A decade ago, prestige sunblocks barely existed. Today, 40 or so upscale brands cost $15 to $30 for only 4 to 6 ounces. You must also now select an SPF (sun protection factor) ranging from 2 through 45-meaning the lotion will screen out sun-burning rays for 2 to 45 times longer than it would take for you to burn unprotected.
Confusing? You bet. So which goo is right for you? And how much should you pay for it?
As long as the sunscreen you buy contains at least one of 20 FDA-approved man-made chemicals or natural sunblocking agents, there’s no reason to get skinned by a high-priced brand.
Before buying any brand, check the label. The most common sunscreening chemicals that shield you from the sun’s shorter waves that cause burning (or ultraviolet B rays) are cinnamates, patamates or benzophenones, such as oxybenzone and dioxybenzone. Minerals or actual “blocks” that protect you from longer rays that cause deeper damage and wrinkling (or ultraviolet A rays) are titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Most sunscreens contain at least two chemicals or they combine a chemical with a mineral to shield you from both UVB and UVA rays.
Also, look for “waterproof” sunscreens instead of those labeled “water-resistant,” so the lotion won’t wash off as easily. And reapply sunscreens every two hours or so. Dr. Amy Paller of the Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago suggests rubbing on chemical sunscreens 20 minutes before going outdoors “so they have time to be absorbed by the skin.”
Of course, doctors also stress simply staying out of direct sun.
