Choosing the Right Sun Protection

For most people, summer time equals sun time. Whether you're hitting the beach, going out on the lake, or just taking a walk outside, you'll be encountering those scorching rays. We all know that UV rays from the sun can cause skin cancer and premature aging. I've reviewed three sun protection products - Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15, Coppertone SPORT Lotion with SPF 30, and BullFrog Quik Gel with SPF 36 - to help you find the best one for your needs.

Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15

No one wants to look old before their time. The daily ravages of the sun can cause permanent damage to your skin, which leads to premature aging. Remembering to put on sunscreen every day is a hassle - so why not make it part of your daily routine?

Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 does double duty as a sunscreen and a moisturizer. Better yet, it's non-comedogenic. In other words, it won't cause breakouts. The cream is not at all greasy and absorbs into the skin easily, leaving no annoying white spots. I walk at least a few miles daily in the Arizona sun, and so far I've managed to avoid getting burned during my walks.

Obviously, this product would not be recommended for extended sun exposure due to the low SPF, or for situations involving water. One downside is that this cream doesn't seem to moisturize as well as ordinary Cetaphil. Also, there is a slight "sunscreen" scent, which may be off-putting for some. Nonetheless, I recommend Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 for those who need moderate daily sun protection.

Coppertone SPORT Lotion SPF 30

For extended periods in the sun, you're going to want something stronger. Coppertone SPORT Lotion SPF 30 is great for outdoor sports and activities. The lotion is easy to apply and gentle on skin - in fact it seems to have a slight moisturizing effect. It has a fairly ordinary sunscreen smell.

This sunscreen bills itself as waterproof, but I wouldn't recommend it for water sports. It worked well while I was dry and seemed fairly sweat proof, but the instant I jumped into the water, even for a short time, I needed to reapply.

BullFrog Quik Gel SPF 36