Avoid the Burn: Best Sunscreens for 2019
Sunscreen is essential while you are visiting us here in Myrtle Beach–especially for any time you spend outside or in the water. When you are at the beach or the pool, you get a double dose of the sun’s rays–one that hits you directly and one that reflects off the surface of the water onto you. Skipping the sunscreen could leave you with severe burns and even sun poisoning, requiring medical treatment. We know you’re on vacation so the last thing you want to do is scour through all of the latest recommendations, testing and reports about the best sunscreens out this year. So, we’ve done the work for you! Here are the experts’ top picks for lotion, mineral, spray and oxybenzone-free sunscreens.
Top Lotion Sunscreens for 2019
Lotion sunscreen is the old standard that most of us grew up with. It’s important to make sure to use enough (1 oz. or the amount that would fill a shot glass) for the average person and to reapply, reapply, reapply. Here are the top choices for lotion sunscreen:
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-in Milk Sunscreen
- Kiehl’s Advanced Sun Protector Sunscreen SPF 50
- Sun Bum Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
- Bullfrog Land Sport Quik Gel Sunscreen SPF 50
Top Mineral Sunscreens for 2019
Mineral sunscreens avoid the chemical sun protectors and instead use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. While mineral sunscreens once got a bad reputation for not being as protective as chemical-based sunscreens, the newest formulations are shown to be just as effective and in many cases, safer. Here are the top choices for mineral sunscreen:
- Alba Botanica Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
- Badger Active Naturals Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 30
- Beautycounter Protect All Over Sunscreen SPF 30
Oxybenzone-Free Sunscreens for 2019
Recent safety studies have shown that the ingredient, oxybenzone, absorbs into the skin faster and can interfere with hormones in the body. It has also been implicated in bleaching coral reefs in some areas. Experts recommend avoiding this ingredient whenever possible. Here are the top choices for oxybenzone-free sunscreen:
- Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50
- Tropical Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
- Walgreen’s Hydrating Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50
Top Spray Sunscreens for 2019
When applied properly and avoiding inhalation, spray sunscreens can be very effective. Apply by holding the nozzle close to the skin and spraying until skin glistens, then rub it in (even if it says “no rub”). Never spray your face due to the risk of inhaling. Also, experts say to avoid using spray sunscreen on children as they are more likely to inhale the product and suffer adverse effects and lung irritation. Here are the top choices for spray sunscreen:
- Banana Boat SunComfort Clear UltraMist Spray Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Sun Bum Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 50
- Coppertone High Performance Spray Sunscreen SPF 50
No matter which sunscreen you choose, it’s important to make it part of your overall sun protection strategy. This strategy should include avoiding being out in the sun from the hours of 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. when the sun’s rays are the most intense, wearing sunglasses and hats, seeking shade when feeling overheated and covering up with SPF protective clothing. Now you are ready to have fun and avoid the burn.