Ahh, summer. The kids are out of school, and it's time for some fun in the sun. And with Memorial Day weekend approaching, experts are asking you to play it safe and pack the sunscreen.
But which sunscreen is best for protecting your family against the sun's harmful rays? Do you go for the most expensive? The highest SPF? Is a spray better than a lotion? The answer may surprise you.
A new study released this week by Consumer Reports ranks top sunscreen picks for the coming summer season, and their top choice was Target's Up and Up brand Sport Continuous SPF 30, which also turned out to be the cheapest at just 88 cents per ounce. Other top contenders included Coppertone Sport Ultra Sweatproof, Banana Boat Sport Performance, and CVS Fast Cover Sport, all in SPF 30.
Skin care experts say they're not surprised. In addition to using a high SPF, the key is to reapply often. And the biggest lesson is that a higher price tag does not guarantee better protection.
Note: Target also topped Consumer Reports' list last year, and at that time my post sparked some lively discussion about potentially harmful ingredients found in many sunscreens. If this is of concern to you, I urge you to do your research to find a sunscreen that suits your needs and you feel comfortable wearing (vs. skipping the sunscreen altogether, which isn't a good idea).