Eight best new sunscreen options to save your skin
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Sunscreen close-up
The people in lab coats are working hard to make applying sunscreen a much more pleasurable experience (that’s
right — no more white streaks, thick, heavy creams or oily, acne-inducing formulas). Even better, there’s now something
for everyone: babies, athletes, tough guys, beauty queens, sensitive types. Here are the best new options to save your skin.
Know your filters
Chemical filters
Pro: Sunscreens that contain chemical blocks protect
the skin from burning by absorbing UV molecules.
They’re easy to apply and have a nice, smooth texture.
Con: People with allergies or sensitive skin may find
the chemicals irritating.
Look for: Mexoryl SX, octocrylene, avobenzone.
Physical filters
Pro: They form a protective layer that sits on top
of the skin, reflecting UV rays.
Con: Physical blocks can sometimes feel chalky and
leave a white residue on skin, but the newest formulations
have vastly improved textures.
Look for: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, natural minerals.
Purely physical
The star UV fighters zinc oxide and titanium
dioxide are beautifully camouflaged in a tinted
lotion that evens out skin tone. Formulated for
the face, it’s the perfect size to tuck into your
purse, so touch-ups are easy and convenient.
Partner it with SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic for
maximum protection.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV DefenseSPF 50 lotion.
Serious coverage
If you want a cream that delivers a high
level of protection for your face and your
body, you can finally stop looking. At SPF 60,
this new formula provides deep protection.
It’s perfect for fair skin and those prone to
sun allergies. Plus, it’s a breeze to apply!
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL au Mexoryl,Peaux Sensibles SPF 60 lotion
Kid approved
Moms can rest assured using this broad
spectrum sunscreen on their children’s
sensitive skin. It’s gentle and specially
formulated to protect skin with 100-percentnatural
mineral-based ingredients. No wonder
it’s so popular with dermatologists when it
comes to recommending a sun protection
product. Bonus: Great for Mom, too.
Aveeno Kids Sensitive Skin SP F 30Lotion.
Double-duty care
This luxurious body oil absorbs quickly, and
it smells just like summer! Plus, soothing
ingredients hydrate your skin while protecting
it from those harmful rays. The best part? It
won’t stain your whites and leaves your skin
looking and feeling silky smooth.
Vichy Capital Soleil High Protection SPF 30 Suncare Oil.
Spray on
The water- and sweat-resistant formula is
perfect for those active days in the sun. The
spray can be used from any angle, so it’s easy
to apply. And the clear mist is sure to be a hit
with the guys who don’t like to blend creams
on their skin. Its broad spectrum protection is
also photo-stable, meaning the spray doesn’t
become less effective when exposed to UV light.
Ombrelle Sport Clear Continuous SPF 60 Spray.
Sheer solution
This translucent lotion has a silky texture
and uses natural mineral filters that create
a physical barrier to block both UVA and UVB
rays from reaching your skin. Typically physical
filters are opaque and don’t blend easily, but
this luxurious cream goes on like a moisturizer.
It’s great for everyday protection.
G.M. Collin Paris Mineral SPF 25 Sun Cream, 1-800-361-1263.
Complete protection
This lotion contains a special combination of
antioxidants and chemical blocks to protect
your skin from the damaging effects of UVA,
UVB and near-infrared rays. The tube comes
with a built-in brush to make application simple
and precise. And the lotion is light enough to
use on top of your daily moisturizer.
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Triple Defense Shield SPF 50 Lotion.
Swimmer's choice
Last year Neutrogena wowed us (especially
moms) with the spray version, and this year it’s
introduced a lotion that can be applied directly
to damp, sweaty or wet skin. It doesn’t get
diluted and adheres to and protects the skin.
It’s a must-have by the pool and on the dock.
And, of course, it works just as well on dry skin.
Neutrogena Wet Guard SPF 45 Lotion.
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