With summer just around the corner, it's time to start upping your skincare game. You have probably already found yourself eyeing the choice of sunscreens at your local retailer, wondering which one is the right for you. But, with so many brands, so many technologies, and so many confusing labels, choosing a sunscreen isn’t as simple as it used to be, even though it seems to be more important than ever! So, before you head to the beach or take kids to enjoy the outdoors -- here are the sunscreen facts.

Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen

A few years ago, choosing a good sunscreen meant looking for the one with the highest SPF factor. However, SPF refers to blockage of UVB rays only, but there are also UVA rays, which don’t cause sunburn but may also increase skin cancer risk. Up to 90% of skin changes associated with aging are actually caused by a lifetime’s exposure to ultraviolet A rays. So, always choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen, because this is the only type of sunscreen that provides an overall protection.

But, it’s not that simple

When it comes to UVA protection, there is no clear rating to tell you how much protection a product really offers. The SPF rating means only how effective a product is in preventing sunburns, a type of skin damage caused by UVB rays. So, what you need to pay attention to are the ingredients. Look for a sunscreen formulated with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, oxybenzone, ecamsule, sulisobenzone, or avobenzone. These are all approved ingredients, proven to block UVA.

So, what’s SPF and how does it work?

SPF, the sun protection factor, is a rating that tells us how effective a product is in preventing sunburns caused by UVB rays. For example, if your skin normally burns in 10 minutes, a product with SPF 15 multiplies that time with 15, meaning you could prolong that period to 150 minutes if you wear your sunscreen properly. More precisely, it means that only 1/15th of the burning radiation reaches the skin through the recommended thickness of sunscreen. But, contrary to what you may suppose, SPF 30 is not twice as powerful as SPF 15. In reality, SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 filters out only a slightly more - 97%. In the same way, sunscreens with higher SPF do not last longer than lower SPF – all of them must be continually reapplied as directed. In the EU, sunscreen labels can only go up to SPF 50+, to limit unrealistic claims.

To sum things up:

• For most of us, a broad-spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen is just fine. However, if you have very fair skin, an underlying medical condition or you’re on a therapy that increases your sensitivity to sunlight, you should consider SPF 30 or higher, like Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF50, or Anthelios SPF 50
• Always use your sunscreen as directed, which means spreading it generously all over body, and reapplying every 2 hours, and always after excessive sweating and toweling. 
• If you’re going to be exercising or enjoying your time in the water, choose a water and sweat resistant sunscreen. Water resistant sunscreens will stay effective after 40 minutes in the water, but you also need to reapply them regularly.

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Now that you have your facts straight, here’s our selection of the best sprays, creams, and lotions for all your sun-blocking needs!

Shiseido WetForce Collection is great for athletes and outdoor adventurers. Whilst reapplication of sunscreen is traditionally recommended on every 2 or 3 hours (or immediately after swimming, toweling off, or sweating) Shiseido’s WetForce technology allows the sunscreen to become even stronger upon contact with water or perspiration, by creating a soft shield that guards the skin against UV damage. $40 (Shop Now)

Supergoop! Super Power Sunscreen Mousse Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is great for those who prefer lighter textures. This super-lightweight, hydrating mousse delivers broad-spectrum UV protection with an antioxidant-rich, super-hydrating, water-resistant formula. $19.00- $34.00 (Shop now)

If you’re spending your summer in the city, look no further than Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++. This one is a mineral sunscreen that protects skin from five main causes of skin damage: UVA, UVB, pollution, blue light from devices, and infrared radiation. $60.00 (Shop now)

The best way to incorporate sunscreen into your daily routine is to use a makeup-to-sunscreen hybrid, such as IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better™ CC+™ Cream with SPF 50+. Available in no less than 7 shades, this full-coverage, color-correcting cream protects skin with SPF 50+ UVA/UVB broad-spectrum physical sunscreen, while increasing hydration and diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and pores $38.00 (Shop now)

Fresh offers a convenient solution for protection on-the-go. Their Sugar Sport Treatment Sunscreen SPF 30 is a long-lasting water resistant treatment that moisturizes and provides UV protection to the lips, face, and eye area. The water-resistant formula makes it ideal for an active lifestyle. $25.00 (Shop now)

And finally, if you’re looking for the latest in skincare we recommend Clinique Virtu-oil Body Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 30, a sheer, oil-free sunscreen that delivering high-level UVA/UVB protection and a pleasant cooling sensation. The mist is easy to apply, and dries down like a dry oil, leaving skin smooth, shiny and radiant. $32.00 (Shop now)