Soak it up: These are the 8 sunscreens dermatologists recommend—and use themselves
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You’ve heard it before: You should wear sunscreen often, and ideally every day. Dermatologists don’t just talk about the importance of wearing sunscreen—they practice what they preach.
“I wear it every day, 365 days a year,” Dr. Gary Goldenberg, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, tells Yahoo Life. “Even in winter, you still get some UV that can cause skin damage.”
“I actually incorporate sunscreen into my daily grooming routine and apply it right after shaving,” Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a New York City–based dermatologist, tells Yahoo Life.
It’s sunscreen season and, while you used to just grab a bottle at your local store in the past, it’s understandable if you’d rather not cruise the aisles these days. You’re not alone. Plenty of people are buying sunscreen online, and several brands are now on the bestseller lists at Amazon and Walmart.
In general, it’s a good idea to look for a sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30 or higher and has the words “broad spectrum” on the label, dermatologist Dr. Cynthia Bailey, founder of Dr. Bailey Skin Care, tells Yahoo Life. “Broad spectrum” means it will protect you against both UVA rays, which cause premature aging and the development of skin cancers, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn, Zeichner says. Other than that, a lot boils down to personal preference. “Whether it’s a lotion or gel, stick or spray, the best sunscreen is ultimately the one you are actually using on your skin,” Zeichner says.
Can’t find your usual or want to try something new? These are the sunscreens that dermatologists recommend—and actually use themselves. Plus, score 28 percent off sunscreen and SPF infused products with code SUNCARE28 until June 16.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 100
“This sunscreen has been clinically tested and shown to give better sunburn protection compared to sunscreens with lower SPFs,” Zeichner says. Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen is lightweight, fast-absorbing and has a non-greasy, matte finish. Zeichner particularly likes its high SPF. “In the real world, consumers do not apply as much sunscreen as they should, so the level of protection gets diluted out,” he explains. “Starting with a higher SPF to begin with acts like an insurance policy to give you the best level of protection possible.”
EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
EltaMD is known for its quality sunscreen, and Goldenberg is a fan. “This product is non-comedogenic, offers broad spectrum UV protection and does not leave your face feeling greasy,” he says. EltaMD’s UV Sport is mineral-based and water-resistant, so it won’t drip into your eyes when you sweat.
Sun Bum Mineral Whipped Sunscreen SPF 30
Sun Bum’s Mineral Whipped Sunscreen is different from your average sunscreen: It comes out like a mousse. “This sunscreen is both effective and fun to apply,” Zeichner says. “It uses mineral-only UV blockers in a formula that is easy to spread over large surface areas, even on skin that has hair. Plus, it fully rubs in without leaving a white cast behind.”
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica
The name may be a mouthful, but Goldenberg swears by this mineral sunscreen. He particularly recommends it for patients who have known sun damage. Isdin’s Eryfotona Actinica is lightweight, won’t leave your skin feeling greasy, and has broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It also has DNA repairsomes and vitamin E to help fight UVA-induced skin damage.
Vanicream Lip Protectant/Sunscreen
While Bailey relies heavily on her own sunscreen line for daily use, she uses this sunscreen for lips. Vanicream’s lip protectant is SPF 30, and goes on like a lip balm. It’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes, and is free of chemical sunscreens, dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde, flavoring, oil and gluten, so the odds of having an allergic reaction to it are low. “It also fights lip chapping,” Bailey says.
Coola Organic Classic Daily Face Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
Bailey calls Coola’s organic face sunscreen is “a nice zinc oxide product.” This unscented sunscreen doubles as a lotion, so you can moisturize and protect in one go. It’s easy to wear under makeup and is water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes. A nice feature: Coola’s sunscreen is reef-friendly, so you don’t need to worry about harming ocean life when you go for a swim.
Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen SPF 70
Zeichner likes Aveeno’s Protect + Hydrate sunscreen for a few reasons. “Besides offering broad-spectrum sun protection, it delivers a little oatmeal to repair and hydrate the outer skin layer,” he says. “We know that UV light can disrupt the outer skin layer, leading to dryness and irritation.” The sunscreen is fast-absorbing, oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog your pores. It’s also water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
DERMA-E Sun Defense Mineral Oil-Free Face Sunscreen
DERMA-E’s Sun Defense sunscreen is 100 percent unscented, which Bailey likes. It’s also fortified with vitamin C and green tea to help skin recover after sun exposure and fight the signs of aging. The sunscreen’s zinc oxide provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection, and it’s oil-free so it won’t clog your pores.
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