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Sunscreen Is A Summer Essential – But Which One Is Best For Your Body?

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The hot weather this weekend will have lots of people heading to parks and beaches, and the UV index is going to be through the roof with a high risk of sunburn and sun damage.

Protecting yourself means navigating a confusing array of sunscreens.

There are creams, lotions, sprays, gels, and powders, there are natural organic sunscreens and chemical sunscreens, even sunscreens combined with insect repellent.

As CBS2's Dr. Max Gomez explained, the best sunscreen is the one that you actually use, but sometimes different skin types and activities are better suited for different sunscreens.

By now, most people know that the UV rays in sunlight can lead to skin cancer, premature aging, and the wrinkling of the skin.

So, if you're going to be out in the sun even a little you need protection.

"I don't use sunscreen as regularly as I should because it feels greasy and think a lot of the time. I haven't found one that I like," Amanda Spira said.

Dermatologist Dr. Doris Day said there's such an amazing variety of sunscreen formulas that you can always find one that you like.

She said there is one universally important factor.

"SPF 30. We've decided as dermatologists that that's the magic number where we see just the right amount of protection if you apply enough of it, and if you reapply it often enough which means about every two hours," Dr. Day said.

Reapplying often is always important, but especially when you're sweating or going in the water because the FDA has ruled that there is no such thing as water-proof or sweat-proof sunscreen.

The best you can is look for water-resistant -- 80 minutes is the highest.

Sprays are convenient to apply, but not when it's windy, and they may not always be the best choice.

"If you have a lot of hair on the body, you actually have to reach the skin to get the protection to the skin. So in that case something like a gel or a lotion might be better than a spray," Dr. Day said.

If you must use a spray rub it in after application.

One type dermatologists said to be careful with are the sunscreen/insect repellent combos. If you reapply them mas often as you should for sun protection you could get an adverse reaction to the DEET repellent.

The so-called baby sunscreens are zinc and titanium based. They're not absorbed, and are also good for people who break out with some sunscreens.

There are certain areas the people often miss with sunscreen -- the lips, hairline, scalp, feet, and around bathing suit straps for women.

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