Best Sunscreens for Running

Since I am a stickler for sun protection on the run, I have tried a number of different products in my quest to find the best one for me.

The good news about increased awareness of sun protection (in particular while running and playing other outdoor sports) is that we have so many different choices now!

Do you want a chemical or physical blocker? Do you want a spray or lotion? You get the picture. I thought I would share a few of the best sunscreens for running that I have tried and like best for our family (since my kids do run too!):

• Coppertone Duraflex Pro Series—I got to test this out last year, and I absolutely love it for running. It is not greasy at all, easy to apply, and the fact that you can twist the lid to block the nozzle from accidentally spraying the inside of your bag is PRICELESS.  I still feel like I can sweat with this sunscreen, in fact it didn’t feel heavy on my skin at all.
• Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch—I like this sunscreen for my face, since my skin tends to be VERY OILY. This results in serious breakouts if I use a heavy sunscreen. The dry touch is just that—dry and not greasy at all. I like that it can feel that lightweight and still work well. I also like the scent and the high SPF factor.
• California Baby—I LOVE California Baby products, but I really wish they weren’t so expensive. They make a great sunscreen (natural and fragrance-free) that we have used and enjoyed a lot. If I wouldn’t go bankrupt, I would use it all the time (my kids are so pale they give Casper a run for his money!).
• Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby—We use this on the kids, and I actually use it on myself too! It’s a mineral-based physical blocker (meaning it doesn’t use chemical agents like oxybenzoe and avobenzone to prevent sun damage and burning). Since, it’s a physical blocker, you can apply it and get protection immediately. You do not have to wait 30 minutes like the chemical blockers. In my experience, it’s MUCH more waterproof and I use it on my kids exclusively at the suggestion of my dermatologist.  She recommended not using chemical blockers on them, and I whole-heartedly agree!

What are your favorite sunscreens on the run?