11 Tips for Choosing a Sunscreen, Directly From Dermatologists

Medically reviewed by Julia A. Siegel, MD

Wearing sunscreen is a must, of course, but understanding what to look for in an SPF formula is what will really help ensure your full protection. Think about it: You're more likely to wear a sunscreen every day if you like how it feels and it works with your lifestyle, right?

Ahead, with the help of board-certified dermatologists Dendy Engelman, FACMS, FAAD, and Michele Green, MD, we've compiled a checklist of what to keep an eye out for when choosing a sunscreen. They broke down everything from common ingredients to why you might want to consider mixing and matching your formulas. Read on to learn more.

• Dendy Engelman, FACMS, FAAD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at the Schafer Clinic in New York City.
  

• Michele Green, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City, where she treats patients for sun damage, sun spots, and sun spot removal.

Avoid Harsh Ingredients

Harsh ingredients can irritate all skin types, particularly those with sensitive skin. "Avoid ingredients such as added fragrances, chemicals, and dyes," says Engelman. "They do not contribute to the efficacy of sunscreen and can irritate the skin."

Opt for a Mineral Sunscreen...

Say it with us: The best sunscreen is the one you'll wear. That said, mineral and chemical sunscreens have some key differences, and it's good to keep them in mind when selecting an SPF.

"Both mineral and chemical sunscreens work to your benefit when [protecting] against UV rays," explains Green. "The main difference between these two types of sunscreens is how they prevent UV damage. Mineral sunscreens are physical and sit on top of the skin to filter out the sun's damaging UV rays. Common ingredients used in mineral sunscreens include titanium dioxide or zinc oxide."

...Or Consider Chemical

Green explains that chemical sunscreens typically contain chemical ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and homosalate, which are absorbed into the skin. "When the chemicals come into contact with UV radiation, the UV rays are converted to heat and reflected off the skin in a chemical reaction," she says.

According to Engelman, the actives in chemical sunscreen can be "irritating to some skin types." She notes that since chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin instead of sitting on top of it, "this type of SPF is not considered safe for children and pregnant women. For the same reason, though, it tends to be a better choice for those with mature skin (as the product won't settle into creases) and for occasions when you are active outdoors (since you can't sweat it off)."

Look for "Broad Spectrum" Formulas

Make sure your sunscreen offers protection from UVA and UVB rays. "UVA rays tend to affect our skin more because they penetrate deeper than UVB," explains Engelman. "But both cause damage to the skin, so it's important to make sure you're protecting yourself from both. Look for 'broad spectrum' on the label, as this indicates that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays."

She loves the broad spectrum SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 32 ($40) formula "because it contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for optimal coverage."

Learn More: SPF 101: What It Means, How to Use It, and Choosing the Right Formula

Select an SPF of 30 or Higher

Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. "A broad spectrum SPF of 30 will about prevent 97 percent of UVB rays from reaching your skin, while an SPF of 50 will only allow about two percent of rays through," explains Green.

Choose the Right Formula for Your Skin Type

• Sensitive: For sensitive skin Engelman says a fragrance-free sunscreen can limit reaction and inflammation. "Baby formulas can be effective in combating UV ray skin damage," she says, adding: "Physical sunscreen is less irritating and better suited for sensitive skin because it sits on top of your skin and begins working immediately. I love La Roche-Posay's Anthelios Mineral Tinted SPF 50 ($38) and Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 ($20)."

• Oily: Engelman likes a "matte or powdered formula [for oily skin types], as they help absorb excess oil. Plus, they're easy to reapply throughout the day." She recommends Isdin's Mineral Brush SPF 50 ($55). "Elta MD's UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 ($55) is another great pick for oily and acne-prone skin because it lightly exfoliates and helps regulate the buildup of oil on the skin with lactic acid," she adds

• Acne-prone: For acne-prone skin, Green likes Cetaphil's Dermacontrol Facial Moisturizer SPF 20 ($17). "It's a good option: hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog your pores," she explains. "It has a matte finish and contains special Micropearl technology, which absorbs excess oil and stops shine."

• Mature: For mature skin, consider "using a sunscreen that combats signs of aging and pollutants, in addition to protecting the skin from sun damage," advises Engleman. "Elizabeth Arden's PREVAGE City Smart Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($72) is a great pick."

Consider a Sunscreen That Works for Your Skin Tone

While the selection of dark-skin-friendly mineral sunscreens has drastically increased in recent years, many melanated individuals still prefer to go the chemical route due to the cast left behind by mineral formulas. "Chemical sunscreens... do not leave behind residue on any skin tone," says Engelman. "However, I do caution you to check for ingredients that can be potentially harmful to the skin and the environment, such as oxybenzone."

She recommends Glo Skin's Beauty C-Shield Anti-Pollution Moisturizing Tint SPF 30+ ($50)."[It] comes in 10 flexible shades so there's a match for any skin tone," she says. "It's also oil-free, hydrating, and packed with antioxidants for additional protection."

Choose a Comfortable Texture

While most people don't love the feeling of a greasy, sticky formula, those who are particularly averse should consider opting for a matte formula. "Many mattifying sunscreens are non-greasy and lightweight," says Green, who likes the Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 ($38). "This product is 100 percent mineral-based and works to leave your skin looking mattified. It is also reef-safe, meaning its ingredients will not negatively impact the environment, particularly the coral reefs."

Don't Rely on SPF Makeup Alone

Engelman says that makeup with SPF probably isn't offering enough protection, depending on the formula. "I don't recommend anything below SPF 30, as you could still be exposing yourself to the risk of damage." She recommends you still add regular sunscreen to your makeup routine. "Even if your foundation does contain some SPF, I generally recommend applying true sunscreen as a last step in your skincare routine, then layering foundation on top if needed. Depending on how much coverage you want, a tinted SPF could be a good replacement for foundation altogether."

Remember That You'll Need to Reapply...

"Sunscreen should be applied daily, every two hours," Green says. That means whatever formula you choose, it will need to be something you can apply continuously while you're in the sun.

... So Try a Spray or Stick Formula for Touch Ups

Of course, you could always have one formula for at-home application and another for on-the-go use. A spray formula can be great for reapplication. "It's hard to determine how much you're using and which spots you may have missed, so in my opinion, they are better suited for reapplication after first using a cream sunscreen," says Engelman. "Just be sure to rub in the spray." She also loves solid sunscreens that come in a stick or compact form because they're easy to "apply on the go and bring with you for quick reapplication. One of my favorites is Skinbetter's Sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact ($65), which also has a mattifying, skin-perfecting finish."

Up Next: Yes, Sunscreen Expires: Here's How to Know When to Get a New Bottle