What Makes a Sunscreen Worth its Price?

As a sun-worshipping teenager, I took great pride in my summer bronzed body. But long gone are the days when I would slather myself with baby oil and roast on the beach (or our black top driveway) for hours like a rotisserie chicken. Heck, we know way too much now about the damaging effects of the sun. And because beauty is only skin deep, it’s up to all of us to make sure we do all we can to protect the health and youthful look of our skin.

You don’t have to buy the most expensive European brand of sunscreen to ensure that you’re getting the best protection, but you do need to know what to look for before spending even a dime on your next bottle of SPF!
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a single overexposure to sunlight can result in painful sunburned skin. A bad burn when you're young can have serious consequences such as skin cancer later in life. Long-term overexposure can cause skin cancer, wrinkles, freckles, age spots, dilated blood vessels, and changes in the texture of the skin that makes skin look older.

The invisible rays, known as ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB), cause most of these problems, including suntan, sunburn, and sun damage. There is no "safe" ultraviolet (UV) light, and there is no such thing as a safe tan. UVB radiation effects the outer most layer of the skin and can't penetrate through glass, but UVA rays effect the skin at a much deeper level, penetrates through glass, and can cause damage all year round.

FYI- SPF ONLY measures the amount of UVB absorption.  There is currently no means to measure UVA absorption. In order to protect your skin from both UVB and UVA rays, you must use a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen.  Although you will pay a few dollars more, you are wasting your money and risking wrinkles by not using broad spectrum protection! Look for these products at stores like Target and Walmart.

Top 3 Fab & Fru Sunscreen Pix:

1)    Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55
This will run you about $9 for 3 ounces but is long-lasting, light, and will keep you well-protected.

2)    Aveeno Sunblock Lotion, Continuous Protection, SPF 55
This one will run you about $10 for 3 ounces but as the name indicates it will last for a while, is non-greasy, waterproof, and hypoallergenic.

3)    No-Ad Sunblock SPF 45
Similar protection as Neutrogena but not quite as long lasting. For $10 you can get 16 ounces.

Protect your precious outer layer Fab & Fru style and enjoy your summer & the sunshine while you can!

Can anyone recommend some more quality yet affordable sunscreen brands?