How to Select a Lotion With Sunblock

Sunblock makers have worked in recent years to combine the protective elements of their products with the moisturizing and rejuvenating elements of hand lotion. You should select a lotion with sunblock to cut down on the number of bottles you carry around on a daily basis.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Decide on your preferred method of application. In addition to rub-on lotions with sunblock, spray-bottle varieties are also available. If you prefer a more precise application, a rub-on lotion is best, while spray-on products are good for speed and ease of use.
2. Choose a moisturizing lotion with sunblock designed for daily wear. Even if it's not sunny out, your skin can still be damaged by UV rays. The market for these products has exploded, but popular options include Aveeno Sunblock Lotion Spray Continuous Protection with SPF 30, Neutrogena Sunblock Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch with SPF 30 or 45 and NO-AD Sunblock Waterproof Ultra Lotion with SPF 30.
3. Narrow your choice of sunblock lotion to offerings with moisturizing elements, which help maintain the condition of your skin after repeated exposures to the sun. For instance, the three examples listed in Step 2 contain ingredients such as aloe vera and cocoa butter (NO-AD), soy proteins (Aveeno), and vitamins A, C and E (Neutrogena).
4. Select an everyday facial moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15 (preferably 30). Your face is the part of your body most exposed to the elements, so you'll want to take aggressive steps to protect it from sun damage. Try products like Eucerin Extra Protective Moisture Lotion with SPF 30, Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer with SPF 30 or Pond's Mend & Defend Intensive Protection Moisturizer with SPF 15.
5. Select generic versions of sunblock lotions when possible to keep your costs low. Major retailers such as Target, Walgreens and Safeway use their own laboratories to create generic versions of popular sunblock lotions at a competitive price.

Tips & Warnings

• Concentrate your search for a lotion with sunblock on products with UVA/UVB protection. UVA rays cause serious skin damage with prolonged exposure to the sun, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburns. Lotions with sun blocking abilities should have UVA/UVB information on the front of the bottle.
• Few sunblocks provide much protection for extended swimming or heavy perspiration. Opt for a larger bottle of sunblock lotion for repeated applications after you come in contact with water.