When looking out for a body sunscreen, try a product that offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning it defends you from both types of UV rays, UVA and UVB, and also has the UVA logo circled. This is a commitment to safety that not every brand of sunscreen for the face and body can offer.

While SPF (sun protection factor) is a must, what’s essential in choosing a sunscreen is high protection against UVA rays, something you’ll find only in the best sunscreen for the face and body available.

You’ll know if a product offers this degree of protection by the UVA logo on its packaging. This Health Canada indicator signifies that the sunscreen in question meets Health Canada’s requirements for UVA protection. UVA protection is ultra important because although we’re exposed to both types of the sun’s rays daily, 95% of those are UVA rays.

In the short term, extreme sun exposure causes sunburns and is also responsible for accelerating aging, leading to sunspots, fine lines and wrinkles. In the long term, prolonged periods in the sun may also increase your risk of skin cancer. Fortunately, being diligent about sun care using the right products is a great way to help prevent sun damage and other serious conditions such as skin cancer.

Currently, there are two categories of sunscreen available, mineral (or physical) UV filters and chemical (or organic) UV filters. The main difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens is the way by which they protect the skin against UV rays.

When it comes to selecting the best sunscreen, it’s ultimately a matter of preference. The ingredients found in a mineral sunscreen make it a fantastic choice for full-body coverage; two main actives, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide form a barrier that directly reflects UV rays off the skin for serious sun protection.

The alternative is organic sunscreen, which provides excellent protection from UV rays, both UVA and UVB. Organic sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and deactivating them by releasing energy in the form of heat. Always reapply sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating—a step that’s just as important as its initial application.

Both UV filters are safe and effective. Developed by La Roche-Posay’s team of skincare experts, both organic and mineral body sunscreens are sweat- and water-resistant, making them well suited for outdoor activities. In addition, these products provide broad-spectrum protection and are non-comedogenic and paraben-free, so they will never aggravate sensitive skin.

While proper sunscreen filters protect you from UVA and UVB rays, these products do not prevent your skin from tanning, only sunburn. That being said, you must apply a sun cream or sunscreen body lotion with a minimum SPF of 30. Or achieve that sun-kissed glow by other means, like using a hydrating self-tanner, suitable for even fair and sensitive skin types.

Yes. All sunscreens have expiry dates and become less effective against UV rays once this date has passed.

Those with oily skin might prefer a sunscreen that has a non-greasy texture and that leaves the skin feeling mattified and never sticky.

SPF stands for sun protection factor and works by protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UVB rays.

For both kids and adults, dermatologists recommend choosing a face or body sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 for it to be considered effective.