These Moisturizers With SPF Hydrate Your Skin While Preventing Future Wrinkles

If there’s one piece of skincare advice you’ve heard over and over again, it’s to wear sunscreen every day—yes, even during the cold, gray months—but especially during spring and summer. And while you likely have no problem slathering up to spend time in the sun over the weekend, the last thing you want on your face Monday through Friday is a formula that’s super thick and makes you smell like an overly-processed coconut.

But there’s a new class of sunscreens made for your face that hydrate skin without clogging your pores. These formulas not only shield against the sun’s harmful rays by offering broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, they also contain antioxidants (to keep skin looking youthful) and tint (to even skin tone and work double-duty in place of your foundation).

The right moisturizer with SPF (most often, a face sunscreen with hydrating ingredients) can easily give skin a smooth canvas to be worn under makeup—or provide enough of a tint to skip it altogether. It’s far superior to using makeup with added SPF, which won’t do the job, says Nazanin Saedi, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia.

What are the biggest benefits of using a moisturizer with SPF?

There are a few major benefits of using a moisturizer with SPF, says board-certified dermatologist Ife J. Rodney, M.D., founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics and professor of dermatology at Howard University and George Washington University. “The biggest advantage is convenience—you get two products together in one,” she says. Having your moisturizer serve double duty as a sunscreen also means it’s less likely you’ll forget to apply your SPF or skip that step because you’re running late, Dr. Rodney points out. “Some sunscreens also leave a whitish film on your skin, especially in people with darker skin tones,” Dr. Rodney says. “Some of the ingredients in moisturizers help to avoid this from happening,” she says.

Are there any cons to using a moisturizer with SPF?

There’s nothing bad about using a moisturizer with SPF, Dr. Rodney says, but there are a few things to be mindful of.

• You may need a higher level of protection. “Many moisturizers with sunscreen typically have an SPF of 15, which is not protective enough,” Dr. Rodney says. “You should look for an SPF of at least 30.”
• You still need to reapply. “Sunscreen should be applied every two hours or as needed, as it loses its effectiveness the longer it is exposed to light,” Dr. Rodney says. “Most people use moisturizers once daily since they may incorrectly think they’re covered for the day.”
• You’ll need to use more than you think. “The important thing about sunscreen is getting enough on your face and body parts that will be exposed to sunlight,” Dr. Rodney says. “The sheer amount of moisturizer with SPF that you would need may seem unreasonable.”

Where should you use a moisturizer with SPF?

Moisturizers with SPF usually come in smaller bottles and are usually designed to be used on your face. While you can technically use them all over your body, that can add up.Still, it’s a good idea to use some kind of moisturizer on your skin. “You should use a moisturizer on your entire body to prevent dryness and lock in moisture,” Dr. Rodney says. If you’re using a moisturizer with SPF, she says it’s important to use it on your face first, along with your legs and hands “especially if they will be exposed to sunlight.” If you find that you’re running through moisturizer with SPF too quickly with that method, though, you can always apply moisturizer to other areas of your body that aren’t your face, let it dry, and then apply sunscreen to the exposed areas.

When should you use actual sunscreen?

You don’t have to go this route, but you may want to if you find that your moisturizer bills are adding up. Still, Dr. Rodney says, “it’s not necessary to use a separate sunscreen if you have an effective moisturizer with sunscreen. Just be sure to apply your moisturizer with SPF throughout the day.”Or, again, you can use your moisturizer with SPF on your face and then do a combination of moisturizer and sunscreen on the rest of your body. “Everyone can benefit from using a moisturizer with SPF,” Dr. Rodney says. “In fact, it’s all I recommend. It’s simple, convenient, and great for both sunlight exposure as well as light from screens and computer devices.”

How to choose (and use) the best moisturizer with SPF for your skin

Read your labels: To find a moisturizer with SPF, make sure its designated on the label as face sunscreen, otherwise it will not be potent enough to fully protect your skin. Shoot for a minimum of SPF 30. “Apply it to your entire face and look for one that delivers broad spectrum protection,” says Dr. Amy Forman Taub, M.D., medical director and founder of Chicago-area Advanced Dermatology and skinfo.

Know your skin type: If you have oily skin, finding the right moisturizer with SPF can be tricky, but it’s possible. “Most modern, well-made sunscreens are noncomedogenic,” Dr. Taub says, meaning the ingredients in the bottle are specifically formulated to not cause blocked pores, and thus, acne breakouts. Look for noncomedogenic, oil-free, and fragrance-free on the label.

Don’t skimp on hydration: Your moisturizer with SPF should still be hydrating, regardless of your skin type. Look for moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, ceramides, and glycerin.

Stick with one you like: Finding the perfect match for you may be trial and error, says Dr. Saedi. When it comes to keeping your skin looking young, consistency is key. “Go for a formulation that you like and are willing to wear every day,” she says. Just be sure to reapply every two hours for max protection (or touch up with a powder sunscreen if you don’t want to disturb your makeup).

Not sure where to start? The following moisturizers with SPF protect your skin while keeping your complexion in check. Each one contains a minimum of SPF 30 (though most provide more), as well as broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. They’re all lightweight enough to be used under makeup and won’t cause breakouts or irritate sensitive skin. Here, the best dermatologist-approved moisturizers with SPF for every skin type.