Banana Boat is one of the most popular and respected names in the sunscreen industry. But with so many different sunscreens in the Banana Boat brand, how do you know which one to choose? Here is a comparison of a few of the sunscreens in the Banana Boat product line. It should help in your decision when purchasing the right Banana Boat sunscreen for the upcoming summer in the sun.
On its Web site, Banana Boat categorizes sunscreens by usage
sport
general protection
everyday protection
baby & kids
Banana Boat sunscreens come in SPFs [sun protection factor] all the way up to SPF 80!
Here are three of the more popular products according to MSN Shopping
Banana Boat Dark Tanning Lotion SPF4
Banana Boat Sunblock Sun Wear Lotion SPF50
Banana Boat Ultra-Defense Sunblock Lotion with Aloe Vera & Vitamin E SPF15
First of all, determine what level of SPF you need. The higher the SPF number, the stronger the protection. Logically, the fairer your complexion, the higher SPF you should choose. More protection means less chance of sunburn, and more defense against skin cancer. If you are fair-skinned, you are more at risk for skin cancer.
Banana Boat Dark Tanning Lotion SPF 4
Available in continuous spray, lotion, or oil
Almost no protection
For sunbathers already with a base tan, or darker olive complexions
Moisturizing
If you are fair-skinned and burn easily, this is not the product for you. But if you have already been exposed to the sun, and have a base tan, this will help to maintain your tan or make it deeper and darker. It has moisturizing properties -- enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E. Also, this product is waterproof, so no need to reapply after swimming.
In my younger days, when there was an ozone layer, and when we didn't know as much as we do about skin cancer, I would have used this product. But knowing what I know now, and being fairer than I admit, I go a lot higher in SPF. This product got rave reviews from users, who said it went on "like silk", doesn't stain, and in lotion form, dries non-greasy. Its superior moisturizing property was also well-reviewed.
Banana Boat Sunblock Sun Wear Lotion SPF 50
Available in spray or lotion
Maximum protection
For sunbathers with fair skin, or skin out in the sun for the first time of the season
Ultra-sheer, dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic [won't clog pores], oil-free
Patented AvoTriplex technology for protection from UVA and UVB rays.
If you are venturing out in the sun for the first time this year, or have fair-skin, this is the product for you! I use this on Memorial Day weekend, when my white winter skin is meeting the sun for the first time since last September. If you are very fair-skinned, you should probably stick with this most of the summer. Both In-Style and Real Simple magazines conduct product-testing studies, and ranked this product among the best.
Banana Boat Ultra-Defense Sunblock Lotion with Aloe Vera & Vitamin E SPF 15
Also available in SPF 30, 50, and 80
Enriched with vitamins A and E and aloe-vera for moisturization
Patented AvoTriplex technology for protection from UVA and UVB rays
Fragrance-free, absorbs quickly, waterproof
SPF15 is very minimal protection. But with the AvoTriplex technology, this product is longer-lasting. Customer reviews touted this product's quick absorbing non-greasy formula and said it was the best value for the money. Reviewers also said that it could be easily applied to the face, since it was non-greasy.
Your decision will be based on your complexion, how much protection you will need, and how much exposure your skin has gotten from the sun. With the ozone layer just about depleted, and skin cancer on the rise, it is important to give your skin the best possible protection. Also, protecting your skin now will payoff later as you age, because sun exposure accelerates skin aging.
