Any dermatologist will tell you that the Secret to great skin uses sunscreen. The best sunscreen not only prevents Skin cancer, but it also prevents the harmful rays of the sun from destroying the sun’s rays Collagen in your skin. Sun damage leads to premature aging and cause Wrinkles and sagging.
Fortunately, there are a variety of companies that manufacture all types of sunscreen that you actually want to use. I’m talking about light lotions that you get every day, face sunscreens that you can apply and mix like makeup primers, and sunscreens that you can reapply to your kids right after they jump out of the pool.
But there are so many brands and options that choosing a sunscreen can be daunting. The following list scratches the surface of both mineral and physical sunscreensand highlights some of the best-selling sunscreens on Amazon, as well as some formulas that make wearing sunscreens much more palatable.
Note that these products are independently selected by our editors and are based on extensive research into the options available on the market. Prices are correct at the time of publication, but are subject to change.
Hawaiian Tropic
This is the lotion sunscreen that I currently have and use because it feels light and is easy to rub in. It’s like lotion, and it moisturizes dry skin like lotion because it contains shea butter. Be warned, this has a subtle sheen so you look a little glittery.
Do you hate all glitter? To attempt Sun Comfort Broad Spectrum sunscreen lotion from Banana Boat (SPF 50, $ 7.92 for 6 ounces at Amazon) for a similar moisture option with UVA and UVB protection.
Neutrogena
Children rarely want to sit still long enough to apply (and reapply) sunscreen. But this sun protection formula for children goes on quickly and is supposed to work on wet skin. The spray cuts through water to adhere to the skin, making it easy to apply sunscreen and keep your kids safe, even if they get in and out of the pool all day.
Supergoop
If you’ve ever had trouble rubbing the white sheen of mineral sunscreens to look like a ghost, this is your new face sunscreen. In recent years, Supergoop has released new formulas for every need Powder sun protection You can stroke your make-up during the day – ideal for oily or acne-prone skin! — or a Sun protection oil that keeps moisture on your skin. (Note that Supergoop is completely independent of Gwyneth Paltrows eponymous brand Goop.)
I picked up the Smooth and Poreless brand at Sephora on a whim and am currently using it for my face. Of all the face sunscreens I used, I loved them the most because they feel like a foundation, blur my pores, and have a matte finish – all advantages if the product is primarily for protecting your skin from the sun’s rays to protect.
It’s definitely not cheap, but it’s worth the cost to me. A cheaper sunscreen for the face can be found in the selection of Asian sunscreens below.
EltaMD
This EltaMD mineral-based sunscreen is for sensitive skin very popular because despite the fact that it uses zinc oxide, it goes on clearly and blends into your skin without leaving a white shimmer. I tried it firsthand and it glides so well that you don’t feel like you’re wearing sunscreen.
Just be careful when shopping to make sure you buy it directly from Amazon, not from a third party, as there are Amazon buyers who have reported that they have received counterfeit products. (The SPF 40 version is shown, but I have linked to the SPF 46 version.)
Blue lizard
Doctors recommend limiting your baby’s sun exposure with a wide-brimmed hat, sun protection clothing, and shade, and not using chemical sunscreens on babies under six months of age. Once you’ve reached the six-month milestone, you can start using sunscreen. However, stick to formulas that are free from dyes and odors and that use minerals (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) for sun protection.
This Blue Lizard formula checks all of these boxes for baby sunscreen and the bottle turns pink in the sun to give you a push to reapply.
Neutrogena
Sports and water-resistant sunscreen products can feel thick and greasy, but I like the Neutrogena Beach Defense line because it’s lighter, water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and smells like a tropical drink. The spray is easy to apply and available in SPF 70. The line is also available as a sunscreen lotion or stick.
If you want or need something without a fragrance, try it Simply Protect Sports sunscreen by Banana Boatthat has no additional fragrance.
Biore
Okay, if you’re a skincare nerd like me, prepare to fall into the rabbit hole of the Asian sunscreen product. South Korean and Japanese skin care brands have become known for sunscreens chemicals other than those approved by the FDA to provide excellent protection against sun damage.
One of the most popular Asian sunscreens is Biore’s, a thin, light formula with hyaluronic acid that blends in easily and doesn’t clog the pores. This is good news for oily skin. Although you can’t find it in U.S. stores due to the FDA, it’s on Amazon and other retailers such as YesStyle.
You just need to know that these products are shipped from Asia and have to go through customs so they almost certainly won’t arrive within the two-day Prime window.
COSRX
If Biore is not your brand, the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sunscreen SPF50 PA +++ is another great option for Asian sun protection. It acts like a light moisturizer and moisturizes. It protects your skin’s moisture barrier and fights both UVA and UVB rays.
Critics say that this sunscreen is not greasy, does not leave a white film and is absorbed quickly. If you have sensitive skin, try this aloe vera formula.
How to choose the best sun protection
Sun protection is a controversial product because there are often many disagreements about it Sunscreens are safewhich sun protection factor is appropriate and whether or not Not Sunscreens damage coral reefs.
Here’s what you should know about sunscreens in 2020:
1. Everyone should wear sunscreen regardless of your skin colorbecause everyone can get skin cancer.
2nd Sun protection protects against both UVA and UVB skin damage and wrinkles.
3rd Both chemical and physical sunscreens are considered effective and safe. Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate and octocrylene, which absorb UV radiation.
4th Physical sunscreens – with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both as active sunscreens – work well for people with sensitive skin and skin prone to acne, and new formulas are much easier to mix than previous, calcareous versions.
5. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends use Broadband protection with SPF 30 sunscreenthat blocked UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays accelerate the aging process of skin cells and promote wrinkles, while UVB rays damage skin cells, cause sunburn and are believed to cause skin cancer.
6. No sunscreen can block 100% of UV exposure. Sunscreens with sun protection factor 30 block 97% of UVB rays, and with sun protection factors above that the increased protection is negligible.
7. All sunscreens, regardless of the sun protection factor, rub off within 2 hours or break down on your skin – even faster if you swim or sweat.
8th. The State of Hawaii;; Key West, Florida;; and a couple of island states have banned Sunscreen with oxybenzone because a scientific study found that it can kill corals. Neither of these bans is currently in effect – the two will start in the US in 2021. Some companies are selling “Reef-proof” sunscreen who abide by the ban.
More skin care
Originally published earlier.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider if you have any questions about an illness or health goals.