The Top Rated Sunblocks and the Truth About SPF

No matter what time of the year it is unless you live in a region that's mostly dark, sunscreen is important all year round but more so during summer. There are dozens of sunscreens and sunblocks out there but trying to find a good one can be difficult. Most people figure out which sunscreen and sunblocks works for them by trial and error, of course if you're a parent you probably wouldn't want to put your kids through that test. I've saved you the trouble by finding out which sunblocks have been rated the best and brought them together in one article. Read and decide for yourself which sunblock is best for you.

What's the difference between a sunscreen and a sunblock?

The term sunscreen and sunblock is often used interchangeably but the two are not the same. Sunblocks are considered a physical product because it literally blocks your skin from the sun's ultraviolet radiation. Ever see people with thick white creams on their face and body? Well, that's what sunblock looks like, it's not absorbed into the skin so it physically blocks the sun's UVA and UVB rays. In recent years sunblock have become much more user friendly with transparent sunblocks that are waterproof and sweat proof. Sunscreens are often a cream or lotion that's white in color but rubs on and disappears. What sunscreens do is absorb the UVA and UVB rays to reduce the amount of radiation that will penetrate the skin. The two types of rays, UVA and UVB effect different aspects of your skin. UVA rays are more often associated with premature aging, while UVB rays are the ones that burn and can potentially lead to skin cancer.

Sun Protection Factor a.ka. SPF

The sun protection factor on sunblocks and sunscreens only apply to UVB rays. In recent years there have been a few sunscreens that have added UVA protection to their products, it's still unclear as to how to measure UVA protection factor. The SPF is how many times in minutes it will prevent your skin from burning. The best way to calculate it is to imagine how long it will take your skin to burn without any protection, take that time in minutes and multiply that with the SPF number and that's how long you'll be able to stay in the sun before you burn.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock

This sunscreen has been a favorite of mine for years. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock comes in an SPF ranging from 30 to 100+. It's been tested and formulated using avabenzone to provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It's a non-greasy lotion that goes on dry and light. Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch sunblock won't clog pores, it's fast-absorbing, waterproof, sweat-proof and PABA-free, and it's specially formulated with anti-oxidants for added protection for your skin. A 3 oz. bottle of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch sunblock costs between $10 and $13.

No-Ad Sunblock Lotion

Like Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch sunblock, No-Ad Sunblock Lotion comes in several SPF ranging from 15 to 60, and it's formulated to protect from UVA and UVB rays. No-Ad Sunblock lotion also contains aloe and vitamin E, as well as being water and sweat resistant. It's non-greasy and is suppose to retain it's SPF up to 80 minutes of sweating or doing water activities. A 16 oz. bottle of No-Ad sunblock lotion costs around $6.

Blue Lizard Australian Suncream, SPF 30+

This suncream really only comes in an SPF 30 but it's good for sensitive skin and is available in a 5-9 oz. bottle that retails from $10 to $15. Similar to the two previous brands Blue Lizard Australian Suncream protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, and works instantly. It's also chemical and fragrance free and the bottle turns blue in UV light.

There are many other sunblocks and sunscreens out there but these three, in no particular order, have been the top rated ones that will give your skin the sunblock protection but goes on like a sunscreen.

Source:

http://www.dermstore.com/articles/article_11.htm