When it comes to sunscreen, expensive doesn't always mean better. In fact, according to the July 2009 issue of Consumer Reports, some of the most effective sunscreens are also the cheapest.
Consumer Reports tested 10 products for their effectiveness in blocking UVB and UVA rays. They also tested how waterproof the sunscreens were by having their volunteers sit in a tub of water for 40 minutes and then re-testing UVB effectiveness. (As a refresher, ultraviolet B rays are associated with sunburn and skin cancer, while ultraviolet A rays penetrate the skin more deeply and are responsible for wrinkling, sun spots and other signs of aging-the SPF ratings on the bottles refer only to UVB exposure.)
The results were surprising. While all of the products tested offered good protection and came within 10 percent of meeting their SPF claims, the most expensive, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch, turned out to have the poorest rating. Consumer Reports chose Walgreens Sport Continuous Spray SPF 50, Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50 lotion and Target Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30 as their best buys (Target has since changed the brand name to Up & Up). At just $0.87 per ounce-compared to $3.36 for the Neutrogena sunscreen, Target's sunscreen was the least expensive product tested.
Another standout was Aveeno Continuous Protection Spray SPF 45 (now available in SPF 50). At $2.43 per ounce it's a bit on the pricey side, but it's one of my personal favorites.
To see how your sunscreen ranks, check out the full report. You need to be a Consumer Reports subscriber to access the site.
And remember, no matter what brand you choose, it takes a full ounce (the size of a shot glass) to cover the body of an average-sized person, and you need a teaspoon for the face and neck alone. Sunscreen wears off quickly, so be sure to reapply every couple of hours. If you do end up with a sunburn, follow these tips to help soothe and repair your skin.
Wishing you great skin!
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Dr. Baumann is author of the best-selling book, " The Skin Type Solution." To learn more about her revolutionary skin typing system, visit her Web site, SkinTypeSolutions.com.
All of Dr. Baumann's recommended skin care products are available online, and a portion of proceeds goes to The Dermatology Foundation.
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