Any sun protection is better than none. Find out which sunscreen is best!

It is very important to wear sunscreen on a regular, daily basis, even if you’re mostly indoors or in the shade during the day. A research study conducted in 2017 found that 78% of people who used only an umbrella on a sunny beach day burned, versus 25% of those who used only SPF. This is likely because shade doesn’t block UV light from all angles. Read on to find the top sunscreens on the market. 

Make sure to look for a water-resistant, broad spectrum sunscreen formula, along with an SPF of 30 or higher. The term “broad spectrum” means the sunscreen protects against both harmful UVA/UVB rays.

My Personal Sunscreen Recommendations:

For my face I use Anew Hydra Fusion Daily Beauty Defense SPF 50 daily.

This sun is light weight, absorbs into the skin quickly, has powerful antioxidants and provides broad spectrum protection. I also like that this facial sunscreen is in a tube versus a jar.

For my body I use Blue Lizard Active Sunscreen SPF 30. This sunscreen lotion is mineral based and water resistant. Tip: Make sure you shake the bottle before use and only use a little bit. 

How To Apply Sunscreen

For the best protection, apply sunscreen liberally on all exposed areas 30 minutes before going outdoors. This means about a shot glass-full of sunscreen lotion for the body, a nickel-size dollop for your face.

It’s best to just slather SPF all over before you dress to ensure full coverage and avoid those painful slivers of sunburns that always seem to crop up along the edges of your swimsuit or sundress.

Sun Protection Tips

Reapplication. Sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than two hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

Expiration date. Check your sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years. Its shelf life is even shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.

Cosmetics. Some makeup and lip balms contain some of the same chemicals used in sunscreens. If they do not have at least SPF 15, don’t use them by themselves.

Men. Men, especially those with lighter skin, are more likely than anybody else to get skin cancer. Even if you’re wearing a baseball cap or a Quick Dry Men’s Polo Shirt with UPF 30+, make sure to apply sunscreen on your ears, nose, neck and arms.

Life After Heat Rash

In the past, while living off-grid in Belize, I developed a severe allergic sun reaction that would last for days. Once you’ve had a heat rash, which can range from an uncomfortable rash to painful blisters, you’re skin is more prone to break outs in the future.

I read that for some people using a mineral sunscreen versus a chemical sunscreen actually helped. I was skeptical but figured it couldn’t hurt to give it a try and it actually helped. That and being environmentally friendly are the main reason Nick and I use a mineral based sunscreen like the one from Blue Lizard.

Learn more on how to treat a severe heat rash.

When it comes to sun protection Dermatologists also recommend taking advantage of clothing, hats, sunglasses, and shady spots. This is especially important between peak UV exposure hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

If you do end up with a slight sunburn after a fun day in the sun, check out these household remedies for relieving sunburn.

What do you use to protect your skin from harmful rays. Do you have a favorite sunscreen? Leave us a comment below.