As Spring turns to Summer and Topsail Island heats up – we will all find ourselves spending more time on the island and throughout the area enjoying everything from the beach to the Intracoastal, walks in the sand, and time spent outdoors sunbathing.
While it’s easy to overlook until it’s too late – sun protection should be taken seriously. That’s especially true when it comes to the heat, humidity, and intense sun exposure you can experience when enjoying the island.
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause serious skin damage leading to sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Sunscreen products – including after-sun care can be used to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
As the weather heats up here in 2023, we here at Topsail Guide have been keeping an eye on the most trusted, most effective, and most popular brand of sunscreen and related aftercare products. Whether you’re planning a visit and want to be prepared – or live locally and need some solid products to keep in your beach bag, we hope our curated list is helpful!
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen
Hands down, one of the most popular sunscreen products on the market today is the EltaMD UV Clear Face sunscreen. This is an oil-free skin protectant of 46 SPF strength that comes with the added active ingredient of zinc-oxide.
Why We Love It:
- Created by experienced medical professionals and dermatologists
- Science-based formulations and effective ingredients.
- A small, no-mess bottle makes application a breeze
- Transparent information about ingredients and manufacturing.
- Excellent customer service and reputation
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
If you’re looking for a sunscreen that’s earned a strong reputation for its versatility, Supergoop! may be worth a minute of your time. This invisible, broad-spectrum sunscreen is intended (primarily) for use on your face, packs SPF 40 protection, and is effectively weightless, scentless, and oil-free – making it perfect for all skin types and skin tones.
Why We Love It:
- Available in a variety of forms (including sprays, everyday play lotions, and sticks, too!)
- An innovative brand that prioritizes sustainable and eco-friendly practices
- Trusted by celebrities and common folks, like you and me! 🙂
- Transparent information about ingredients and manufacturing.
- Amassed more than 12,000 reviews on Amazon alone
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion
Shiseido’s lotions are perfect for those spending plenty of time in, on, or around the water. Boasting an incredible 80 minutes of water-resistant effectiveness, you’ll pay a bit more for Shiseido than some other brands – but you’ll enjoy your Topsail time with far fewer worries.
Why We Love It:
- Invisible, broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection for your face and body
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- The lightweight formula is suited for all skin types
- Protection against UVA/UVB rays, pollutants, and dryness
COOLA Organic Sunscreen
While lotions are great, sometimes a spray is just easier. Whether you’re applying on yourself in hard-to-reach places or looking to make sure your children are well protected – we love COOLA’s sunscreen sprays. Their dermatologist-tested, vegan, and gluten-free guava mango sunscreen sprays are a wonderfully scented form of premium sun protection.
Why We Love It:
- Powerfully protective SPF 50 coverage
- The pleasant guava mango scent leaves you smelling fresh – not like a medicine cabinet!
- Vegan-friendly and free from allergens
- Available in a variety of sizes from travel to everyday use
- A premium product at a cheaper price than those grocery store endcaps
Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Wrapping up our round-up is an easy-to-apply, fragrance-free sunscreen stick that’s great for kids and the environment. Packing the powerful protection of SPF 50, this product works like a stick of deodorant but boasts tons of benefits at a super-affordable price.
Why We Love It:
- Contains no oxybenzone or octinoxate to help protect ocean reefs
- No chemical active ingredients! Reflects the sun’s UV rays away from your body
- Paraben-free, fragrance-free, dye-free, and 100% vegan — No irritation!
- Sweat and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Applies easily, and dries non-greasy and non-sticky