Before you decide to hit the beach for Memorial Day weekend, you should probably know that despite the required new sunscreen labels, a lot of them still carry SPF ratings that are totally misleading and in some cases even dangerous. A survey conducted by the Environmental Working Group found that while most of the sunscreen products out there do meet the new federal requirements that were placed in December, but there's still a lot of gimmicks going on. Terms like "waterproof" have been banned by the Food & Drug Administration, as well as saying that they block against ultraviolet A and B rays, because a lot of these products only block UVB rays that can cause sunburn, even though UVA rays are the ones that really put you at risk for developing skin cancer. Oh and you might want to stay away from SPF numbers above 50. Apparently it's all just BS!
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Sunscreens that are 100 or 150 many times give consumers a false sense of security, making them think that they're receiving more protection, leading them to stay in the sun longer and reapply less. And SPF of 100 is not twice as effective as one of 50. In fact, according to dermatologists the difference is actually pretty slight. So stay safe in the sun with a few of these sunscreens picks that are ACTUALLY affective!
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For the summer makeup users
I usually don’t like to pile on the makeup during those hot summer days, but hey sometimes a girl just wants to doll herself up even if it crazy humid outside. Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture SPF 35 ($9) is so lightweight you can easily layer it under your powders or foundation.
For coverage
Now if don’t want to wear makeup, but still want to hide those pesky imperfections, consider La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Tinted Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid ($34). It includes a tinted formula that helps evens out your complexion along with providing semi-matte coverage.
For the acne-prone
If you struggle with sensitive or acne-prone skin, the Coppertone Oil Free Faces Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($7) might be your perfect pick. The fragrance-free and oil-free formula provides you with light-weight sun protection without causing your skin to irritate or break out.
For the baby
Finally, a sunscreen that’s gentle enough for the little ones! The Sun Bum Baby Bum SPF 30 ($18) includes a natural protection system that caters to your baby’s ultra-sensitive and thin skin while still protecting them from the damaging effects of the sun.
For the physically active chica
If you plan on spending your Saturday afternoons surfing in the beach or jogging at your local park, try SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense 50 ($34). It includes a thin white formula that’s sweat and rub-off resistant.
For the sun-burn prone
Do you sun burn even with a ton of sunscreen on? Try Banana Boat Sport Performance Cool Zone Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($10). It includes a menthol derivative formula that instantly cools irritated or sun burned skin with just one spray. Pretty awesome right?
