With a good sunscreen, you can significantly extend the time your skin can safely be exposed to the sun.
In this article we will show you what is important, what you should pay attention to and what the basic differences are.
It is important that the sunscreen protects against UV-B rays, which only have a superficial effect, and more importantly it protects against UV-A rays, which have a deeper effect.
In this test we only consider sun creams that protect against both types of UV radiation.
The sun protection can be achieved by the creams in two ways:
- organic or
- mineral
What is the best sunscreen?
Simply put, the best sunscreen is the one you and your kids will actually use!
Apart from the brand or the sun protection factor, there are two types of sunscreens to choose from: those with either chemical or mineral active ingredients.
- Chemical sunscreens are probably the type you’re already most familiar with. They absorb harmful UV rays before they reach your skin. While these lotions and sprays are easier to apply, without leaving a white residue, you’ll need to reapply sunscreen more often than with a physical or mineral option.
- Mineral sunscreens (also called physical sunscreens) form a barrier on your skin that reflects or filters UVA and UVB rays. The dispersed zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide formulas can be more difficult to spread on the skin and leave a white cast, but usually last longer than chemical formulas.
Sunscreens are graded by “Factor” which indicates the level of protection they provide. The higher the factor the higher the level of protection. It is recommended that children should always be protected by high factor (50) sunscreen.
Test Winner:
Nivea – Refreshing Day Care
A good, caring cream which protects against UV-A and UV-B.
The cream is suitable for normal and combination skin.
Sun protection factor: 15
Price: 3.25 Euro (6.50 Euro per 100 ml)
Eucerin – Aquarporin Active
Suitable for all skin types. Perfect UV-A and UV-B protection.
Disadvantage: small product size.
Price per 100 ml (approx.): 45 Euro
Louis Widmer – Day emulsion Hdydro-Active
Suitable for normal and combination skin.
Very good protection against UV-A and UV-B but only low skin hydration.
Price per 100 ml (approx.): 50 Euro
Sun protection factor: 30