Choosing the Right Sun Protection

For most people, summer time equals sun time. Whether you're hitting the beach, going out on the lake, or just taking a walk outside, you'll be encountering those scorching rays. We all know that UV rays from the sun can cause skin cancer and premature aging. I've reviewed three sun protection products - Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15, Coppertone SPORT Lotion with SPF 30, and BullFrog Quik Gel with SPF 36 - to help you find the best one for your needs.

Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15

No one wants to look old before their time. The daily ravages of the sun can cause permanent damage to your skin, which leads to premature aging. Remembering to put on sunscreen every day is a hassle - so why not make it part of your daily routine?

Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 does double duty as a sunscreen and a moisturizer. Better yet, it's non-comedogenic. In other words, it won't cause breakouts. The cream is not at all greasy and absorbs into the skin easily, leaving no annoying white spots. I walk at least a few miles daily in the Arizona sun, and so far I've managed to avoid getting burned during my walks.

Obviously, this product would not be recommended for extended sun exposure due to the low SPF, or for situations involving water. One downside is that this cream doesn't seem to moisturize as well as ordinary Cetaphil. Also, there is a slight "sunscreen" scent, which may be off-putting for some. Nonetheless, I recommend Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 for those who need moderate daily sun protection.

Coppertone SPORT Lotion SPF 30

For extended periods in the sun, you're going to want something stronger. Coppertone SPORT Lotion SPF 30 is great for outdoor sports and activities. The lotion is easy to apply and gentle on skin - in fact it seems to have a slight moisturizing effect. It has a fairly ordinary sunscreen smell.

This sunscreen bills itself as waterproof, but I wouldn't recommend it for water sports. It worked well while I was dry and seemed fairly sweat proof, but the instant I jumped into the water, even for a short time, I needed to reapply.

BullFrog Quik Gel SPF 36

If you're swimming, water skiing, or surfing, I recommend BullFrog Quik Gel. I have to admit, I was initially afraid to try BullFrog. My childhood memories of the stuff were that it was messy to apply and greasy. I was amazed to discover that this problem has been dealt with - the Quik Gel evaporates almost instantly, and goes on more easily than a lotion. Best of all, it's truly waterproof, staying on after an extended period of time spent swimming.

Unfortunately, it has one major downside - application can be painful. The ingredient that gets rid of the greasiness and allows excess moisture to evaporate quickly is alcohol. The alcohol gets into any tiny cuts in your skin and stings. This is especially problematic for women who have just shaved their legs. Luckily, the stinging fades fairly quickly. In addition, the BullFrog has an unusual smell, almost like oranges mixed with alcohol. If you don't mind smelling a bit like a mixed drink and putting up with some initial sting, BullFrog Quik Gel will protect effectively against sun damage, even in the water. Nonetheless, the pain and the smell will force me to seek other options when I plan on staying dry.

When it comes to sun protection, there is no single "best" option. To save your skin, you need to look at your individual needs. If you want an easy to remember shield against daily sun exposure, choose Cetaphil. For extended outdoor activities, Coppertone is comfortable and effective, and to keep the sun off while swimming, BullFrog will hold on strong. No matter what your summer plans, your skin will thank you for taking the time to choose the right protection.