We Asked 5 Dermatologists to Reveal Their Actual Sunscreen Routine

Wendy Rose Gould
·8 min read

Including their favorite products and personal tips.

<p>Courtesy</p>

Courtesy

You can scroll through #skintok for hours and stay up-to-date on all the latest product drops and trends, but few things are as valuable as getting skincare advice directly from a board-certified dermatologist. Especially when it comes to one of the most important topics out there: sun protection.

Lucky for you, we hit up five dermatologists who were happy to dish on their SPF routines in the name of good health and gorgeous skin. Each shared the sunscreens they swear by and use themselves, lended game-changing pro-tips, and shared the ins and outs of their SPF regimen.

Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson

Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut. She's also the chief medical officer of Ideal Image and president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology of Connecticut.

SPF Routine 

“The Skinbetter Science’s Sunbetter SHEER SPF 70 is my daily go-to. The formulation is oil-free and provides priming benefits alone, or under makeup, that make my skin glow. It is a mineral SPF with UVA and UVB protection, but applies without any chalky residue or white cast. It’s my choice for daily use, as well as for time at the pool or beach,” Dr. Robinson says.

She adds, “When I want a little coverage, I reach for Alastin HydraTint which packs a universally flattering tint along with mineral protection against UVA, UVB, and Blue Light with SPF 36. It has great skincare benefits, too: It is rich in antioxidants that shield against pollution-induced damage and includes ingredients that improve skin hydration such as hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone, a potent hyaluronic acid booster, antioxidant and anti-irritant.”

Usually, Dr. Robinson applies an antioxidant serum first, then the SPF. She adds that she keeps the ISDIN powder brush in her purse for touch ups throughout the day, and loves that it’s convenient to use over makeup and isn’t messy. Plus, it has light-reflecting particles that give a radiant effect.

“Of course what’s not mentioned yet is body application. It’s important to use about a shot-glass sized amount to adequately cover most adult bodies, and to reapply every two hours as well as immediately after swimming or sweating,” she says. “I also recommend adding a swipe of SPF lip balm.”

Dr. Michelle Henry

Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan.

SPF Routine

“I have quite a few different sunscreens in my arsenal, but I love these products because they not only provide reliable protection from the sun's harmful rays, but they also feel lightweight on my skin and blend super easily with my skin tone,” says Dr. Henry.

She says she’ll use any of her top three favorites daily. On days when she’s running behind, she’ll usually reach for the Supergoop! (Re)Setting Refreshing Mist “as it is lightweight, requires zero work to blend with this skin, and can be used over makeup.” She adds, “When I am really running or have left my sunscreen at home, I make sure to pack a hat or sunglasses for protection.”

Dr. Rebecca Marcus

Rebecca Marcus, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Maei MD. She’s also a medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatologist at North Dallas Dermatology Associates.

SPF Routine 

“Sunscreen is probably the most essential of my daily essentials, and different situations call for different formulas! My first layer of protection is an antioxidant serum, which is not an SPF, but does help to protect against environmental damage, including UV radiation,” says Dr. Marcus. “Next, I mix Elta MD UV Elements tinted with a few drops of ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica, the two of which mix to give me a shade that works well for my skin tone. This serves as both my SPF and my makeup.”

She tells us she never skimps on her sun protection routine regardless of how much time she has. At times of the year when she expects more sun exposure—like during the warmer months when the days are longer and she’s outdoors more—she’ll take Heliocare supplements, which she says helps to provide a base layer of sun protection in addition to the daily sunscreen that is a must either way.

"I also add sun protective clothing, such as a rash guard and hats when I will be outdoors, as well as powder sunscreen for my scalp and hairline, and for touch ups,” she adds. She likes Poof Part Powder by Supergoop. For the neck down, Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen is her top pick. She says it spreads easily and absorbs well into the skin, while also providing mineral based sun protection.

Dr. Marisa Garshick

Marisa Garshick, MD,  is a board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan and the assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell New York Presbyterian Medical Center.

SPF Routine 

“For my everyday routine, I often go for a tinted sunscreen, such as the DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer or the Bliss Blockstar Mineral Tinted Sunscreen, as most mornings I am short on time and don’t wear a lot of makeup so the tint provides just enough natural coverage,” she says.

Dr. Garshick makes sunscreen part of her daily routine so that it’s an ingrained habit. She tells us that her  typical morning routine generally consists of a cleanser, an antioxidant like vitamin C, a moisturizer, and then her sunscreen. When applying sunscreen, she always makes sure I am applying enough by following the two-finger rule, applying sunscreen to the lengths of her pointer and middle finger and then distributing that around the face.

“If I have more time, I will double check that I put enough along the hairline and on my neck, chest and hands. If I have more time than that, I will also incorporate an eye cream that contains SPF, such as the Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 renewal or a lip product that also contains SPF, such as the Elta MD UV Lip Balm, as well as a primer or CC cream that also contains SPF for extra coverage.”

Dr. Jodi Logerfo

Jodi Logerfo, MD, is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Family Nurse Practitioner certified in Family Medicine and Dermatology.

SPF Routine 

Dr. Logerfo says she likes to mix and match her sunscreens, sometimes using a combination of products together. “Clinique’s Even Better has great coverage and makes my skin flawless, and the City Block is super lightweight,” she says. “I sometimes use it alone or mix it with foundation.”

She also likes to pair her sunscreen with Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops because it “gives a great glow and amazing, flawless coverage.” In the summer, she reapplies sunscreen every time she goes outside, and in the winter she’ll often cut back and apply once in the morning.

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