sunscreen lotion correctly and generously every day, no matter the season or weather. Your skin will thank you!.