Summer is just around the corner which means it’s time to review your summer skincare products. Sure, wearing sunscreen is important all year round, but now is the perfect time to evaluate your sunscreen and check out the top choices for the year.
According to Consumer Reports over a third of the products they tested only contained half of their labeled SPF. The Environmental Working Group findings show that almost three-fourths of the products they tested offered poor sun protection or concerning ingredients. Fortunately, there are some great choices on the market, so don’t worry. Here are 5 top rated sunscreens that offer effective protection against UVA and UVB rays without breaking the bank.
- Equate Ultra Protection Sunscreen SPF 50
This Walmart brand sunscreen is not only effective, it’s also water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Users report it as a non-greasy formula and with a rating of 93% from Consumer Reports, this broad-spectrum sunscreen is a great choice. - Aveeno Protect & Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Aveeno offers this broad-spectrum, lightweight sunscreen that is oil-free and dries matte. It can be used for the entire body including the face, and you’re sure to love the mild beachy fragrance along with the price tag.. - Banana Boat SunComfort Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Banana Boat has been in the sunscreen business for a long time, and for good reason. They offer effective sun protection that leaves your skin protected and moisturized. This sunscreen also comes in a spray for hitting those hard to reach areas. Banana Boat’s SunComfort products are also broad-spectrum and waterproof. - La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
If you have sensitive skin you’ll definitely appreciate this sunscreen from La Roche-Posay. With its Oil-free, Paraben-free, fragrance-free and oxybenzone-free formula, it’s one of the gentler sunscreens on the market. This fast absorbing brand boasts a 100% ranking from Consumer Reports for the second year in a row. - Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion Water Babies SPF 50
Coppertone is a consistent favorite when it comes to sun care, especially for children. This classic brand is hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin. As the name implies it is water resistant and offers a true to product SPF claim. Coppertone has proven to be a name you can trust.
Even with these excellent sunscreen options, remember that nothing works better than simply avoiding the sun, especially between the hours of 10am and 4pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Other ways to protect your skin include wearing long but lightweight clothing, taking advantage of sunhats and umbrellas, and relaxing in the shade when possible. Also, keep in mind, even with high SPF sunscreens you still need to reapply regularly. Always read the ingredient labels as some sunscreens contain potentially harmful chemicals.