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Sun-Drenched

Choose the SPF that's right for your skin type

Unless you're literally living under a rock, you should know that exposure to the sun's UV rays ups your risk of developing skin cancer. And, on a slightly less medically dangerous note, sun exposure also increases your chance of wrinkles and sunspots, which make your skin look older than it is.

But there's no avoiding that warm, glowing star of summer happiness every single day—that's why SPF should be your BFF year-round.

All sunscreens work by filtering out damaging ultraviolet rays before they can penetrate the skin. Some do this through ingredients that physically block the sun's rays while others contain chemicals that absorb the radiation. Some sunscreens may contain both physical and chemical sunblocks.

Today, sunscreens come in lotions, oils, sticks, gels, sprays and creams. Choose the formula that's best for your skin type and you'll not only protect your skin from harmful rays, but you'll get added benefits, too. Here's a guide to SPF moisturizers that both protect and perfect!

Anti-Aging
If an anti-aging moisturizer has become part of your daily skincare regimen, you might be tempted to skip it on those steamy summer days when you don't want to pile on layers of product. The solution: Cover all your skincare needs with an all-in-one product that combines UVA and UVB protection with the latest stop-the-clock ingredients.

Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunblock with SPF 70 defends against the sun with helioplex, a breakthrough sunscreen technology, and, through powerful antioxidants, including green tea and vitamins C and A, fights the free-radical damage that speeds up the signs of aging. Free of fragrance, oil and PABA (or para-aminobenzoic acid), which can irritate some skin types, the moisturizing lotion absorbs quickly for

nongreasy, sweatproof and waterproof protection.

Acne-Fighting
Breaking out after using a sunscreen can, understandably, lead you to want to banish SPF altogether. Resist that impulse: It will only lead to skin that has a rough uneven texture. Instead, choose a lightweight oil-free lotion that says right on the packaging that it was formulated not to clog your pores. Clean & Clear Finishes Oil-Free Pore Perfecting Moisturizer with SPF 15 is infused with light-diffusing minerals that help soften the appearance of pores for a smooth finish. Keep it in your bag at all times so you're never tempted to borrow a friend's pore-clogging creamy sunscreen!

Brightening
Put the wrong kind of sunscreen on dull skin and it ends up looking even more lifeless. You can, however, give your skin a much-needed boost of radiance with sunscreens that somehow seem to capture light in a tube. Clean Start by Dermalogica Brighten Up SPF 15 is one of those wonder products. It has a natural tint that provides light coverage with a touch of shimmer for a never-shiny glow, and extracts of willow, lavender and licorice root to refine pores and clear congestion for your best-looking skin ever. Gentle enough for the most temperamental teenage skin!

For Pregnant Women
If you're expecting during the summer months, you have every right to demand a sunscreen that will baby your skin's special needs. Belli Anti-Chloasma Facial Sunscreen SPF 25 does just that. A combination sunscreen and hydrator, it contains a natural humectant to make skin more resistant to drying and ingredients that guard against chloasma, the dark brown splotchy areas on the face that seven out of 10 pregnant women will experience. It's oil-free, and you can wear it alone or under makeup.

Written by Shelley Levitt

Forget about cash, Shelley believes in never leaving home without lip gloss. A Los Angeles-based writer with a quintessential glamorous West Coast life, she's interviewed A-list celebrities for People, Self, US Weekly and CBS Watch! and serves as a beauty and fashion writer and blogger for the luxury digital magazine VIV (vivmag.com) and managing editor of The Style Glossy (thestyleglossy.com).