10 dermatologist-approved products to protect your skin this summer
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Every year, more than 10,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer, affects more than 3 million people annually.
May is national Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and to honor the occasion, dermatologist Dr. Angela Lamb joined Hoda & Jenna to talk about how people can protect themselves from the sun's harmful UV rays while still enjoying their summer.
It starts with a product you'll actually use, and she shared a few dermatologist-approved sunscreens.
"Buy something you will wear," Lamb advised. "If you don't like how it feels on your skin, if it is irritating, if you don't like how it smells: Please find another one. So many patients just don't wear it for those reasons, and thankfully now we have so many different options to choose from."
To help you find the perfect formula that you'll use all summer long, Lamb shared a few of her favorites.
1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50 $14.99 at Ulta
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50 $9.97 at Walmart
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50 $9.97 at Amazon
Lamb praised this affordable lotion for its "non-sticky feel" and the fact that it applies cleanly without "leaving a white film" on skin. Lightweight and hydrating, it's perfect for wearing underneath make-up. Like every other sunscreen, users wearing this should touch up their application every 90 minutes.
2. Sun Bum Face Stick SPF 30
Sun Bum Face Stick SPF 30
This stick is perfect for protecting your face and has a light, lemon scent for a pleasant application.
"(I) love this for the nasal bridge or for children," said Lamb. She pointed out the product could also work well for anyone looking to add some extra moisture to their skin. With SPF 30, it's perfect for daily use too.
3. Sun Bum Mineral Lip Balm SPF 30
Sun Bum Mineral Lip Balm SPF 30
Don't neglect your lips during the summer! Lamb said that when it comes to sunscreen, people tend to forget about this area.
"Everyone forgets about the lips!" she said. "I have diagnosed many skin cancers on the lips and right above the lips."
Try this lip balm to keep the area protected, soft, and moisturized.
4. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 $8.75 at Amazon
This mineral sunscreen stick is perfect for sensitive skin. Lamb said that it might look more white on skin due to the ingredients, but still helps protect from the sun. With SPF 50, it works great for prolonged outdoor exposure.
5. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 $14.98 at Amazon
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 $14.98 at Walmart
Like the matching sunscreen stick, this sunblock is great for sensitive skin and only contains zinc and titanium dioxide. When applying, make sure you're using enough — Lamb recommends using about "two finger widths" worth of sunscreen to cover your face and about one ounce to cover your neck and chest area.
6. Kiss My Face Mineral Sun Spray Lotion SPF 30
Kiss My Face Mineral Sun Spray Lotion SPF 30
Kiss My Face Mineral Sun Spray Lotion SPF 30 $17.37 at Amazon
Kiss My Face Mineral Sun Spray Lotion SPF 30 $19.97 at Walmart
Looking for cruelty-free, vegan ingredients? Try this brand's formula. It's great for adults looking for targeted sunscreen application. Avoid using sprays on small children though — Lamb said since they're more likely to move around during the application process, you might miss areas.
7. Kiss My Face Kids Mineral Sun Spray SPF 30
Kiss My Face Kids Mineral Sun Spray SPF 30
Kiss My Face Kids Mineral Sun Spray SPF 30 $17.97 at Walmart
This more standard sunscreen spray bottle keeps the cruelty-free, vegan ingredients that Kiss My Face is known for. When applying, Lamb recommends holding the bottle 6 to 8 inches away from the skin, applying evenly, and then rubbing in to make sure it absorbs properly.
8. Hello Bello Sunscreen Stick SPF 30
Hello Bello Sunscreen Stick SPF 30
Hello Bello Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 $9.78 at Hello Bello
Another great option for young children, this sunscreen stick allows for mess-free application.
"It's one of the best for kids because it's a physical sun blocker to reflect the sun's rays off the block," Lamb said. "It also works right away. (With) other non-physical sun protection, you have to apply at least 15 minutes prior for them to work."
9. Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 50
Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 50
Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 50 $65.00 at Amazon
Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 50 $65.00 at Dermstore
Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 50 $48.75 at Colorescience
This brush allows for a new, fairy unique method of applying sunscreen. While it might be a little pricier than your standard sunscreen, the attached brush allows for easy application on top of make-up, and makes touch-ups neat and easy.
10. Coolibar Marina Sun Hat UPF 50+
Coolibar Marina Sun Hat UPF 50+
Coolibar Marina Sun Hat UPF 50+ $36.00 at Amazon
Sunscreen isn't the only way to keep safe from UV rays! Protective clothing can help those who are outside for long periods of time.
"Some folks get caught out there, during golfing or tennis, and they forget their exposed arms and back," Lamb said. "Sun-protective clothing is wonderful to help with this."
Lamb said that you should still apply sunscreen, but if you forget, this Coolibar hat has "dependable UV protection" with a moisture-wicking internal sweatband.
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