Long, hot summer days are here. Maybe not officially, but it’s gettin’ kinda warm out there! This is the time of year most people start worrying about sun damage, skin cancer and wrinkles caused by being out in the sun. And besides, you’re supposed to be wearing sunscreen every day, not just in the summertime or when you go swimming. Remember?
Now, when I buy sunscreen, I don’t just grab the first one off the shelf, and you shouldn’t, either. There are a few important things to look for, and the first one is the SPF, or sun protection factor. This is a guide to how long the product will keep your skin from burning. I always buy a sunscreen with SPF 50 because it’s a much longer time and you don’t have to reapply as often. I also look for waterproof protection so I don’t sweat it off or wash it off as soon as I hit the beach. These are the two most important aspects of the sunscreen to me. You might want to consider other factors as well.
Banana Boat is one of the most brand recognized names in the sunscreen business. Here are a few of the best products they are putting out on the shelves this year.
Banana Boat Sport Performance Continuous Clear Spray SPF 50
This product is advertised as suncare to the extreme. This is a good thing for you and your skin! It’s my favorite kind now that I’ve tried it, and I’ve been using Banana Boat’s SPF 50 for Babies lotion for many years! It comes in an easy to use spray can that can be sprayed onto skin from any angle. This is important because it can be hard to reach some areas; with this product it’s a breeze. But don’t USE it in a breeze or it will just blow away…that happened to me once…lol. It’s oil-free, can’t be sweated or rubbed off during activities, and even for the price (it runs about ten bucks) it’s a good deal because it actually works well. This is a particularly good spray because some that I’ve tried make you feel sticky and this one does not.
Ultra Defense Sunblock Lotion SPF 80
This is a newer product and I tried it because of its extremely high SPF, and the fact that I had received a coupon in the mail for it. It is a lotion form, which is its first downfall. I may as well tell you now that I didn’t really like this product because it made my face feel greasy and then I broke out afterwards. It’s probably my own fault because the label plainly states that it moisturizes your skin with aloe vera and vitamins A and E…if you have DRY skin this lotion might be just the ticket for you! It’s a good smelling lotion, in my opinion, and it rubs in and absorbs easily. It definitely works as far as protecting your skin from burning. I was out all afternoon and didn’t get the slightest tinge of pink.
Honestly, there are so many different Banana Boat products out there, you may just have to use trial and error to find what you need for your skin. I’ll be sticking with the Sport Performance Continuous Clear Spray because it’s the best I’ve found in years. Good luck, and remember to use a sunscreen all the time for your best protection against skin cancer!
