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Summertime is perfect for enjoying the outdoors and soaking up some Vitamin D.
However, it's important to remember to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. The rays beam down and the heat warms your skin. Before you head out to enjoy the weather, you need to wear sunscreen.
Wearing body sunscreen is the best way to prevent sunburns, skin damage, and premature aging.
Not all sunscreens are created equal though. Some will leave your skin feeling greasy while others don't have enough SPF.
But with all of the options out there, how do you choose the best one with all of the different brands and SPF levels available?
To save you the trouble of testing out every sunscreen on the shelves, we've compiled a list of the best sunscreens out there.
We’ll tell you everything you need to know about finding the best sunscreen formulas for your needs.
How We Choose
Are you struggling to look for the best sunscreen to protect your skin?
When it comes to sunscreen, we take our job seriously. We know that when you're out in the sun, you need protection from those harmful UV rays.
In choosing the best sunscreen, we have to think about a lot of different things.
First of all, we need to think about what kind of sunscreen we want. Do we want a spray of sunscreen or a lotion?
Second, we need to think about what SPF we want.
Third, we need to decide if we want water-resistant sunscreen or not.
Fourth, we need to decide if we want natural sunscreen or not.
But how do we know which sunscreen is the best? We put on our trusty lab coats and put each sunscreen to the test.
We test them for their SPF, their water resistance, and their ability to protect your skin. And in the end, we choose the best sunscreen for you.
Best Sunscreen for Everyday Use
Why We Love It
Ultra Sheer line provides powerful sun protection you will love to wear. It goes on easily and absorbs quickly for an invisible, lightweight feel on your skin.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Non-Greasy Sunscreen with SPF 55 helps defend against the signs of sun and decreases the risk of skin cancer when used as directed.
This lightweight & sheer sunscreen is fast-absorbing with Dry-Touch technology for a non-greasy, matte finish and is formulated with Helioplex Technology, it offers broad spectrum protection from aging UVA rays and burning UVB rays.
This can also moisturize your face enough to take away the dry feeling but also keep your oily skin under control.
What You Should Know
Both PABA-free and non-comedogenic, this lightweight sunscreen provides powerful face and body sun protection without the heavy finish and offers broad spectrum protection, making it great to use for daily sun protection to keep skin protected during outdoor activities.
The new formula features an oxybenzone-free formula, this sunscreen lotion helps prevent sunburn and when used as directed, may help decrease the risk of skin cancer.
It is essential to use sunscreen with Helioplex because when the active ingredients in some sunscreens are exposed to the sun’s UV rays, they can break down and lose effectiveness. Sunscreens with Helioplex Technology are stable in the sun so they provide effective optimal sun protection while you wear them.
Neutrogena also offers Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector Tinted Facial Moisturizer, a facial sunscreen that can protect your face from early signs of aging. It offers a variety of shades that can perfectly blend with your skin tone.
Best Sunscreen for Sensitive and Acne Prone Skin
Why We Love It
Oil-free sunscreen helps protect against the signs of sun damage while you’re having a fun day at the beach.
This fan-favorite line is fast absorbing and lightweight while providing beach-strength broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection. So you can easily protect your family’s skin from harsh outdoor summer elements while remaining active.
Superior sun protection from the dermatologist-recommended suncare brand in a lightweight sunscreen lotion formula that absorbs quickly and is easy to apply.
What You Should Know
Fast-absorbing SPF 70 sunscreen lotion is designed for your active family's outdoor activities and features a lightweight, oil-free, and PABA-free formula
This sunscreen is a lightweight & fast-absorbing lotion. Has Helioplex Technology delivers Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection, and is water resistant (up to 80 minutes).
Ideal for active families, this beach-strength sunscreen lotion is clinically proven to help defend against the signs of sun and water damage.
Best Mineral Sunscreen for Dry Skin
Why We Love It
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen was born in the harsh climate of Australia, where extreme UV rays make strong sun protection a must. Our Blue Lizard Sunscreen withstood the elements and earned the trust of countless dermatologists before making its way to the USA.
Mineral sunscreen SPF 50, with no active chemical ingredients, protects your skin by acting like thousands of tiny mirrors that reflect UV rays away before they enter your body.
With 80 minutes of sweat and water resistance, you stay protected longer while swimming, during your run or whatever you love to do. This mineral formula uses zinc oxide and titanium Dioxide to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays without the use of potentially irritating chemical active ingredients.
What You Should Know
To help protect delicate coral reefs, BLUE LIZARD Sensitive sunscreen contains no oxybenzone or Octinoxate.
Every Blue Lizard Sunscreen begins with the mineral Zinc Oxide, which provides broad-spectrum sun protection. Zinc Oxide protects you by forming a protective layer on top of your skin and scattering UV rays away from your body. This mineral active ingredient is gentle enough for every member of your family.
Blue Lizard also offers Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, designed to protect baby-soft skin. Using only Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, this sunscreen protects you and your little one by acting like thousands of tiny mirrors that reflect UV rays away. The SPF 50+ formula provides broad-spectrum protection from 97% of the sun's burning rays.
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Dark Skin Tones
Why We Love It
EltaMD UV Daily facial sunscreen offers potent sun protection and moisturization. This mineral-based formula contains hyaluronic acid to boost moisture retention and diminish fine lines.
Moisturizing sunscreen guards your skin against the damaging ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from the sun. Paraben-free suntan lotion.
It has a variety of options depending on your choice. You can choose from tinted and untinted formulas for use every day.
What You Should Know
EltaMD UV Daily has hyaluronic acid to boost moisture retention and diminish fine lines. This lightweight moisturizer with UV protection can be worn alone or under makeup.
Perfect for UVA/UVB sun protection. This contains hyaluronic acid which increases skin smoothness, and softness and decreases wrinkles. It also glides on easily and absorbs quickly into the skin.
Hyaluronic acid helps skin stretch and flex and reduces skin wrinkles and lines. Hyaluronic acid is also proven to help wounds heal faster and can reduce scarring.
Best Sunscreen FAQs
What are the benefits of using sunscreen?
There are many benefits to sunscreen! For one, it can help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. It can also help prevent sunburn and skin cancer. Additionally, sunscreen can help keep your skin looking young and healthy.
What are the side effects of sunscreen?
There are a few potential side effects of sunscreen, but they are generally mild and temporary. These can include stinging or burning eyes, skin irritation, and contact dermatitis.
However, these effects are rare and most people can use sunscreen without any problems.
What's the difference between mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens?
Mineral sunscreens contain active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which work by physically blocking the sun's rays. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, contain active ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone, which work by absorbing the sun's rays.
What's the difference between traditional sunscreen and spray sunscreen?
Traditional sunscreen is usually thicker and can be difficult to apply evenly, whereas spray sunscreen is lighter and easier to spread. However, traditional sunscreen typically provides better protection against the sun's harmful rays.
Which is better? SPF 30 or 50?
It's always better to go for a higher SPF number! SPF 50 will provide much better protection against the sun's harmful rays than SPF 30.
Should you wear SPF 50 every day?
Yes! Wearing SPF 50 every day can help protect your skin from damage caused by the sun’s UV rays. It’s important to choose a sunscreen that is right for your skin type and to reapply sunscreen every few hours if you’re going to be in the sun for an extended period of time.
Can I skip moisturizer and use sunscreen?
Yes, you can skip moisturizer and use sunscreen! However, it is important to remember that sunscreen should be applied after your moisturizer.
Does sunscreen age your skin?
There is no definitive answer to this question since everyone's skin reacts differently to sunscreen. However, many dermatologists believe that sunscreen can actually help prevent premature aging by protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. So, while there is no concrete evidence that sunscreen causes aging, it may actually help you keep your skin looking younger!
Best Sunscreen For You
The best sunscreen for you is the one that suits your individual skin type, lifestyle and needs. and needs.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, so it's important to experiment with different products until you find the perfect match.
You should consider the SPF and the one that offers broad spectrum protection, whether you need a water-resistant formula, or if you have sensitive skin.
If you don't like the feel of sunscreen, then find one with a light, airy texture.
If you are worried about chemicals, then choose a mineral-based sunscreen.
And if you are worried about the environment, then pick the Blue Lizard sunscreen.
We personally tried these brands, and hopefully, by now you have a better idea of what kind of sunscreen will work best for you and your family. So get out there and enjoy the sun – safely!
