Invest in must-have sun protection products

Heading outdoors for some fun in the sun? Now’s a good time to think about sun protection. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than 1 million cases diagnosed annually, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime, according to the foundation. For a wealth of information on sun protection, visit www.skincancer.org.

Also, up to 90 percent of the aging you see on your face and body are caused by the sun.

With this in mind, here are some cool products to protect you and your family. Most of these cost $25 or less. A face-lift costs about $10,000.

l The Sephora Sun Safety Kit provides a great way to try a variety of products to see what you like. Includes 12 trial sizes of sunscreens from famous makers, a pink makeup bag and two UVSunSense bracelets (see below). Plus, 100 percent of net profits go to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Get it for $25 at Sephora stores or Sephora.com.

l UVSunSense Wristbands help take the guesswork out of when to apply more sunscreen. The band changes color to reflect your level of exposure to the sun. As your sunscreen power starts to fade, the band will change color to let you know it’s time to re-apply — or to get out of the sun altogether. A seven-pack is $6.99 at Amazon.com.

l Coppertone Sport with Replenishing Antioxidants is sweatproof and won’t sting eyes. Comes in SPF 30, 50 and 80. Testers especially liked the Continuous Spray, which made it easy to hit a moving target (read: squirmy kids). Get a Coppertone coupon at coupons.com.

l Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Packettes are individually wrapped towelettes. They’re perfect to toss in your purse or beach bag for protection anytime, anywhere. Get 20 packets for $16 at SkinCareRX (http://skincarerx.com/Dr.-Dennis-Gross-Skincare-Powerful-Sun-Protectio n-SPF-30-Towelettes.html).

l I love, love, love Philosophy’s Shelter Broadspectrum SPF 30. This lightweight, nongreasy formula is easy to wear and works equally well for use every day under makeup. Best of all, it didn’t cause me to break out. A 4-ounce tube is $25 at Philosophy.com. Be sure to sign up for your free gift with an e-mail address while you’re at it.