Sunscreen Standouts

In our second annual sun-care awards, we feature the best new products to solve any sunscreen dilemma. Every winner offers broad-spectrum protection, blocking both UVA and UVB rays.

• Problem: You can't stand thick, sticky lotions.
  Solution: Use a spray. The lightweight formula will coat your entire body in seconds. Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Spray SPF 45 ($11; at drugstores) works when you hold it upside down to get that little spot on your back or butt; it's waterproof, too.

   

• Problem: You need one lotion for the entire family.
  Solution: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you use a kid's formula on children over age 1, but that will protect adults too. Best bet: Clarins Sunscreen Cream SPF 30 High Protection for Children ($28; clarins.com).

   

• Problem: You love water sports like surfing.
  Solution: Use a waterproof formula that can stand up to surf and sweat. Coppertone Sport Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 50 ($10; at drugstores) is so lightweight you won't feel gloppy when you start to perspire and sand won't stick to your skin.

   

• Problem: You need a sweat-proof sunscreen.
  Solution: Choose an oil-free, sweater water-resistant brand specially formulated for the face, such as Hawaiian Tropic oilFree Faces Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30 ($8; at drugstores). It stays put so it won't sting your eyes and won't clog your pores.

   

• Problem: You've got sensitive, acneprone skin.
  Solution: Look for all of these on the label: noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, which means it won't irritate your skin or trigger breakouts. Kinerase Lotion with SPF 30 ($135;/kinerase.com) fits the bill; it also packs the antioxidant kinetin.

   

• Problem: You dont like the greasy feel of sunscreens.
  Solution: A powder version with a high SPF will do the trick, assuming you use it only for touch-ups throughout the day (rather than as your only source of sun protection). Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Skin Care Instant Mineral SPF 30 ($30; sephora.com) works best.

   

• Problem: You want a glow but need UV protection.
  Solution: Opt for a body lotion that contains an SPF and a self-tanner. Neutrogena Summer Glow Daily Moisturizer SPF 20 ($8; at drugstores), with vitamin E, has a gradual self-tanner and comes in two shades, one for fair skin and one for olive skin.

   

• Problem: You need an SPF to wear under makeup.
  Solution: Find one that does triple duty, supplying sun protection, moisturizing ingredients and antiaging antioxidants, such as Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer SPF 30 ($13; at drugstores) with aloe and green tea extract.

   

• Problem: You want one product for face and body.
  Solution: Non-oily lotions are lightweight and a must for face-to-feet coverage. Try SkinCeuticals Affect Physical SPF 30 ($35; skinceuticals.com, it's a chemical-free zinc oxide and titanium dioxide-based lotion that won't irritate sensitive skin.

No matter what type of sunscreen you buy, it's important that you apply it correctly. First make sure you use enough -- one ounce (a shot glass full) for your entire body. Slather it on 30 minutes before you hit the sun. Don't forget to cover the spots people often miss: lips, hands, ears and nose. Reapply every two hours -- for a day at the beach you should use half an 8-ounce bottle just on yourself -- but towel off first; water dilutes SPF.

Source: Shape. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. Powered by Yellowbrix.