Once the weather starts getting warmer and we start wearing less clothing, we should all be slathering any exposed skin with sunscreen before leaving the house—full stop. Not only am I very fair and very prone to sunburns, but I also have extremely dry skin. If I don’t moisturize my body religiously, my skin feels tight and starts to flake, even in warm months.
This presents a challenge for me when it comes to my body lotion–and-sunscreen situation. I’m happy to put on both body lotion and sunscreen, but it’s also kind of annoying, especially if I’m in a hurry. This is where body lotions with SPF come into play. "Using a body lotion with SPF is beneficial because you can hydrate and protect your skin all in one step, which can be helpful, especially for those who either want to simplify their regimen or save time," says Janiene Luke, MD, a dermatologist at Loma Linda University Medical Center.
What should someone look for in a body lotion with SPF?
Make sure your sunscreen has at least SPF 30 since this number typically filters out 97% of UVB rays, according to Luke. Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Amir Karam recommends going a step further and looking for SPF 40 or higher. For a hydrating sunscreen, Luke says to search for ingredients like glycerin, triglycerides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, or shea butter.
How often should you reapply body lotion with SPF?
Read the label to make sure the specific sunscreen you’re using doesn’t have any limits to its effectiveness. As a general rule, though, Luke and Karam both say you should aim to reapply body sunscreen around every two hours, paying particular attention to parts of your body that get the most sun exposure, like your chest, neck, and arms.
The Best Body Lotions With SPF
"I love this because it is moisturizing, has sunscreen in it, and has a shimmery finish that leaves a nice glow," says Luke. "It is also water- and sweat-resistant for 40 minutes, which is helpful if you’re active outdoors or swimming."
"I like this option for those with sensitive skin since it is fragrance- and dye-free but also provides broad-spectrum UV protection," says Luke. At $7, it's also a steal.
Whipped argan oil makes this body butter intensely hydrating. "Aside from being highly moisturizing, it is fragrance-free, cruelty-free, mineral-based (for those who prefer to avoid chemical-based sunscreens), and provides broad-spectrum UV protection," says Luke.
"My personal favorite brand for sunscreens both for face and body is EltaMD," says Karam. "They meet all the basic criteria for good sunscreen, and they're well-tolerated and not super expensive." This one has vitamin E and hyaluronic acid for ultimate hydration.
In the realm of sun protection, is there anything Supergoop! can't do? This innovative cream combines all the moisture of a body butter with SPF 40 sun protection.
This moisturizer is lightweight and sinks into skin instantly. SPF 30 protects skin from the sun while hemp-seed oil helps hydrate and nourish.
Vitamin E and panthenol work together to create a body sunscreen that imparts tons of nourishment to skin. This lotion is also water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it's perfect to use if you plan on spending a day swimming.
If you like multi-tasking formulas, this bronzing sunscreen is perfect for you. Moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil help keep skin soft and supple.
With SPF 70, you can ensure that your skin is extremely protected from even the harshest sun rays. Red raspberry–seed oil, buriti oil, meadowfoam-seed oil, and prickly pear extract help nourish while it protects.
Castor oil and shea butter help to lock in moisture in even the driest skin. It soaks in immediately and provides tons of sun protection.
This hydrating sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and uses rosemary leaf extract and sunflower seed extract to soothe skin.
Black Girl Sunscreen is known for its sheer formulas that don't leave a white cast. This sunscreen has jojoba and avocado oil, which leaves skin extremely soft.
Other Body Sunscreens We Love
If you have sensitive skin, this gentle formula will do the trick.
This sunscreen applies so easily that it doesn't feel like you're wearing sunscreen at all.
This classic formula from one of our favorite sunscreen brands will always have a spot in our beach bags.
Formulated with Australian botanicals for a good-for-your-skin punch.
This mineral pick is perfect for sensitive skin.
With this impossibly good-smelling sunscreen, you'll feel like you're on vacation in the 1980s.
Next: I'm Lazy—These 10 Sunscreen Serums Save Me Time and Money (and Sun Damage)
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
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