Alright, so I realize its raining outside, but spring is just around the corner, and that means that we should all be shopping for more intense sunscreens.  Remember my post before http://theemeryboard.com/2009/07/12/what-you-dont-know-about-your-sunscreen/?  It emphasized the importance of wearing antioxidants with your sunscreen or finding a formula that already contains antioxidants to combat the free radicals that the sun blocking chemicals form on the skin.  While some of the formulas I am about to tell you about may not have antioxidants, just know that I still encourage you all to add them to your skincare routine regularly to fight off skin cancer.

Though it may be hard to even visualize what the sun looks like at this point, its important that when those sunny days come, we arm ourselves with the proper protection against those gorgeous, yet harmful rays.  Here are a few different sunscreens for a few different people.

This sunscreen is for the bargain hunter.  Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch formula contains Helioplex which claims to have stabilized sunscreens which may not break down into free radicals as easily, but I would still recommend supplementing with an antioxidant underneath.  This sunscreen is extremely dry to the touch, and is about $10.  Though it is SPF 70, please, still reapply regularly.  A higher number does NOT mean less reapplying!  Pick this up at most drug stores.

This formula is made for those who love being in the water or those who sweat a lot.  This waterproof formula is one of my favorites for those days at Tahoe on the jet ski when water is pummeling my face.  When I apply Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protection Cream, I have to wash my hands a few times before the soap will lather.  It means business.  Its packed full of antioxidants and plenty of anti-aging ingredients.  The tiniest bit goes a really long way, and its got protection from both UVA and UVB rays.  The Shu Uemura purifying oil is the best way to remove this thick, stubborn formula.  I would not recommend this for daily use, but mainly for those particularly active days.  You can pick this up at Sephora for $19.50-35.00.

For those delicate flowers out there, this Neutrogena Sensitive Skin sunblock lotion with Purescreen is specifically formulated without fragrance and with natural sunscreens to be gentle on sensitive skin.  Do not let the word natural fool you, however.  This sunscreen does contain the ingredients that transform into free radicals on the skin, so definitely add your antioxidant serum or moisturizer underneath before applying, and reapply often.  This is also around $10 and is available at the drug store.

For the sunscreen haters, here’s a formula that boasts no sunscreen feel.  It completely absorbs into the skin leaving it soft, smooth, and matte (no more sunscreen sheen).  This Peter Thomas Roth Uber-Dry Sunscreen also contains tons of antioxidants to help control free radicals.  This formula has the lowest SPF of the entire group, but with SPF 30, its definitely still a valuable weapon against skin cancer and wrinkles.  You can find it at Sephora for $26.

If you skipped the link to my previous sunscreen article, remember that you should always choose sunscreens that have antioxidants, and if they don’t, supplement with your own.  Certain sunscreens break down into free radicals on your skin, which is exactly what you are trying to protect yourself from in the first place.  Reapplying regularly, as stated on the label, also prevents those free radicals from forming.  Make sure you use plenty, and no matter how much you hate the feeling of it, or the smell, or whatever your reasoning, get over it.  The risks of not wearing sunscreen are too great.  So stock up on your sunscreen now, and maybe, just maybe, the sun will come out tomorrow!

Update: Emery Board Reader Ericka reminded me that Neutrogena can be found super cheap at Wal-Mart.  Happy sunscreening!

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