Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Your Family This Summer | Sandi Parkey Pink Zebra Independent Consultant

When it comes to hanging out in the summertime, applying sunscreen is a must (and really, dermatologists now suggest that you wear sunscreen during every season).

With all the SPF ratings, mineral and chemical formulas, and different benefits being advertised, it can be downright overwhelming to pick a sunscreen that works for all of your needs. To help you and your family stay sun-safe, we put together a guide to help you pick the best sunscreen for your needs.

Chemical or Mineral Sunscreen?

The first thing you will want to ask yourself is whether you prefer mineral or chemical sunscreen. While they work in different ways, experts say that they are equally effective—so it is more about personal preference than a right or wrong answer.

With chemical sunscreens, the active ingredients are absorbed into your skin and work to displace UV rays before they can be absorbed, so you experience none of their harmful effects. For mineral sunscreens, the microscopic mineral particles sit atop the skin and serve as a physical barrier to block out the sun’s rays.

SPF and Broad-Spectrum Protection

You will likely see many sunscreens advertised as “broad-spectrum” protection as you peruse the shelves, and this is exactly what you want. Broad-spectrum sunscreen is what the American Dermatology Association recommends as it provides protection against both types of harmful UV rays (UVA and UVB). They also recommend choosing an SPF rating of at least 30, but evidence has found that SPF ratings over 50 do not provide any extra protection.

The Best Sunscreen Application Method

There are many options for applying sunscreen, including sprays, lotions and sticks. The good news is that the delivery method is entirely up to personal preference.

The best sunscreen is the one you will routinely use, so whatever makes it the most convenient for you is perfectly adequate. As long as you are applying it at least 30 minutes before heading out and reapplying every two hours (and every time you get out of the water), you are doing everything you can to make sure you are staying safe all summer long.

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