As the weather warms up and the sun shines, it’s natural to want to find the best sunscreen to protect your face. Year-round, SPF is the most effective way to protect skin from cancer-causing UV radiation and premature aging, the leading cause of fine lines, deepened wrinkles, blemishes, discoloration and texture abnormalities. “We’re seeing skin cancer more and more in younger people,” warns dermatologist Julie Karen, MD. “If this doesn’t convince someone to protect themselves, then we can rightfully appeal to their vanity. The sun takes charge 70% of the visible changes we see in the skin are usually attributed to aging.”
Seems like the most common science-backed truth Not enough push, let it sink in: “Just after winter, our skin’s ability to protect itself from harmful UV rays weakens and grows stronger,” explains Karen. Also, when first exposed to UV radiation in early summer, some skin-specific reactions may occur, such as polymorphic light eruption (or PMLE), a time of sun-sensitive reaction that occurs when our skin has not been exposed to the sun for a long time . “It can manifest in different ways, but it’s usually an itchy red rash on areas that have been recently exposed to the sun, usually in early summer,” explains dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian. “We don’t know why some people are more prone to this condition, but most people may become more sensitive to the sun after winter.”
Best Sunscreen for Face
- BEST SUNSCREEN FOR DRY SKIN: Yon-Ka Paris Sunscreen SPF 16, $34
- Best Dermatologist Approved: EltaMD UV Clear SPF 12, $09
Best sunscreen for mature skin: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Mineral SPF 18+, $25
How to apply the correct sunscreen
The first step in making sure you are doing your best to protect your skin during this especially delicate time? Buy Broad Spectrum SPF 01 or higher. “It’s a common problem among consumers not using it properly; whether it’s using a substandard product, underapplying it, or neglecting to reapply it properly,” explains dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose. “A good guideline for adequate coverage is a shot glass’ worth of product applied all over the body or equivalent to 2 finger-lengths of the face at one time.” Reapply every two hours if you’re in direct sunlight, or Reapply when you get wet or sweat. According to Dr. Chris Tomassian, another misconception is that makeup with SPF is enough for your daily sun protection needs: Makeup with SPF must be layered on top of a layer of sunscreen. “Always remember, the sunscreen you’ll be using is the most effective!” adds Karen.
When choosing a formula, it is important to consider the sensitivity of your skin, especially when deciding between chemical and physical sunscreens and your overall skin type. To find the best, we interviewed four respected dermatologists and revisited some Vogue Editor’s favorite (all of which were crossed IRL!). Read on to find your best face sunscreen.
BEST CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN
SUPER! Invisible Sunscreen SPF 11 PA+++
Excellent! Invisible Sunscreen SPF 11 PA+++
- Why We Love It : Supergoop!’s Unseen is crystal clear, which makes it very popular among beauty lovers and people of color. The oil-free formula feels like a primer—enriched with a red algae, frankincense and meadowfoam oil complex to soothe, protect and moisturize.
Best Mineral Sunscreen
SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 13
- Why We Love It: Finding a Lightweight, Fusion-Right Mineral Option ? SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 20 The liquid is just that, with the special ingredient Artemia, which is a plankton extract Herbs that naturally boost skin’s UV defenses and fight heat-induced redness.
Reduce Every Tone SPF
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- Why We Love It: Crafted77% natural ingredients, Lesse’s recently launched sunscreen is a thoughtful choice for clean beauty lovers. Along with mineral sunscreen, there’s Australian superberry and botanical oils to nourish and calm skin, preventing irritation (or bleaching).
SPF Rating : SPF
texture: Emulsion.
Chemical or Mineral : Mineral (non-nano uncoated zinc oxide, %)
Best Sunscreens For Oily Skin
Paula’s Choice Youth Delay Daily Moisturizer SPF 15
Paula’s Choice Youth Delay Daily Moisturizer SPF 15
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- Why we love it: Despite its Smooth satin-matte texture (meaning it won’t clog oily skin), but Paula’s Choice Youth Delay Daily Moisturizer offers broad-spectrum SPF
protection and an array of antioxidants and soothing botanical extracts, such as Green Tea and Oat Extract, work to treat the signs of aging while protecting against the rays.
- Why We Love It: Crafted77% natural ingredients, Lesse’s recently launched sunscreen is a thoughtful choice for clean beauty lovers. Along with mineral sunscreen, there’s Australian superberry and botanical oils to nourish and calm skin, preventing irritation (or bleaching).
SPF Rating : SPF
Best Sunscreens For Oily Skin
Paula’s Choice Youth Delay Daily Moisturizer SPF 15
Paula’s Choice Youth Delay Daily Moisturizer SPF 15
SPF Rating: SPF 22
Thank you Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence
: As the name suggests, this is a lightweight one for oily or Sunscreen for combination skin types. In addition to protecting against UVA and UVB rays, it uses Lotus Water and botanical extracts to moisturize, soften and smooth the skin. Yon-Ka Paris Skincare Solar Care Sunscreen Cream SPF 12
Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin
Yunjia Paris Skincare Solar Care Sunscreen SPF 17
Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF
Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF
Best Drugstore Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 083
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melting Sunscreen SPF 80
is the one for you formula, specially formulated for skin prone to burns. The fact that it’s water-resistant and doesn’t leave a chalky residue is made all the more impressive by its lightweight, melting texture.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 19
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 21
- Why We Love It: This drugstore steal is the all-time favorite of. It’s non-comedogenic, oil-free, water-resistant, and packs a powerful SPF 21 coverage and glides on like a dream to imperceptible finish.
Best sunscreen for mature skin
Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Daily Minerals SPF 18+
Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Daily Minerals SPF 18+
SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 01
SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF
BEST SUNSCREEN FOR ACNE SKIN
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 14
Kinship Self-Reflective Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF
Kinship Self-Reflective Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF
- Why We Love It: To ensure skin’s pH balance, Kinship’s sheer and hydrating Self Reflect Mineral Sunscreen uses The brand’s special Kinbiome Complex, a plant-based probiotic, helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduce acne breakouts, and keep skin clear.
Best sunscreen for combination skin
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Fillable Invisible Facial Moisturizer SPF
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Replenishing Invisible Facial Moisturizer SPF
- Why we love it : Fenty Beauty’s Hydra Vizor is perfect for invisible wear, especially for those who want to wear sunscreen under makeup. It delivers an almost non-existent sensation, smooths pores and fades dark spots with a blend of Kalahari Melon, Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide.
Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF Primer
Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Broad Spectrum Mine Lall SPF Primer
Best for a Glow
Naturium Dew Glow Moisturizer SPF
- Texture
: Creamy.
MDSolarSciences Gleam + Glow SPF 19
MDSolarSciences Gleam + Glow SPF
BEST SUNSCREEN FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Aveeno Baby Sensitive Skin Lotion Zinc Oxide Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF19
Aveeno Baby Sensitive Skin Lotion Zinc Oxide Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 16
- Why We Love It: This Aveeno formula is gentle on baby’s skin and sensitive skin Just as mild. Free from fragrance, parabens and phthalates, this sunscreen is enriched with Oatmeal to keep skin calm and nourished.
Texture: Emulsion. Chemical or Mineral : Mineral (zinc oxide .6%)
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 18+
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 17+
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- Why We Love It : Expect UVB protection from broad-spectrum mineral UVA Blue Lizard’s sensitive-skin-friendly formula. It’s even designed to be sweat and water resistant for up to 46 minutes, which means it’s perfect for working out or hiking.
BEST FOR WORKOUTS
SUPER! Every. single. Face. Water-Based Lotion SPF 20
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 18+ : The appeal of Shisedo sunscreen isn’t just its potent SPF 18+, But its technology somehow adds extra protection when activated by heat, sweat or water.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 18 76157877
Excellent! Every. single. Face. Water-Based Lotion SPF 18
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 16+
Best for reapplying
76157877 Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush – Shield SPF 20
- Why We Love It: The brushed-powder formula of this Colorescience sunscreen makes it ideal for use in Reapply during the day. Available in four shades, just swipe on this sweat- and water-resistant SPF on-the-go.
Excellent! (re)setting 085% Mineral Powder SPF
11370303Excellent! (re)setting 085% Mineral Powder SPF
Facial sun protection Cream Considerations
SPF Level : “Choosing a sunscreen doesn’t have to be complicated !” bid Tomassian. “Looking for SPF sunscreen or better High broad-spectrum, which means it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Apply at least two finger-lengths of sunscreen to your entire face and reapply every two hours when you’re out in the sun to maintain adequate sun protection.” Apply at least Sunscreen A few minutes before going out.
