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    Yes, You Should Be Wearing SPF Everywhere, Every Day — These Are the Top 3 Moisturizing Body Lotions We Recommend

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    Yes, You Should Be Wearing SPF Everywhere, Every Day — These Are the Top 3 Moisturizing Body Lotions We Recommend

    You shouldn’t wait for a day at the beach to apply sunscreen. Your skin’s health relies on you using sunscreen daily, year-round. But if slathering sunscreen from head to toe sounds like an unwelcome addition to your morning routine, there’s a simpler solution: body lotion with SPF.

    Benefits of Body Lotion with SPF

    “Body lotions with SPF can be a great way to help ensure sun protection on an everyday basis — applying these lotions as part of your daily routine will help guarantee that your skin is protected during regular daily activities.” —Dr. Hadley King, board-certified dermatologist

    Like face sunscreen, you’ll need to reapply throughout the day if you’re spending more than two hours outside. Still, Dr. King says body lotion with SPF can be a great choice for everyday protection, supplemented with a dedicated SPF when needed.

    We tested out body lotions with SPF and recommend these three for daily protection.

    Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 60

    PHOTO: Amazon
    Star Qualities

    • Higher SPF than other lotions we tested

    • Non-greasy, hydrating, and leaves skin with a healthy glow

    • Works well on both the face and body

    • Water resistant for 80 minutes

    The Aveeno sunscreen lotion provides the best sun protection of the lotions we’ve tested. With SPF 60, it’s sure to ward off sun damage and dark spots (just don’t forget to reapply after two hours of sun exposure). We loved the way our skin looked and felt after using this lotion. It felt hydrating and gave us a healthy glow from head to toe.

    If you hate the feeling of greasy lotions and sunscreens, don’t fret: You won’t have that problem with this lotion. We were so impressed with the finish that we could even use it on our face with no problem, layering makeup over with seamless results. Plus, it’s water-resistant, so you can take a dip in the pool, as long as you reapply once you towel off.  

    Size: 12 ounces | SPF: 60 | Scent: Unscented | Water-Resistant: Yes

    Should You Wear Sunscreen Year-Round?

    Yes! Dr. King tells PEOPLE that the recommended application is 2 mg of product per square centimeter of skin — no matter the season! That means most people only apply 25–50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. When in doubt, apply more than you think.

    Amazon Sun Bum Daily 50 Body Lotion

    Amazon Sun Bum Daily 50 Body Lotion

    PHOTO: Amazon
    Star Qualities

    • SPF 50 provides plenty of protection

    • We love the coconut scent

    • Thick consistency absorbs quickly, leaving skin nourished and non-greasy

    • Water-resistant for 80 minutes

    If you love a luxurious-smelling lotion, the Sun Bum moisturizer fits the bill. The tropical coconut scent will transport you to summertime no matter the season. Its thick consistency left our skin feeling super hydrated, though it absorbed quickly and wasn’t greasy at all. We also love that it’s water-resistant, so we feel safe using this for any and all warm-weather activities.

    Size: 8 ounces | SPF: 50 | Scent: Coconut | Water-Resistant: Yes

    Amazon Vaseline Healthy Bright Sun Protection Body Lotion SPF 30

    Amazon Vaseline Healthy Bright Sun Protection Body Lotion SPF 30

    PHOTO: Amazon
    Star Qualities

    • Absorbs easily, leaving skin silky smooth

    • Provides all-day hydration, even on dry skin

    • Convenient pump bottle

    We were surprised at how hydrated our skin felt after using the Vaseline lotion. Our tester with dry skin found this moisturizer left their skin smooth and hydrated. Things that would normally dry out their skin (like sweating, travel, and stress) were no match for this lotion.

    It felt refreshing when applied to the skin and absorbed easily, so it was easy to reach for the lotion daily. It has a sweet, floral scent that we didn’t love (so if you’re sensitive to fragrance, we recommend the Aveeno lotion instead). While it has a lower SPF than our other favorites, it still provides enough sun protection for everyday activities.

    Size: 13.5 ounces | SPF: 30 | Scent: Sweet, floral | Water-Resistant: No

    How Much SPF Is Enough?

    Dermatologists we interviewed recommend using lotions with at least SPF 30–50. The more time you spend outside, the higher SPF you should wear.

    Add to Cart

    If you’re spending lots of time in the sun, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jeannette Graf recommends supplementing body lotion with SPF with a dedicated sunscreen. We’ve tested dozens of sunscreen products, and we recommend the below for heavy-duty sun protection.

    Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Spray Sunscreen

    Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense, Clear Face, Beach Defense, Sport, and Ultra Sheer Sunscreen.

    People / Erin Johnson


    The Neutrogena spray sunscreen is our tried-and-true pick for outdoor activities. It has protected our skin through long days at the beach, and the wide mist makes application super easy (that’s why Dr. Graf tells PEOPLE she recommends spray sunscreen for reapplication). It comes in different SPF levels, though we recommend you go with SPF 70 (the higher, the better!).

    Naked Sundays Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion

    People / Erin Johnson


    The Naked Sundays priming lotion is one of our favorite face sunscreens thanks to its high zinc content. Your face will be ultra-protected against sun damage and dark spots, and the tinted formula won’t leave a white cast. 

    What to Know About Body Lotions with SPF

    Sun Protection

    If you aren’t “spending long hours in the sun,” lotions with SPF are a great option, Dr. Graf tells PEOPLE. 

    However, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Trisha Khanna tells PEOPLE that lotions with SPF should not be used as your sole SPF during outdoor activities. According to Dr. Khanna, the level of sun protection is “effectively lowered by being mixed with lotion, which dilutes the sunscreen’s efficacy.” She also notes that most consumers do not apply enough lotion to reap its full benefits.

    “I absolutely favor using a dedicated sunscreen during outdoor activities,” Dr. Khanna says. “If using these for daily activities, lotions tend to be adequate and convenient.”

    Dermatologists Say

    “For daily use, a lotion with SPF may be suitable for sun protection, but if you’re going to be in a high-UV area for a prolonged period or sweating or swimming, I recommend applying a dedicated SPF on top of your lotion with SPF to ensure optimal sun protection.” —Dr. Graf

    Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreen

    All of the body lotions with SPF we tested are chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin, where they soak up heat from UV radiation, stopping sun damage from within the body. The active ingredients in chemical sunscreen are oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone.

    Physical sunscreens, on the other hand, are characterized by the active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays. Dr. King tells PEOPLE that some people are turning away from chemical sunscreens in favor of physical sunscreens; however, both are effective when used correctly.

    Reapplication 

    SPF only works when frequently reapplied. Dr. King recommends you reapply every two hours, while Dr. Graf recommends reapplying hourly. Both dermatologists agree that you should reapply after swimming and sweating. That means that simply applying body lotion with SPF in the morning won’t be sufficient for extensive time outside.

    Behind the Scenes 

    We tested several body lotions with SPF over the course of four weeks. Our testers used these lotions in the real world, as part of their everyday routines and before longer sun exposure. They evaluated each lotion on the following criteria:

    • Consistency: Products with the best consistency were easy to apply and incorporate into our routines. The Aveeno lotion boasts the best consistency we’ve found since we could even use it on our face.
    • Absorption: The best products absorbed easily into the skin, leaving a non-greasy feeling. None of the products left a white cast on the skin once absorbed. 
    • Effectiveness: All of the products we recommend are effective as sunscreen and moisturizer. That means our skin was left soft and hydrated, while also withstanding time in the sun without any damage or irritation. 
    • Overall Results: We considered any additional benefits of the sunscreen as well as the scent when evaluating each lotion. 

    Why Trust PEOPLE? 

    Genevieve Cepeda is a staff shopping writer for PEOPLE and a fervent believer in the importance of daily sunscreen use. She has tested numerous skincare products and analyzed testing results for dozens of sunscreens. For this story, she combed through insights from our testers and interviewed dermatologists Dr. Hadley King, Dr. Jeannette Graf, and Dr. Trisha Khanna about the efficacy of body lotions with SPF.

    Our Expert Panel

    • Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. She is also an instructor at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. 
    • Dr. Jeannette Graf is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.
    • Dr. Trisha Khanna is a board-certified dermatologist based in Florida.

    What Is PEOPLE Tested? 

    We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

    But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

    In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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