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Saving on Sunblock

By Nadine Cheung Posted 10:00AM 06/08/12 Savings Experiment |
Savings Experiment: Sunblock
How much sunscreen do you use per year?
One bottle a year 4043 (34.0%)
2-3 bottles3052 (25.7%)
4 or more2298 (19.3%)
I don't use sunscreen2492 (21.0%)
Did you find our video on sunscreen helpful?
Yes, it's a great idea363 (38.0%)
Yes, useful and entertaining280 (29.3%)
No312 (32.7%)

Sun protection is a must-have if you're outside a lot or spending a day at the beach, but there are dozens of brands and SPF levels to choose from. So, how do you choose the right product for the best coverage?

Well, when it comes to sunblock, all you need is a product with an SPF of 30. It has been scientifically proven that anything higher provides a negligible difference in protection. In other words, spending more money on 50 SPF or 70 SPF sunblocks is a waste of money.

Aside from that, there's really no difference between products. Whether you use a spray, oil or lotion, each provide the same level of sun protection when applied evenly. Therefore, the cheapest option is your best bet.

Target's Up and Up Sport Sunscreen in SPF 30 costs $4.54 for a 10.4-ounce bottle, while Coppertone Sport SPF 30 costs $7.44 for an 8-ounce bottle. Walmart's Equate sunblock in SPF 30 is priced at $7.50 for 16 ounces, and a comparable Coppertone bottle costs $7.87 for 10.64 ounces. By going generic, you can save anywhere from 27 to 49 cents per ounce.

Sunscreen summer sunblockWith beach days and vacations, sunblock goes quickly, so the savings you get from cheaper sunblock can really add up. Don't be fooled by fancy packaging and gimmicks. Keep these tips in mind and you'll be able to protect your skin and your budget.
Tagged: best sunblocks, BestSunblocks, cheap sunblock, CheapSunblock, lifestyle, saving on sunblock, SavingOnSunblock, Savings Experiment, SavingsExperiment, self care, spf 30, Spf30, summer, suntan lotion,

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ANTHONY

The LIE is the fact that we are told that we need to hide from the sun, when it is Vitamin D that reduces our chances of getting cancer by 65% - and any "sun damage" that these articles scare us with , are PAID for by the Sun Block manufacturers - but they are sssoooo good at it that they even have Doctor Oz convinced that the sun damages our skin - when this is a hereditary factor; though overexposure to the sun , (like anything else) will cause damage - but when I consider the many CHEMICALS that our largest organ (the skin) asborbs from blocks, YOU GOTT ABE KIDDING ME - when you ask me slather on this **** !

December 11 2012 at 5:15 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Karen

You do know that sunscreen contains chemicals. Your skin is permeable, and absorbs chemicals. Sunscreen is a poison. If you are going to be out in the sun, wear clothes that will block the sun but allow your skin to breathe, and hats.

December 11 2012 at 10:44 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jaxashby

It has not be "scientifically proven" at all. Nor has that been stated. What WAS said if you are outside for 5 hours (300 minutes) and use SPF 30, it is more or less equivalent to ten minutes in the sun without sun protection, AND if you used SPF 100 instead it would be the equivalent to 3 minutes. This is actually three times better EXCEPT a.) it is only seven minutes more protection, AND b.) each SPF has to have been applied correctly. Net net, not much difference. Yet, with my fair skin I can see the difference in the mirror the next day. I use SPF 110, and I buy the expensive brand under my doctor's recommendation.

December 11 2012 at 10:39 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
gmann117

you should buy a sunscreen spf 30 and one that protects against uv rays A+B. I can't believe that wasn't in this alleged infomercial. lower prices doesn't always mean the best just the cheapest

December 11 2012 at 9:35 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Captionsnow

NOT! Some of these cheap brands are awful. Greasy, gooey, smelly, etc. It isn't just the SPF factor. It's whether it will make you feel uncomfortable after you put it on. If it's icky you won't put it on.

December 11 2012 at 12:01 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
hardbeame

I will bet that eventually it will be demonstrated that smearing on all this sun screeno on your skin with its chemicals is more dangerous than our old friend the Sun which provides us with much including vitamin D. Just avoid getting burned and forget about providing the sunscreen lotion companies with millions in profit,

December 10 2012 at 8:13 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
psttx

why does sunscreen stain this is a hassel with white clothes beiing ruined by sun screen

December 10 2012 at 7:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
eliana9309

Sorry but you are very wrong. Not all sun protection are created equal. Chemical ingredients like Parasol 1789, avobenzone, benzonephenone, etc , absorb in your skin and metabolize in your liver, is that what you want for your family? You need a product with Zinc oxide or and Titanium in the active ingredients list and a SPF 30 or higher.

December 10 2012 at 4:09 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ITS TEH PWNAGE

This is actually potentially dangerous advice, as SPF only applies to UVB rays, while not necessarily providing any protection against UVB, which also damages and ages skin, but does not cause traditional "burning." Video might as well be advocating buying cheap sunscreen to save money, which may or may not be better for your skin.

October 11 2012 at 3:13 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
KeyLemPi

Sorry, but if I find an SPF 45 for a dollar and SPF 30 is $3 I'm taking the SPF 45.

September 12 2012 at 7:32 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply

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