Consumer Reports tested over 100 sunscreens. Ask us anything about choosing and using sunscreen, which products to avoid, and staying safe in the sun.

Consumer Reports tested over 100 sunscreens. Ask us anything about choosing and using sunscreen, which products to avoid, and staying safe in the sun.

Planning some fun in the sun? You'll need sunscreen protection, regardless of skin tone. It is critically important for skin health and skin cancer prevention. Although there are plentiful product options on store shelves, Consumer Reports' independent testing of over 100 sunscreens has found that they offer varying levels of protection, and in some cases, in our testing, they didn’t deliver the SPF that’s claimed on their labels. We buy each sunscreen we test at retail—just like you would—and check its SPF (how well it filters out UVB rays that cause sunburn) by applying it to real people and using our own testing method, which is similar but not identical to the FDA’s test. We also perform a laboratory test to check the degree of UVA protection the sunscreens provide. (UVA rays cause skin aging and, along with UVB, contribute to skin cancer.) FYI, there were some real duds. If you’re in search of a good sunscreen, top-notch protection is the most important factor to consider. But it should also look and feel good on you, too. In a CR evaluation, we recruited 83 people with complexions ranging from olive to deep brown to try 21 sprays and lotions. The good news is that the participants found several products that absorbed quickly and did not make their skin look chalky or ashy. As CR journalists, we’re here to answer your questions about our sunscreen findings and offer advice about staying safe in the sun. Here’s our proof: Trisha Calvo, Deputy Editor, Health & Food at CR Brian Vines, Deputy, Special Projects at CR submitted by /u/ConsumerReports [link] [comments]