better
HEALTH
Helioplex (found in some Neutrogena
products) or M exoryl (found in some
L’Oréal or Kiehl’s products). Both
compounds preserve sunscreen’s
UV-protecting abilities, although doctors
say you still need to follow the same old
reapplication rules.
And regardless of w hich kind of
sunblock you’re using, you need to lay
it on thick—about as much as would
fit in a shot glass or in the palm of a
cupped hand. (We know that’s a lot!
Check out “Body & Sol,”
rig h t,
for the
best budget sunscreens.)
D-STRESS
If you’re concerned that limiting your
sun time w ill rob you of D, the vitamin du
jour, don’t be. The sun-borne nutrient is
key to keeping bones strong and may play
a role in preventing heart disease and
various forms of cancer, but it turns out
15 minutes of peak sun three times a week
is all you need to help avoid a vitamin D
deficiency. And unless you’re a champion
applier, most of us don’t regularly use so
much sunscreen that it blocks vitamin D
synthesis. If you’re still concerned, ask
your physician to check your vitamin D
levels next time she draws blood. Then,
if you’re truly low on vitamin D, consider
taking supplements (800 to 1,000 IUs is
generally considered safe) or eating more
vitamin D-enriched foods such as
fortified breakfast cereals, milk, and
eggs, as w ell as fatty fish like salmon
and sardines.
RAYS WITHOUT SUNSHINE
Frustrating but true: W indow glass and
clouds are no protection from UV rays.
(And 80 percent of UV rays penetrate
clouds.) That’s w hy you need sunscreen
even if you’re just driving in a car or
sitting at a desk near a window. The UV
index is an indication of how strong a
given day’s UV rays are, and if it’s 3 or
higher, protect yourself (find out ►
body & sol
Look no further than your local
drugstore for BHG editors’ favorite
sunscreens for protection
and
value.
BEST FOR: OUTDOOR SPORTS
The formula is sweatproof (no dripping
into eyes), and the bottle’s rippled edge
makes it easy to grip—even with sweaty
palms;
Coppertone Sport SPF 50
, $10
BEST FOR: LIPS *
All natural ingredients plus UV
protection equals sunny smiles all
around;
Yes to Carrots Conditioning
Lip Butter SPF 15
, $4
BEST FOR: EASY
APPLICATION •
Spritz on sunscreen at any
angle—even upside down!
Aveeno SPF 70 Continuous
Protection Spray, $10
s-г
BEST FOR: VALUE
Apply generously—as you
should.
NO-AD SPF 50
Sport
sunscreen’s huge
16-oz. bottle is only $10
No Tearing ■ A ko hd
»try Water Rise»
ВКІЦВД
BEST FOR: THE
SUNSCREEN-PHOBIC
Hate the cloying feel of
some sunscreens? Try out a
gel instead;
Bull Frog Quik
Gel Sunblock
SPF 36
, $10
*
BEST FOR: KIDS
This tear-free formula
keeps application quick and
painless;
Banana Boat SPF
50 Continuous Lotion
Spray
, $9
2 4 6 JUNE 2010
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
PHOTO: (GRASS) VEER
