During the summer we need to use sunscreen when we are out in the sun. It makes no difference what your skin color is, you need to protect skin. Darker skinned people have some protection from the sun; however, they too can get skin cancer. Sunburns are not fun either. The question to ask is what the best sunscreen is. The true answer is whatever sunscreen you use, any is better than none.

Sunscreens that have both UVA and UVB protection are better protection for your skin. The UVB protective ingredient oxybenzone has been a controversy since the FDA approved it for use in the United States. Oxybenzone has been known to disrupt the body’s hormones. About ten years ago, it was rare to find a sunscreen with oxybenzone in it, now it is common. Zinc and titanium oxides have been shown to cause potential reproductive effects. Retinyl Palmitate has been linked to skin cancer and it is an ingredient in some sunscreens and facial creams. Retinyl Palmitate comes with a warning to use sunscreen as it makes the skin more sensitive to the sun. The best sunscreen has protection from UVA and UVB rays.

Sunscreens can be greasy until they are absorbed into the skin. Some are greasier than others. The cheap big box store sunscreens can be the least greasy. Greasier sunscreens are more apt to get on your clothes and other cloth objects. They can stain cloth and be difficult to remove from furniture once there. The spray on sunscreens can be very greasy until they are absorbed. The spray is only more expensive without any benefit over the cream except that makeup application after using the sunscreen is much easier.

The best sunscreen for kids is the one at the big box store. It is cheaper also. The SPF rating is important also. Studies indicate that the 100 percent sunscreen is no more effective than the 30 SPF rating. Some people contend that the protection is better with the 100 percent rating. The 100 percent rating may only be thought to be better protection as we are influenced by the number. When looking at the ingredients on the bottles, clearly there is more of the UVB ingredient on the 100 percent sunscreen. Most people asked contend that the 100 percent SPF sunscreen is the best sunscreen to use.

What is the best sunscreen? The best sunscreen is one you will use on a consistent basis, reapply every two hours, is SPF 30 or greater, and is cost effective for your family. If you like the expensive brands, by all means use them. At least you are protecting your skin from sun damage. The recommendation for the best sunscreen for kids is the cheap big box store brands that are usually SPF 50 and have both UVA and UVB protection in a cream or lotion. The best for adults is the clear spray on so that it doesn’t mark up clothes so much and is easier to follow with makeup.