Sunscreen Comparison: Coppertone UltraGuard Continuous Spray SPF 50 Vs. Hawaiian Tropic All Day Waterproof Sunblock SPF 45

We all know by now, the importance of sunscreen. This thin layer of lotion we apply before heading outdoors protects us from skin cancer, premature aging, very bad burns and a multitude of other negative effects brought on by sun exposure. It is a must-have for those long summer days spent outdoors and in the water. When heading to the beach, sunscreen is on the top of the list for the must-haves we pack into our beach bag. But how do we decide which one will be the best? What exactly is required of our sunscreen to ensure that we are getting the best protection we can?

The only real answer to this question: A sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 45 or higher will be the most effective. Other than that, it's a matter of personal choice. There are sport sunscreens in case you will be doing some athletics outdoors. These usually stand up to heavy sweat without needing to reapply any more often than you would other sunscreen. There is waterproof sunscreen, which is best for those of us that want to take a dip at the beach or in the pool. Be aware though that these should be reapplied every time you come out of the water. To learn more about types of sunscreens and how to make the most out of the sunscreen you slather on, visit:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/238225/sun_protection_the_best_ways_to_protect.html, and

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/246584/tips_on_getting_the_greatest_benefit.html

To learn more about what is new in sun protection, see the article at: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/45461/next_generation_in_sun_protection.html

But when it's just a matter of choosing the best sunscreen, how do you know? Well, in the early hot and hazy days of summer, I have tested two: Coppertone UltraGuard Continuous Spray SPF 50 and Hawaiian Tropic All Day Waterproof Sunblock SPF 45. I decided to test a lotion as well as a spray as I had never used a spray before and was interested to see the effects.

Coppertone UltraGuard Continuous Spray SPF 50 claims that the sunscreen goes on clear and there is no rubbing and no messy lotions to deal with. It does in fact, go one clear. But that is the only truth to this statement I found. When applied, the spray seemed to go on sticky. Once it dried, it didn't get much better. I felt a thin shield on my skin as though there was a layer of glue on it. I also noticed that there was a strong smell with this brand, and not a pleasant one. I also couldn't use it on my face as it is a spray and I wanted to avoid getting it into my eyes or my mouth. It wasn't all a bad experience though. The spray is waterproof although I did reapply after coming out of the water, just in case. I would do this with any sunscreen I used. The spray did work even when held upside down and I did not get a sunburn while using it.

Next I tried Hawaiian Tropic All Day Waterproof Sunblock SPF 45. I was very happy with this lotion. I could use it on my body as well as my face and it does not sting my eyes if I happen to sweat a little bit while outdoors. It has a very nice pineapple smell which I also really liked. The sunscreen is very creamy and rubs in quite fast. It doesn't leave any sort of residue on your skin. It is also waterproof but once again, I reapplied after getting out of the water. This lotion also did not leave me with a sunburn.

I will be sticking with the lotion sunscreens although the sprays, at first glance, did seem to have the advantage of convenience. I did particularly like the Hawaiian Tropic, compared to other brands I have tried over the years. I would recommend it to anyone with a big thumbs up!