Summer is on the horizon: The days are getting longer and the sun stronger, so it’s time to start thinking about sunscreen.
Actually, we should all be thinking about sunscreen every day, year-round. In fact, dermatologists recommend incorporating it into our daily skincare routine no matter the season or weather, but only 11% of us do.
Exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays is responsible for 80% of visible skin aging (known as photoaging) and can lead to painful sunburn, premature wrinkles, dark spots, roughening of the skin’s texture, or worse, skin cancer. Therefore, it is imperative to be diligent and use sunscreen every single day.
Supermodel Christie Brinkley—who, at age 68, looks like a young 40—credits daily sunblock as one of her top skincare recommendations, and even wishes she started using it when she was younger. Today, she wears it regularly—even on overcast days and while indoors—noting that infrared rays from microwaves, cell phones, and computers can also cause damage to the skin.
Other indoor culprits that expose skin to UV rays are windows and fluorescent light bulbs. Consequently, long, sunny summer days outdoors are not the only time sunscreen should be at the forefront of our minds.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a sunscreen with so many saturating the market today.
The first thing to look for is broad-spectrum protection, which protects against both harmful ultraviolet A (UVA) and B (UVB) rays.
Next, look for a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. The SPF indicates how well the sunblock protects against UVB rays (the higher the number, the better). However, the difference between SPF 30 to SPF 50 is only about 3% more protection, from 95% to 97.5%, so the protection of a sunscreen with more than SPF 50 is almost negligible. An SPF under 30, on the other hand, doesn’t provide the level of sun protection your skin needs, but wearing any sunscreen is always better than wearing none.
Sunscreens come in chemical and mineral varieties. Chemical sunscreens make up more than 96% of sunscreens available in the US, with mineral versions at just over 3%. Each works differently to provide protection from the sun.
Chemical sunscreens use chemical filters such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, and octisalate to absorb UV rays. This process converts UV rays into heat, allowing the body to release them to prevent the skin from burning.
Chemical formulas are typically lightweight, absorb quickly, and dry invisibly, making them perfect for everyday wear. They are also water-resistant and ideal for swimming but must be reapplied every 80 minutes-two hours.
Mineral sunscreens (also known as physical sunscreen or sunblock) physically block ultraviolet rays with ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. This process forms a barrier on the skin that reflects away the sun’s damaging rays.
Mineral formulas are very gentle and ideal for problem or sensitive skin and babies. They are more difficult to apply than chemical sunscreens and can leave a white cast on the skin, but they also last longer. Mineral brands also tend to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly as they do not release chemicals into the ocean.
Sunscreens come in a variety of different forms, from creams and lotions to gels and sprays. Creams and lotions are best for dry skin while gels are great for oily skin or areas with lots of hair. Sprays are convenient but are harder to gauge the evenness of application. Also, many contain alcohol which can dry out the skin.
Rubbing spray-on sunscreen into the skin and adding a second coat helps ensure uniform coverage with no missed spots. Remember to close those eyes and mouth when using a spray as well to prevent inhalation or irritation.
According to dermatologists, incorporating sunscreen into your everyday skincare routine is optimal. It should be applied as the last step of your morning routine after serums and moisturizers but before makeup.
Even though many cosmetics today like foundations and BB creams have SPF built-in, it is still best to apply a separate layer of sunscreen for maximum protection. Since it is recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours, an easy way to do this over makeup is to use a dust-on powder, compact, or light spritz of a spray-on.
For a day at the beach, apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin 15 – 30 minutes before heading outdoors to allow it to properly absorb. One ounce, or the equivalent of a shot glass, is enough liquid sunscreen for the entire body, as well as a nickel-size dollop for the face.
Try to use a water-resistant sunscreen on hot outdoor days whether you swim or not to keep you protected longer as you sweat. The two varieties of water-resistant sunscreens available last either 40 minutes or 80 minutes. However, all sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours, even without swimming or perspiring.
It’s also imperative to never neglect the lips, eyelids, and ears when applying sunscreen. These areas are often overlooked but have some of the thinnest skin on the body, and therefore are more susceptible to damage from the sun. Sunscreen in s stick form is great for these areas as it tends to be thick, and application is easily controlled. Always smooth it into the skin with your fingers after applying stick formulations to avoid missed spots or unevenness.
Dermatologists also recommend wearing sun-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses, as well as seeking shade whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Discover The Highest Rated & Most Effective Sunscreens Available for Summer 2022
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Body & Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 100
This is a chemical sunscreen with SPF 100 and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It’s great for darker complexions as it leaves no white cast, and its lightweight and non-greasy coverage is perfect for both the face and body.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50
Mineral formulation with SPF 50 and water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. Perfect for sensitive skin as it’s lightweight and gentle. Fragrance-free and dries to an invisible matte finish leaving no white film on the skin. An antioxidant complex also adds an extra layer of protection.
EltaMD UV Aero Broad-Spectrum SPF 45
Mineral formula with SPF 45 and up to 80 minutes of water resistance. Zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum protection that sprays on white to see the coverage but dries clear. Lightweight and non-greasy for all skin types.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Mineral formula with SPF 46. Lightweight, oil-free broad-spectrum protection that is perfect for sensitive skin prone to breakouts and discoloration. The silky finish can be worn under makeup, or alone in tinted or clear finishes for everyday use.
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen
Chemical formula with SPF 50 and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Its moisturizing formula makes it perfect for those with drier skin. Leaves no white film, rinses off easily, and has a pleasant scent.
Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Chemical formula with SPF 50 and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Get strong broad-spectrum sun protection from this easy-to-apply budget-friendly spray-on option that leaves no white film behind. It also has a tropical scent.
Coola Classic Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Chemical formula with SPF 50 and 80 minutes of water resistance. The light texture makes it perfect for wear under makeup and everyday use. 70%+ organic ingredients also make it reef-friendly. This is a fragrance-free option.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Body Shield SPF 50
Mineral formulation with SPF 50 that provides 80 minutes of water resistance. Lightweight, non-irritating invisible coverage gives broad-spectrum protection that is suitable for all skin types and tones.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 50
Mineral formula with SPF 50 and up to 80 minutes of water resistance. This brush-on powder sunscreen was tailor-made to be used over makeup every day, or in place of a face powder. Good for oily or acne-prone skin and super easy to reapply on the go.
Tizo2 Facial Primer Non-Tinted SPF 40
Mineral formula with SPF 40 and water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. Designed to replace primer, it layers invisibly under makeup for everyday use. The broad-spectrum protection is gentle enough for all skin types. It is fragrance, dye, oil, and preservative-free.
SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50
Mineral formula with SPF 50 and water-resistant up to 40 minutes. It has broad-spectrum protection for all skin types that leaves a sheer, weightless matte finish with no white residue. It is paraben-free and non-comedogenic.
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face lotion SPF 50
Mineral formula with SPF 50. This budget-friendly option is fragrance, oil, and paraben-free. It uses broad-spectrum protection that is lightweight, gentle, and hydrating, making it suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive.
Derma E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30
Mineral formula with SPF 30. The convenient brush-on container is perfect over makeup or on bare skin for sunscreen touch-ups on the go. The broad-spectrum protection is infused with antioxidants, Green Tea, Chamomile, and Vitamin E, and it absorbs excess oil.
Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad-Spectrum SPF 45
Chemical formula with SPF 45. This lightweight, oil-free sunscreen instantly minimizes pores and can be used in place of a primer. This broad-spectrum protection is perfect for oily skin as it delivers 10 hours of oil and shine control while hydrating the skin.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Stick for Lips SPF 50+
Broad-spectrum protection with SPF 50 specifically designed for lips. It’s water-resistant, anti-drying, fragrance-free, and paraben-free.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50
Mineral formula with SPF 50 and water-resistant up to 80 minutes. The stick format makes this sunscreen easy to apply on-the-go and perfect for lips, eyelids, and ears. It glides on white to easily see the coverage but also blends invisibly into the skin.
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