Summer’s BEST Sunscreens

HEY summer babes and dudes! As most of you know- getting lots of sun can give you a nice tan- but it can also give you wrinkles, sun spots and even skin cancer. Skin cancer runs deep in my family and is something I’m very aware of. These days I use a foaming self tanner to get my glow as I know that the sun exposure just isn’t worth it. I’ve been testing out a several different sunscreens for the past few months to get geared up for summer and I thought I would share my thoughts on what I’m loving- and what didn’t work so well.

11082867.jpg

My MAJOR NO would have to be the Banana Boat Sport SPF 30. Yikes. Sure, it’s a great price coming in under $6, but this stuff does NOT work very well and has left me burned several times even after applying it every hour. The lack of effectiveness is not worth the yummy smell.

Screen Shot 2017-06-26 at 7.00.33 PM

Another bummer for me is the Neutrogena Sport Face. For being a sport sunscreen, it doesn’t seem to actually be sweat proof, and can REALLY sting when it runs into your eyes. What’s the point?

19553202_10155738518752985_1247769984_n

Luckily, a few different products worked out REALLY well for me! I’ll break down each one leading to my favorite out of the 3.

19550958_10155738518782985_1050228733_n

3. Supergoop Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil

WOWZERS. This stuff is pure greatness. I noticed it doesn’t just sit on top of my skin, it soaks in and moisturizes. It also helps to reduce previous sun damage- which I happen to have a lot of unfortunately. It comes in with a hefty price, but this brand is a brand I can stand by as I have several of their other products that also live up to their promises. Also, I’ve done research on every sunscreen I have tried to see what their FDA Efficacy results are. This sunscreen performs at an average of 54 SPF at up to 80 minutes of water resistance. That’s CRAZY! Most drugstore sunscreens hit below their suggested SPF, so I was excited that Supergoop didn’t go the route of false advertisement.

Here’s their listed specs:

Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil SPF 50 protects and nourishes skin with a lightweight, non-greasy feel. Formulated with reinforcing meadowfoam seed oil, potent tocotrienols, and nourishing argan oil, this spray sunscreen prevents moisture loss, neutralizes UV-induced free radical damage, and leaves skin soft and supple.

WHAT MAKES THIS FORMULA SUPER?
• The first SPF 50 sunscreen oil in the prestige beauty channel
• Formulated with tocotrienols which are potent antioxidants, 60x more powerful than the well known Vitamin E, that helps to neutralize skin aging free-radical damage
• Meadowfoam seed oil reinforces skin’s natural lipid barrier, enhancing moisturization and helping to prevent moisture loss due to dehydration from the sun’s rays.

19511886_10155738518607985_1750512671_n

2. Zinka Nosecoat

A sunscreen that’s mermaid colored? Yes please! I reach for the teal Zinka and Zack likes the flesh colored Zinka. If you are in the water whether it’s surfing, wake-boarding, or just going hard at the waterpark- this is for you. What’s also great is that you can see where the product is if you use their colored products- don’t worry- they can rub in. I specifically use Zinka for my face and NEVER get a burn when I wear it. It’s also VERY affordable!

19576340_10155738518847985_1186676180_n

Here are the product specs:

With 25% Zinc Oxide, our original colored nosecoat is the best total BLOCK available. Visible on your skin, Zinka nosecoat reflects sunlight, blocks out UVA & UVB rays and is water resistant.

Zinc oxide based nosecoats are different than your average sunscreen because they’re not rated on the SPF scale. SPF is a measurement of how much sun is blocked out by the sunscreen, ranging from 93% in an SPF 15 sunscreen to SPF 50 which blocks out 98% of UVA/UVB rays. Zinka nosecoat actually blocks out 100% of UVA/UVB rays which is why it doesn’t have an SPF rating.

19551089_10155738518697985_1171607809_n

1. Sun Bum Signature SPF 50 Sunscreen

Here it is. The Holy Grail of sunscreens. I honestly hadn’t tried Sun Bum until I moved back to California. Their sunscreens are in a lot of surf shops here and their flagship store is less than an hour from where I live. I heard so many great things, so I decided to make a purchase. This stuff is AMAZING. Through surfing, sweating and everything in-between… if I’m wearing this sunscreen, I will NOT get burned. It doesn’t have a gross smell. It’s not overly oily- and it rubs in fairly easy. When I’m out in the sun, I need a product I can trust and I have finally found the BEST. It performs at 98% effectiveness and averages over the suggested 50 SPF, which is a VERY high percentage for sunscreen. It will put you back about $13 for a small size that is great for testing out. When you realize how great it is, you will want to get the 3oz for $18.

Here are the product specs:

We developed our Signature line for the days that we live for. Our premium, mineral based sunscreen is specifically designed to offer the very best broad spectrum protection to those who work and play hard in the sun. It will never bleed into your eyes, never make your hands slippery, and won’t come off during the most rigorous activities in the water, wind, or blazing hot sun. Sun Bum Signature is used and trusted by many lifeguard and beach rescue organizations throughout the U.S., including the Hawaiian Water Patrol, the North Shore Lifeguard Association, and the Eastern Surfing Association.

Features:
UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum Protection
High Performance Premium Zinc Formula
Water Resistant / 80 Minutes / Made in USA

19511964_10155738542407985_1377242278_n

Well folks, there it is. I hope you get the chance to try out these products- your skin will thank you. Remember, skin cancer is a very real thing- and as nice as it is to have a deep tan- it’s more important to protect your skin at every cost. Also, feel free to comment with the sunscreens you are LOVING. I’m always open to new products!

xoxo

Ashley