How Do I Choose the Best SPF Lotion?

In order to choose the best SPF (sun protection factor) lotion, it is important to be clear about what you need the lotion to do. For instance, if you are looking for a facial moisturizer, it is best to choose an SPF lotion made specifically for moisturizing facial skin. You may want to ask a dermatologist which sun protection factor lotion is most recommended for the part of the body you will use it for and, more specifically, which is the best recommendation for your specific skin type. Experts also recommend selecting the SPF lotion that gives you the best protection from ultraviolet A (UVA) as well as ultraviolet B (UVB) sun rays.

Lotions with SPF are made to protect you from harmful ultraviolet rays that are emitted from the sun. In addition to being used solely as sun-blocking lotion, however, other lotions such as body lotion, bronzing lotion and face lotion are made to moisturize or add color to the skin while simultaneously protecting it from sun damage. In order to choose the best body or facial lotion for such a task, it is best to only purchase lotions made for specific parts of the body.

Speaking to a dermatologist to gain insight into what type of SPF lotion you should choose may help you in making the best purchase, since some lotions are made for very dry skin while others are made for other skin types and conditions. It is also important to note that certain types of skin need a higher sun protection factor than do others. Numbers denoted on an SPF lotion brand relate to how many minutes you can expect SPF protection to last, and these numbers are usually multiplied by 10 to provide an approximate guideline. For example, an SPF lotion represented by a number 10 means that you can spend approximately 100 minutes in the sun before your skin begins to burn. A visit to a dermatologist should help you in determining how much protection your skin needs and precisely which SPF lotion number is best for your skin type.

Educating yourself on the importance of protection from ultraviolet rays may also help guide you through the process of choosing the best SPF lotion. Some lotions only offer protection from UVA rays, but protection from UVB rays is also important. Experts recommend reading the labels of each SPF lotion you are considering to determine which ones offer protection from both types of ultraviolet exposure.