With the FDA-announced new guidelines clarifying some pertinent details about sunscreens scheduled to take effect from summer next year, for the present it is advisable to know that sunscreens should ideally have an ingredient combination which includes skin-savers like ecamsule (Mexoryl), oxybenzone (Parsol 1789), avobenzone, helioplex, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide.

The presence of these ingredients combos can help one take the right pick, especially since it is otherwise quite difficult to select from a wide range of sunscreens, most of which have an SPF 30 + and broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection clearly indicated on the package.

For people who mostly work indoors or drive a lot, it is advised that a transparent lightweight non-greasy sunscreen – like Proactiv Solution Daily Protection Plus Sunscreen with SPF 30, or Ultra Sheer Liquid Sunblock with SPF 55 - should be blended-on carefully on the exposed parts of the skin, including the tops of the hands.

Meanwhile, an SPF 30+ sunscreen – like California Baby SPF 30+ Everyday/Year-round Sunscreen Lotion, or Dr. T's Supergoop! SPF 30 UVA &UVB Protection Swipes, or La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk – can be very beneficial while running outdoor errands.

The sunscreen needs for people who often go to the beach or pool or play sweaty sports can be effectively met by a no-drip formula which sticks to water-soaked, perspiration-drenched skin. The suggested sunscreens for such people are Bull Frog Sunblock Surfer Gel Formula SPF 36, or Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunblock Spray SPF 50, or Aveeno Active Naturals Hydrosport Sunblock Spray SPF 85.