Formula type: GH Beauty Lab scientists tend to prefer lotions and creams over sprays since "they last on skin longer and are more likely to form a uniform protective coating over skin than sprays," Wizemann says. In addition, "If your skin is prone to dryness, a cream may be better for you," Dr. Chen says. As for kids, "Sprays are easy to use, but they might require a second coating, so spray generously," she notes.

Water-resistance to stand up against sweaty days or time spent swimming. Heads up: There’s no such thing as water proof or sweat proof sunscreen. Under current FDA guidelines, there are only “water-resistant for 40 minutes” or “water-resistant for 80 minutes” options. "Sweat- and water-resistant" labeling means the formula maintained its SPF level on testers’ skin in a water bath for the indicated time, says Steven Q. Wang, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Beyond that timeframe, it should be reapplied. Broad-spectrum protection"to protect against both harmful UVA/UVB rays," says Lucy Chen, M.D, F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Florida. Exposure to these wavelengths can lead to dangerous sunburns (a.k.a. skin damage and potentially skin cancers), dark spots and disrupted collagen production, which can bring on wrinkling and sagging. If used as directed with other sun protection measures (see Directions), decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun Mineral formulas (also called physical sunscreens) form a barrier on your skin that reflects or filters UVA and UVB rays. The dispersed zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide formulas can be more difficult to spread on your skin and leave behind white cast, but they usually last longer than chemical formulas.

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Sun Protection Measures:Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. To decrease this risk, regularly use a sunscreen with a Broad Spectrum SPF value of 15 or higher and other sun protection measures including:

Chemical formulas absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, according to Michael Somenek, M.D., a plastic surgeon in Washington, D.C. "This process allows the body to release the UV rays, which ultimately prevents the skin from burning," he says. Chemical sunscreens tend to be better for swimming due to their water-resistant nature but while these lotions and sprays are easier to apply with no white residue, you will need to reapply sunscreen more often than you would with a physical or mineral option. Active ingredients: Most often, you'll have to choose between chemical and mineral sunscreens (or a mix of both) as your main SPF agents: verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{