Don’t get burned when having too much fun in the sun

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/07/2025 (422 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There’s nothing better than feeling that first hit of heat on your skin after enduring a long, cold winter. Along with vastly improving our disposition, the sun also plays an important role in physical health.

As rays hit our body, receptor cells in our skin convert sunlight into vitamin D, which helps bodies regulate calcium and phosphate, the two essential nutrients that keep teeth, bones and muscles healthy.

But too much sunshine isn’t good for us either. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the skin, causing it to burn. This increases the risk of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

It’s a tricky balance getting sunlight for the body to generate its own vitamin D while trying to avoid getting burned, which is where sunscreen comes in.

But which one to buy? The ones packaged in glossy tubes? Or maybe sticks, similar to deodorant, might be better? Classic lotions are great for the home but not so much when travelling. And can a spray guarantee even coverage?

Method of delivery isn’t the only thing to consider — decoding labels is a challenge in itself.

While most are aware that SPF means Sun Protection Factor, do we all understand what the numbers next to it denote? And what’s the difference between UVA and UVB rays? Is broad spectrum the way to go? And does mineral work better than chemical or is it the other way round? (See sidebar)

You also have to figure out what it feels like on skin. Is it oily? Greasy? Does it make you look like you’ve taken a dip in a vat of lard or does it leave you with an ashen pallor, that dreaded white cast that haunts those blessed with an excess of melanin? Do you smell like you’ve been doused in chemicals or is it so perfumed it makes you choke?

As ever, we are here to help. The Free Press team tested five brands of sunscreen to figure out what we like best.

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Blue Lizard Kids Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

SPF 50, $15.49 for 89 ml

They say: Formulated with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, which offers both UVA and UVB protection. It’s also a fragrance-free, paraben-free and phthalates-free formula.

But does it live up to the hype?

We say: This tube sunscreen has a great consistency — not too thick, not too runny and it was easy to apply without much stickiness. It does take a bit of work to really rub it into the skin, but that’s actually a good thing because you can easily see where you’ve applied and spots you’ve missed. Once it absorbs, it’s totally matte.

I put this sunscreen through the ringer with my 22-month-old; two hours at the zoo, a pool afternoon and a sweaty trip to the park. I reapplied as directed — the label states one application gives 80 minutes of protection — and despite being very fair-skinned, my little guy didn’t burn at all (note: he was also wearing a hat at all times).

The sunscreen was applied to his face and body, and his skin showed no signs of irritation. This brand also has a “baby” formulation, the only difference being the one for kids is marketed as slightly more water- and sweat-resistant. As mentioned, he was in a pool for an hour or more and it seemed to stand up to the water just fine.

I will definitely continue using this product throughout the summer. The only con is the price; at around $15.50 for an 89 ml tube, it’s a bit steep.

★★★★ out of five

— Erin Lebar

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Aveeno Protect + Soothe Mineral Sunscreen Stick for Sensitive Skin

SPF 50, $22.99 for 42 g

They say: Aveno Protect + Soothe Mineral Sunscreen Stick is designed for easy application, even on the go. It’s formulated with friendly ingredients for sensitive skin, such as naturally sourced Zinc Oxide and pure oat essence.

But does it live up to the hype?

We say: This broad spectrum stick is pretty good. The mechanics of it are exactly like deodorant — pull cap, twist knob, slide on — except you’re putting it all over your body. I generally prefer an aerosol if I need more full-body coverage — i.e. in a bathing suit — but this is a really good option to have in your bag because it can’t leak.

This paraben- and phthalates- free formula glides on easily, especially after it has been warmed by your skin, and has a barely-there scent the way most “fragrance free” items do, which is almost a drawback because I like the smell of sunscreen. The Zinc Oxide leaves a slight white cast which allows you to see missed spots and absorbs easily when rubbed in a bit. Dries clear: not shiny and, crucially, not sticky, so you won’t have to experience a sensory nightmare putting clothes over top of it. (Just me?) It makes your skin feel soft and moisturized. Must be that “pure oat essence.”

It’s also water resistant for 80 minutes. I didn’t wear it in the water, but I wore it on the water during an hour-long boat tour last summer and didn’t burn.

As with all sunscreen, you have to make sure you’re wearing more than you think you need.

I originally bought this for travel because, top tip: much like non-gel stick deodorant, stick sunscreen is not considered a liquid (it’s measured in grams) and therefore does not have to be Tetrised into your clear, one-litre liquids bag in order to ride in your carry-on luggage. Of course, you are at the whims of any given security personnel, but it’s been no trouble for me.

★★★★ out of five

— Jen Zoratti

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Vasanti Sun’s Up! Tinted Mineral Sunscreen

SPF 4011, $49 for 50 ml

They say: This 100 per cent mineral sunscreen for the face promises broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection to protect and combat against sun damage, as well as target and fade dark spots over time.

But does it live up to the hype?

We say: Sunscreen and I are not friends.

There are countless lotions around purporting to leave no white cast but it’s not true. I have tried so many to no avail. Both chemical and mineral formulations stain my skin a ghostly white and no amount of rubbing in helps.

So imagine my delight when I spotted this dinky little tube online by Canadian-owned cosmetics and skincare brand Vasanti, whose products are created for those with diverse skin tones.

Mineral sunscreens are infamous for making everyone, not just those of us blessed with brown skin, look chalky, but this number did nothing of the sort.

Much to my initial alarm, the cream is tinted at least five shades lighter than my skin. However, it requires hardly any rubbing in and sinks in beautifully to my moisturized face. It feels rich but not heavy, and my face felt protected when out and about.

In fact, I can’t find anything wrong with it other than its eye-watering price tag. At $49 for such a tiny amount this isn’t the most wallet-friendly option. Best I start saving up now in case they’re thinking of making a version for the whole body. I would’ve give this five stars but for the price.

★★★★ 1/2 stars out of five

— AV Kitching

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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist

SPF 30, $20.99 for 141 g

They say: A non-greasy spray available in SPFs 30, 45 and 60, this is an effective broad-spectrum protection spray against sun’s aging UVA and burning UVB rays, in an ultra-light, non-greasy finish.

But does it live up to the hype?

We say: This sunscreen is a dream to apply. The mist feels refreshingly cool on a hot day and the nozzle angle creates good coverage, making application simple and speedy.

There is some inevitable product waste due to overspray. I’ve used this and other spray sunscreens in the past and find the canisters run out much faster than their cream counterparts.

The “ultra sheer” in the name is apt. It’s very lightweight to the point of being imperceptible. This screen goes on clear and dries quickly to a light matte shimmer. There’s also no offensively tropical or even notable aroma.

Despite the light touch, this spray is effective. I’ve had minor redness from missed spots (the clear application can make it hard to see), but no major burns while wearing Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist.

★★★★ out of five

— Eva Wasney

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Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion

SPF 30, $15 for 177 ml

They say: This moisturizing sunscreen formula will protect your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays while enriching your skin with Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals, which are the main cause of premature skin aging. Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, hypoallergenic, oxybenzone and octinoxate free, cruelty free, vegan, oil free, paraben free, gluten free, PABA free, water resistant (80 minutes).

But does it live up to the hype?

We say: I always go for a lotion as as I’ve been burned (literally) before by sprays, whose application feels dodgy to me. This is quite a creamy, thick forumla that looks as if it’s going to take forever to soak in, but it actually goes on very smoothly, absorbs well and leaves your skin with a nice glow — not entirely matte, but not greasy (an improvement on my usual Hawaiian Tropic, which has faint sparkles, so you look like Edward in Twilight). It has a mild but very pleasant banana scent; the company actually makes an air freshener for fans of the fragrance.

I am prone to burning, especially on my chest. I wore this all day at the beach (about six hours in the sun, reapplied once after swimming) and not a hint of a burn, not even on my nose, which often gets red.

It’s more expensive than what I usually buy, but you get what you pay for in this case. I will be trying the face formula, as I really like the texture and smell.

Note: When they say not to apply near your eyes, they are not joking. I did sweat some off into my eye and it watered for the entire day and was visibly irritated — but that’s on me.

★★★★ 1/2 out of five

— Jill Wilson