Are you bored with your current sunscreen? Perhaps you’re not wild about the texture or you don’t like piling on lots of different facial lotions to get the multiple benefits. Following the minimalism trend, why not explore some products that offer numerous health perks for your complexion? Look no further – here is your guide to our top 10 sunscreens with benefits.
How Often to Reapply Sunscreen & Other SPF Tips
Before you reach for a fresh new sunblock, check out these tips that will help keep you protected and maximize the effectiveness of your SPF.
Tip #1: Use at least ¼ a teaspoon
Use too little sunscreen and you may not be properly protecting your skin. Sun block is only as good as proper application.
Why do dermatologists obsessively and probably to an annoying fault talk about the importance of sunscreen?” asks Dr. Luke Maxfield, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs Micrographic Surgeon currently practicing at Aspire Dermatology in Tennessee, “Well, it’s because the sun accounts for the majority of our skin’s aging changes and of course skin cancers – almost all of the risk of skin cancer comes from the sun.”
“You’re not just dotting it on your cheeks and kind of rubbing it in,” Dr. Muneeb Shah, another board-certified dermatologist practicing at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York City adds, “You need to use two finger lengths of sunscreen for the entire face, neck and ears and that ends up working out to be about a quarter of a teaspoon of sunscreen. That’s enough to get you the protection you see on the bottle. Now if you have some extra sunscreen, rub it on the back of [your] hands because that’s an area that also gets a lot of sun exposure.”
Tip #2: Reapply it!
You already know that the sun can cause a lot of damage to skin cells. But are you aware that UV exposure accounts for up to 80% of visible signs of aging in the skin, including wrinkles, fine lines and hyperpigmentation? In addition, recent studies have discovered that photodamage, rather than normal aging, may account for 90% of age-related cosmetic skin problems.
So be sure to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours when outdoors. This is especially important after swimming, sweating or toweling off. Reapplying ensures consistent protection throughout the day, as sunscreen effectiveness can diminish over time due to UV absorption.
Tip #3: Choose a broad-spectrum sunblock with at least SPF 30
Some people feel like they’re getting better protection from the chalky, thicker pastes that most mineral sunscreens provide while others prefer the more seamless finish and absorbability of chemical sun blocks.
“People ask all the time in the office, what is more effective – mineral or chemical sunscreen?” asks Dr. Maxfield, “And it actually is a false question – the effectiveness is a regulated, quantified measurement and so if your sunscreen is, say 30 SPF plus, [then] in my book, then you are going to be good to go [regardless]. That’s like the threshold for an effective sunscreen that you want to live by.”
Dr. Shah agrees. “That SPF number specifically refers to the sunscreen’s ability to block UVB light. Now UVA light in other countries is measured with that pa++++ sign that you see on some sunscreens. In the US we don’t measure the pa+ value so for UVA protection, which is still important for skin cancer and really important for aging, so you’re looking for the words broad spectrum instead.”
Selecting the Right Sunscreen
Are you an athlete who is excited about exercising outside during warmer months? Perhaps you have sensitive skin? Or an oily, acne prone complexion? Explore these top picks from Vitacost to find the perfect sunscreen for your next adventure whatever your age or skin type!
For those with sensitive skin
Babo Botanical’s Extra Sensitive Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen
“The benefit of mineral sunscreens generally is that they are largely physically inert, meaning that they can be minimally irritating across the board,” explains Dr. Maxfield.
Containing a unique combination of clear zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect you from harmful UVA and UVB rays, Babo Botanical’s extra sensitive mineral sunscreen is scent-less and also features gentle aloe, anti-oxidant packed white tea, plus moisturizing avocado and jojoba oil to help soothe and hydrate your complexion without needless irritation.
Acure’s Seriously Soothing Sunscreen Day Cream
Looking for a new daily moisturizer? This soothing sunscreen will fit the bill, providing SPF 30 protection with argan oil which is rich in antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols, actively shielding your skin against free radical damage and environmental stressors. Niacinamide and blue tansy oil also improve skin barrier health while reducing redness and inflammation.
For those with mature skin
Eucerin’s Age Defense Sunscreen Lotion
If you want a high coverage sun block with a SPF 50 that is still lightweight enough to be worn underneath makeup, this is for you. Its advanced formula contains the hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid and is enriched with 5 antioxidants – a proprietary blend called 5 AOX Shield, to help defend against long-term sun damage.
CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Day Cream
This cream offers a superior anti-aging moisturizer with SPF 30. Featuring encapsulated retinol that is gradually released to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without irritation, this face lotion also provides UV protection to help prevent sun-induced signs of aging, along with hydrating hyaluronic acid and three barrier-strengthening ceramides.
For those with darker skin tones:
Raw Elements’ Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Face Moisturizer
If you want the benefit of physical protection without a ghostlike complexion, this tinted sunscreen-moisturizer combination is for you.
“Tinted mineral sunscreens can help offset [the chalky look] for the person who wants a blendable mineral combination,” Dr. Maxfield adds.
Complete with eco-friendly packaging (made from sugar cane), non-nano zinc oxide particles and certified organic cacao as the main tinting ingredient, Raw Elements has you covered, literally.
Andalou Naturals Age Defying Perfecting Beauty Balm
For a tinted sunblock that also provides anti-aging actions, choose this Andalou Naturals balm. It’s a tinted mineral sunscreen that addresses the signs of aging by providing non-nano zinc oxide, powerful antioxidants including resveratrol and vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, while delivering sheer coverage for visibly smoother, more even skin tone and a glowing radiance.
For those with active lifestyles
Derma E’s All Sport Performance Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray
For a non-irritating but strong sunblock with SPF 50, choose Derma E’s mineral sunscreen spray.
“I think for most runners, athletes [and] swimmers, the main concern is functionality – that it doesn’t wipe off, rub off or rinse off and that it doesn’t irritate your eyes because you are sweating or water is getting in your eyes,” says Dr. Maxfield.
This reef-safe spray contains the powerful antioxidant vitamin E to help assuage UV damage, plus soothing aloe and an easy spray applicator that makes reapplying a breeze.
Alba Botanica’s Hawaiian Face Sunscreen
For an active day outdoors, this sunscreen will protect and nourish. Packed with botanical extracts including aloe vera as well as orange peel oils, this lightweight sunscreen provides broad spectrum protection and is also water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, you can feel confident in your protection!
For those with oily complexions:
Andalou Naturals Clear Skin Benefit Balm
This option that will reduce excessive facial oil to cut down on shine and diminish the appearance of pores for a clear, balanced complexion. A proprietary blend of fruit stem cells and argan stem cells help to create a multi-benefit balm with sheer, broad spectrum protection to defend against pre-mature aging.
Cetaphil’s Daily Facial Moisturizer Oil-Free
If you find that most traditional sunscreens clog your pores, Cetaphil’s oil-free option will keep your skin clear. Containing a lightweight, non-greasy formula which absorbs quickly and protects your skin with a SPF 35, this moisturizer will keep your pores clear and your complexion radiant. Edelweiss flower extract helps to repair the skin barrier, and vitamin B5 nourishes and soothes skin from irritating sweat and oil.
As you can see from the options above, many current sunscreens provide anti-aging actions, help soothe sensitive skin or reduce future breakouts and keep you covered when you’re active during the day while also protecting your skin from UV damage and potential skin cancer. Hopefully you found your perfect fit – just don’t forget to reapply and you’ll be ready for whatever adventure summer brings!