"This year there are a dozen sunscreen applications to choose from -- sprays, dry oils, powders and even wipes -- and many with more effective ingredient ''cocktails'' that promise to protect better than ever. "

"And most of them work when used properly, says Dr. Amy Wechsler, a Manhattan dermatologist who serves as a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation. "

"Many of the newer ingredients target UVA rays. UVA rays are farther away and weaker than UVB rays (those are the kind that make you feel hot), but can dig deeper into the skin and ultimately can affect the dermis, Wechsler says. "

"Consumers might find shopping for a broad-spectrum sunscreen confusing because they've been trained to make choices based on sun protection factor or SPF ratings, which only measure protection against UVB rays. "

"''SPF is a small measurement of UV. There is so much else going on,'' says researcher Debbie D'Aquino, Clinique's vice president of global product development. "

"?    ?    Parsol 1789, also known as avobenzone: One of the most common -- and effective -- chemical absorbers of UV light. "

"?    ?    Chemical absorbers octocrylene and benzophenone: D'Aquino warns the latter has a reputation for irritating sensitive skin. "

"?    ?    Mexoryl SX: The first new sunscreen filter approved by the FDA in 18 years. It's considered ''photostable,'' which means it maintains its protective ability longer. "

"?    ?    Helioplex: Used in Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen, this combines avobenzone with oxybenzone and doesn't lose blocking powers after continued exposure to sunlight. "

"Dr. Warwick Morison, a professor of dermatology at Johns Hopkins University, says the key words to look for on the label are ''broad-band,'' ''broad-spectrum'' or ''UVA/UVB protection.'' And make sure it says water-resistant, too. "

"The minimum SPF for all skin types in all climates of the United States is 15, he says. "

"Recently the industry has not only expanded its list of active ingredients but also the forms sunscreens take. The success of Coppertone's Continuous Spray, launched in 2005, seems to have produced a steady stream of non-lotion applications. "

"No matter which form you choose, Wechsler reminds users to use a thick coat. She recommends three ounces of sunscreen, reapplying every two hours. "

"Beth Janes, Self magazine's senior beauty features editor, picks aerosol sprays and ''dry'' lotions as newer forms of sunscreen that solve common complaints about texture. She says: "

"?    ?    Dry-touch sunscreens with a high content of silica are technically lotions but they're absorbed so quickly into the skin there's never a feeling of wetness. "

"But there are several face-specific products that anyone with sensitive or acne-prone skin might want to consider to avoid undesirable side effects that might detract from the primary goal -- keeping skin healthy. "

"?  ?  Anyone who is prone to acne should wear an oil-free product, says Dr. Amy Wechsler, a Manhattan-based dermatologist. Conversely, people with dry skin can use most formulas as their primary moisturizer. "

"?  ?  Regular facial moisturizers or makeup with added sunscreen probably aren't enough to offer full protection -- at least during the summer months, she says. Sunscreen's SPF power diminishes throughout the day so Wechsler recommends beginning with a high number. An SPF 50 can be an SPF 6 by the day's end. "

" There's a sea of sunscreens out there. You'll find most include about a half-dozen widely used active ingredients that provide sun protection, with each lotion, spray or stick using
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