5 Products That Make Applying Sunscreen Easier

Photo credit: iStock/fizkes

Summer is in full swing and whether you’re lounging on the beach, hitting the trails, or even tending to your garden, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun. Fortunately, if the idea of spreading cold, greasy lotion all over your body sounds unappealing, you’ve got options. From powdered sunscreen to UV patches, here are a variety of new sun protection products that make shielding your skin from harmful rays a breeze. 

Towelettes // No bottle, no hassle, no messing around — portable wipes of sunscreen are incredibly easy to apply and are ideal when going on quick trips. All you have to do is rip one open and rub it on for SPF protection that is also, depending on which brand you purchase, waterproof. Bonus: opt for a variety with a utility wipe, which will remove dirt and oil and ensure better adherence.

Sunscreen Stick // One of the keys to sun protection is thorough application. That means never skipping your ears, the tops of your feet or other tricky-to-reach spots. A sunscreen stick makes this hassle-free thanks to its roll-on formula which can be applied with a quick swipe. It’s also portable, so you can keep one in your purse or beach bag.

Mineral Powder Sunscreen // Often, hesitance to put on sunscreen comes from not wanting to be sticky or greasy. Mineral powder sunscreen solves this conundrum by coming in easy-to-use brush form. Just like you’d apply face powder or bronzer, you can use the fluffy applicator to liberally swipe on the powder, creating a shield between you and harmful UV rays. It’s also great for temperamental little ones who may not have the patience for traditional sunscreen. Many powder formulas also contain mineral zinc and titanium, both of which protect the skin from the sun.

Sprays & Mists // Spray-on sunscreen takes the hassle out of rubbing on lotion and makes full coverage easy — even when you don’t have a buddy with you to get your back. For people who only want to take a quick dip, this type of sunscreen is usually quick-drying so you don’t have to wait long to hop in the pool or log a workout. Mists are typically more lightweight, so keep this in mind as you peruse the sunscreen aisle.

UV Patch // In January of this year, My UV Patch was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics show. It is the first-ever stretchable skin sensor that shows users how much sun exposure they are getting. The patch can be put anywhere on the skin and you can apply sunscreen over it. A heart on the sticker has 16 different boxes that change colors when exposed to UV rays. It’s compatible with a mobile app that allows users to take a picture of the sticker and upload it to the app for a UV reading. While the patch itself can’t protect you from the sun, the information it provides can help you figure out when it’s time to reapply. The release date is slated for later this month, so stay tuned!

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Independence Blue Cross does not endorse, nor do they have any affiliation with the aforementioned products or companies.

Sponsor content is created for IBX by Philadelphia magazine as a marketing collaboration with IBX. This material is intended for reference and information only and should not be used in place of advice from a doctor or suitable qualified healthcare professionals.