Most people don't know that sunscreens and sunblocks are not the same thing. Sunscreens absorb ultraviolet rays from the sun, unlike sunblocks which reflect them. Sunblocks protect against the more harmful UV rays that cause cancer.
An SPF of at least 15 is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.
The top 3 sunscreens and sunblocks were rated by
www.sierrasummitssunblock.com:
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Loving Naturals Organic SPF 30 Sunscreen Zinc Oxide--Even though the name does suggest this product is a sunscreen, it is actually a sunblock. The Zinc Oxide in it blocks UVA and UVB rays from the sun. It is also water-resistant and not a greasy sunblock. Organic ingredients are also used in Loving Naturals sunblocks.
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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock, SPF 85--While it lacks the organic ingredients in the Loving Naturals, it works well in different kinds of weather. It is also water proof.
3. Fallene Total Block UVA/UVB Complete Full Spectrum
Sun Protection, SPF 65 Clear
--Even though it is hard to rub into the skin, Fallene Total
Block did not allow the skin to change color and it worked well
in the hot sun for 6 hour increments. It is not waterproof, but
it does have a photoreceptive/cellular protection system.
Babies: As for the little ones, Aveeno, Neutrogena, Loving
Naturals, and California Baby* all work well. Regular
sunblocks and sunscreens do not allow babies to sweat,
which in return does not let their bodies cool down.
*California Baby uses no chemicals and is fragrance free.
Waterproof and water-resistant sunscreens are also different as well. Waterproof is misleading because if you are sweating or playing in the water, sunscreen will need to be reapplied periodically. Waterproof should provide protection for 80 minutes, while water-resistant should be reapplied after 40 minutes. The word "waterproof" has been replaced more and more with "very water-resistant."
Chosen by a pharmacist online as her number one pick, Anthelios W SPF 40 Gel is "very water-resistant."
