Everyone has endured at least one sunscreen horror story. It's messy, often covered in sand, and for the most part doesn't make it onto every square inch of your body. We know. We know. Sunscreen is a must, no matter if you're headed to the beach or your office. So thankfully, advancements in technology have helped make slathering on sunscreen less irritating and time-consuming for those sun-worshippers [and dodgers] out there. We all have our favorites -- there's probably a No-Ad fan out there somewhere -- so with the help of our readers, AOL Health compiled a list of the best and worst sunscreens.

Tell us which sunscreen is your favorite.

With so much conflicting information about sunscreen, SPF and Vitamin D (oh my!), it's really difficult to sort out what's right for you. Should you wear a high SPF sunscreen every time you step outside? Are high SPFs just a marketing ploy? Or you should actually spend time outside without sunscreen because you're lacking Vitamin D? Will that give you skin cancer?

To clear things up, I talked to Dr. Leslie Baumann, who is both a professor and the director of cosmetic dermatology at the University of Miami (you can get some great information from her at The Skin Guru), and she had plenty to say about all of these questions.

I recently read that marathon runners are at greater risk for skin cancer because, for one, they're outside more often, and even if they always wear sunscreen, they're sweating and don't generally reapply as often as they should. Baumann said the trick to staying safe and sporty in the sun is to reapply every hour or after swimming. "They should pat the sweat away, not rub with a towel -- rubbing removes SPF."

Source

Are rising temperatures turning your focus to your pale and pasty skin? Don't let your dreams of a golden, glowing tan lead you to less-than-safe options, like an indoor tanning bed (A girl in the U.K. suffered burns over 70 percent of her body after lying in a tanning bed for just 16 minutes.) Instead, opt to indulge in the sun safely. Check out AOL Health's picks for the best and worst sunscreens to see what you should be slathering on this season.

OK, we all know that we need to wear sunscreen every time we go outside. But, in reality, as the days get longer, many of us find ourselves taking part in outdoor activities at the last moment, and we either don't think about applying sunscreen, or don't want to take the time to go back home to grab it.

I have two solutions for you. Both are totally portable and mess-free, and both will fit in your purse for quick application on the go. See? No more excuses!

First up is Mission Skincare's Anti-Sting SPF 30+ Facestick ($8.99). It looks like a giant chapstick, only the product inside is designed to go on your face. It's designed to be both sweat- and waterproof, is oil free and vitamin enriched and is free of preservatives, parabens and PABA. I've found it most useful when I need to reapply to the areas of my face that get burned most easily -- my nose and cheeks. It goes on a little thick and is easy to spread out. I can't guarantee, however, that it will go on effectively over makeup.

It's hard to believe right now, but soon, summer will be right in front of you. And since a few extra pounds might be right "behind" you, this is good news, because apparently, people are less likely to binge in the sunlight because they feel more self-conscious.

The slimming hormone serotonin plays a role too. It gets a boost from the sun, you see, and just so happens to suppress appetite. Another sunny bonus: The sun kicks in a dose of vitamin D -- and there's no doubt most of us are lacking in this D-partment.

Get ready to head for your sun chair, my friends. It might just get keep you trim. Don't forget your sunscreen, though, because weight loss and a little extra vitamin D are not so valuable if skin cancer comes along for the ride.

Source

Maria Sharapova has been incredibly successful in her tennis career, especially considering she's only 21 years old. However, she's currently facing a new challenge -- staying fit while injured.

The tennis star was unable to compete in the Beijing Olympics and will sit out the U.S. Open due to a shoulder injury, and while she's undergoing physical therapy, she's doing plenty of cross-training to ensure she's ready to hit the court as soon as she's able. She told Shape magazine, "I've been walking hills a lot and biking a little outdoors. I don't do heavy weights at all. I go to yoga classes and work on my core."

Sharapova also revealed that she doesn't rely on dieting to keep her 6'2" frame so svelte. The surprisingly low-key looker, whose biggest beauty basic is wearing sunscreen, simply tries to eat healthfully, and indulges in her favorite junk foods in moderation. Obviously, it's working for her! Check out the gallery to see her looking fabulous on and off the court!

Source

Still using last year's sunscreen? Maybe you shouldn't bother -- sunscreen expires, and once that date has passed, it's no longer effective.

Source

If you're heading out to the beach over the long weekend, you may want to slap on the sunscreen before you step foot out of the house. The Centers on Disease Control and Prevention states that it takes up to 30 minutes for sunscreen to be absorbed in the skin, so do your best to time your arrival to the beach just right.

Then, once there, be sure to constantly reapply every thirty minutes or so. On average, most SPF 30 sunscreens last just over 30 minutes before their UV-blocking properties begin to diminish. Also, even if a sunscreen is labeled as "waterproof," it's still wise to apply more after going for a dip, especially if you towel off afterwards.

Opt for sunscreens that are at least SPF 15 and protect against both UVA and UVB rays, and always remember that taking a time out in the shade once in a while is never a bad idea.

Source

Summer presents the wonderful opportunity of being able to exercise outdoors almost every day. Save for the occasional thunder storm or dangerously high temperature, most times you are able to put in your roadwork with no issue.

However, outdoor workouts present their own unique set of challenges, especially during these hot summer months. The last thing you want is to be sidelined with an injury or health complication. So, try the following tips to keep the summer sun from taking you out of the race.

• Stay hydrated. Aim for four to six ounces of water for every 15 minutes of exercise.
  
• Try moisture-control or moisture-wicking fabrics to keep sweat away from your skin. You may also want to dress in layers if you're starting out early in the morning.
• Protect your feet with properly-fitting sneakers and moisture-wicking socks.
• Keep the sun from taking a toll on your skin with copious amounts of sunblock, as well as a hat and a pair of shades to protect your eyes.
  

There's nothing like being able to head out every day and take a spin through nature. But, regardless of where your workout takes place, the goal is to continue doing it. Take the few extra minutes to follow these safety steps to help ensure that this is the case.

Source

If you're looking to make this summer your best one yet, making smart choices about your health and wellness will undoubtedly help.

Going swimming in shark infested waters while sporting a gaping wound? Not a smart choice. Keeping yourself active with regular runs on the beach or hikes up a trail? Now you're using your head. Here are five other tips to make sure your summer leaves you with a sunny disposition.

1. Stress Less. Use the summer calm to soothe your nerves a bit. All that stress can contribute to an excessive release of the hormone cortisol, increasing your risk of a myriad of diseases.

2. Get Some Sleep. Enjoy a peaceful night's sleep as often as possible as the gentle summer breeze blows through your curtains. Aim for 7 to 8 hours each night, as a routine failure to do so increases your risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

First off, lets just be clear: no matter what you eat, you still need to use topical sunscreen. No matter what.

Okay, now that we're clear on that, let's get to the whole "eating your sunscreen" thing! The sun wreaks havok on our skin when the UV rays cause increased free-radicals that run rampant and leave nothing but damage in their wake. Some foods, particularly those high in antioxidants, can help to protect us from the sun by "mopping up" those nasty little bad guys and leaving our skin feeling younger, healthier, and (perhaps most importantly) cancer-free.

Source

Hopefully, you practiced good sun safety this weekend and didn't end up with a painful sunburn. Staying in the shade, avoiding the hottest part of the day, wearing protective clothing, and slapping on the sunscreen are all good ways to keep your skin safe from the hot summertime sun.

If you did forget the sunscreen or stay out a little too long, however, it's always good to know how to soothe that painful burn. About.com has some good advice, including:

• Take a cool shower or bath.
• Check for blisters, which indicate second degree burns. If the burn covers a large portion of the body (like a whole arm), seek medical attention right away.
• Apply aloe to the affected area -- NOT butter or oil.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief.
• Wear natural, loose, breathable fabrics like cotton until you heal.
• Stay out of the sun, which will only make your burn worse.

Call 911 or head straight to the nearest ER if the person with the sunburn has trouble breathing or if swelling gets so bad that circulation to any area of the body (such as hands or feet) seems to be compromised.

Sunburns are painful and, in severe situations, can be serious. Refresh yourself on sun safety rules before the hottest days of summer arrive, and find a sunscreen that's right for you at the Environmental Working Group's database.

Source

SELF magazine and Neutrogena are teaming up to spread the word about summer skin care. Choose from four e-card designs and send messages about sun safety to your friends and family. They're keeping a state-by-state tally of how many e-cards were sent -- more cards equals more donated money for skin cancer charities.

Stay in the shade when possible, but even when the day seems overcast, don't forget your sunscreen. Remember to wear sunglasses that block UV-A and UV-B rays as well. Wide-brimmed hats and clothing that protects your skin are also good options. Check out the gallery for more summer sun safety tips.

Source

Are you hitting the beach during the holiday weekend? If so, don't forget to protect your eyes from the sun! While it's always important to lather on the sunscreen before heading out, it's equally important to protect your eyes from UV rays.

Numerous eye problems can result from sun damage. Young people especially need to remember to wear eye protection as they tend to be outdoors in the bright sunlight more than their adult counterparts. A good pair of UV-blocking sunglasses is you first line protection, but wide-brimmed hats can also provide some shade.

An American Optometric Association survey revealed that 40% of Americans don't consider UV protection an important criteria in sunglasses. It is important. Look for sunglasses that block out 99% of UV-A and UV-B radiation.

Source