Doctor’s Note: Your Easy Guide to Sunscreen
As dermatologists, we know it's important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. One of the most important ways to protect your skin is by wearing sunscreen daily. We want to help you find the best sun protection for your skin. If you're interested in the scientific details, keep reading! If not, skip to the recommendations below!
How Does Light Affect the Skin?
The sun emits lots of radiation of different wavelengths. For the skin, we are concerned with two: Ultraviolet (split into UVA + UVB) and Visible light. These penetrate to different depths of the skin. The most superficial wavelength, UVB, damages the epidermis and causes sunburns. UVA penetrates deeper into the dermis, damaging the collagen and elastin in this layer. This causes aging, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Visible light (what allows us to see color!) penetrates the deepest and can cause hyperpigmentation. This is especially important if you are treating dark spots on the skin.
Should I Use Mineral or Chemical Sunscreen?
Mineral sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically block UV rays on the skin's surface, making them suitable for sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens, containing compounds such as oxybenzone or avobenzone, absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat. While mineral sunscreens offer immediate protection, chemical versions require about 20 minutes to become effective and are generally easier to apply under makeup.
Mineral Sunscreen
✅ Less Irritating
✅ Good for Sensitive Skin
❌ White Cast
❌ Thicker Texture
❌ Harder to rub in
Chemical Sunscreen
❌ More Irritating
❌ Not for Sensitive Skin
❌ Coral Reef Harm
✅ No White Cast
✅ Lighter Texture
✅ Easier to rub in
✅ Higher SPFs
Best Sunscreens
The best sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection, shielding against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of at least 30 for effective coverage. For sensitive skin, mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are preferred due to their gentle and immediate protection. For daily use, especially under makeup, lighter chemical sunscreens that absorb quickly are ideal. Water-resistant formulations are a must for swimming or heavy sweating. Regardless of type, it's essential to apply sunscreen liberally and reapply every two hours, or more frequently after swimming or sweating, to maintain protection.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen
SPF 50: Mineral
Antioxidant (Vit E)
Cell-Ox Shield® Technology: UVA/UVB filters
Thermal Spring Water: Contains minerals.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen
SPF 70: Chemical
Antioxidant (Vit E)
Brightens (Niacinamide)
Hydrates (Glycerin)
Soothes (Panthenol + Extracts)
Thermal Spring Water: Contains minerals.
Isdin Eryfotona Actinica
SPF 50: Mineral
Antioxidant (Vit E)
Brightens (Vit C)
Soothes (Panthenol + Bisabolol)
Repairs (DNA Repair Enzymes)
Note: Pricey, though recommended for its ability to protect and potentially reverse skin damage.
ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen
SPF 50: Chemical
Brightens (Niacinamide)
Hydrates (Hyaluronic Acid)
Soothes (Birch Sap containing peptides, minerals, antioxidants, vitamins)
Note: Protects against blue light as well.
Vanicream Facial Moisturizer
SPF 30: Mineral
Hydrates (Glycerin, Ceramides, Squalane)
Note: Great for sensitive skin.
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen
SPF 50: Mineral
Hydrates (Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid)
Calms (Niacinamide, Bismolol, Allantoin, Extracts)
High transparency zinc oxide (KLEAIR™)
Smoothes + Hydrates (Silk Extract)
Note: Great for skin of color and sensitive skin.
Dr. Jart Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen
SPF 50: Mineral
Antioxidant (Vit E)
Note: Matte finish. Contains some fragrance.
Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Tinted Sunscreen
SPF 45: Mineral
Nourishes (Vit C, Vit E, Safflower Extract)
Hydrates (Squalane)
Gently Exfoliates (Gluconolactone)
Note: Includes universal “vanishing” Diamond Powder for coverage. Great for skin of color and sensitive skin.
Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin
The best sunscreens for sensitive skin are mineral-based, containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which offer broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. These ingredients sit on the skin's surface to physically block UV radiation, minimizing the risk of irritation. With an SPF of at least 30, these sunscreens provide effective coverage and are ideal for those prone to skin reactions.
Best Sunscreens for Dry Skin
The best sunscreens for dry skin are hydrating formulations that provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of at least 30. Look for sunscreens that contain moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides, which help to nourish and protect the skin barrier. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are especially suitable as they are less likely to irritate sensitive or dry skin. These sunscreens sit on the surface, physically blocking UV rays.
ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen
SPF 50: Chemical
Brightens (Niacinamide)
Hydrates (Hyaluronic Acid)
Soothes (Birch Sap containing peptides, minerals, antioxidants, vitamins)
Note: Protects against blue light as well.
Purito's Daily Go-To Sunscreen
SPF 50: Mineral + Chemical
Fragrance-free, sheer finish. Recommends Purito sunscreen, discussing its reformulation after a scandal and its effectiveness for very dry skin.
La Roche-Posay's Toleriane UV Moisturizer
SPF 30: Chemical
Note: Ideal for summer. Great for for dry skin due to ceramides and niacinamide.
BlackGirlSunscreen
SPF 30: Chemical
Hydrates (Avocado + Jojoba)
Antioxidant (Cacao + Carrot Juice)
Soothes (Sunflower Oil + Jojoba)
Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer
SPF 50: Chemical
Antioxidant (Vit C + E)
Brightens (Niacinamide + Vit C)
Hydrates (Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane)
Soothes (Bisabolol)
Note: Great for dry skin.
EltaMD UV Daily
SPF 40: Mineral + Chemical
Antioxidant (Vit E)
Hydrates (Hyaluronic Acid)
Note: Great for dehydrated or mature skin.
Cerave Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
SPF 50: Mineral
Brightens (Niacinamide)
Hydrates (Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides)
Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin
The best sunscreens for oily skin are lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that offer broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of at least 30. Look for products labeled as oil-free and mattifying to help control shine throughout the day. Ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are preferred as they are less likely to clog pores compared to some chemical sunscreen ingredients. Additionally, choosing a sunscreen with a gel or fluid texture can prevent the heavy, greasy feel often associated with creamier sunscreens.
EltaMD UV Clear
SPF 46: Mineral + Chemical
Antioxidant (Vit E)
Brightens (Niacinamide)
Hydrates (Hyaluronic Acid)
Exfoliates (Lactic Acid)
Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer
SPF 30: Chemical
Antioxidant (Vit E)
Hydrates (Glycerin)
Soothes (Allantoin, Panthenol, Zinc)
Reduces Acne (Zinc Gluconate)
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen
SPF 60:
Antioxidant (Vit E)
Soothes (Cassia Alata Leaf Extract)
Revision Skincare Intellishade® Original
SPF 45: Mineral
Antioxidant (Vit E + Extracts)
Brightens (Vit C)
Builds Collagen (Peptides)
Hydrates (Glycerin + Squalane)
Soothes (Aloe + Extracts)
Note: Best for oily skin.
Best Sunscreens for Hyperpigmentation - Oily
For those dealing with dark spots, tinted sunscreens containing zinc oxide are highly recommended due to their broad-spectrum protection against both UVA, UVB, and visible light. Zinc oxide is a mineral ingredient that physically blocks sunlight, helping prevent the darkening of existing spots and the formation of new ones. Opt for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and look for added skin-brightening ingredients like niacinamide or vitamin C, which can further aid in reducing discoloration.
EltaMD UV Clear Tinted
SPF 46: Mineral + Chemical
Antioxidant (Vit E)
Brightens (Niacinamide)
Hydrates (Hyaluronic Acid)
Exfoliates (Lactic Acid)
Note: Great for acne. Can look orange on fair skin. Also comes in non-tinted.
First Aid Beauty Weightless Liquid Mineral Sunscreen
SPF 30: Mineral
Antioxidant (Vit E)
Hydrates (Glycerin + Squalane)
Brightens (Licorice Root Extract)
Note: Very lightweight texture. Best for oily or acne-prone skin.
EltaMD UV Physical Tinted Face Sunscreen
SPF 41: Mineral
Antioxidants
Note: Great for oily skin.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50
SPF 50: Mineral
Antioxidant (Vit E)
Soothes (Cassia Alata Leaf Extract)
Note: Safe for sensitive skin.
Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield
SPF 50: Mineral
Antioxidant (Vit E)
Brightens (Niacinamide)
Hydrates (Glycerin)
Soothes (Panthenol)
ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless Sunscreen
SPF 50: Mineral
Antioxidant (Vit E)
Brightens (Vit C)
Builds Collagen (Peptides)
Hydrates (Glycerin)
Soothes (Panthenol)
Repairs (DNA Repairsomes)
Revision Skincare Intellishade® Original
SPF 45: Mineral
Antioxidant (Vit E)
Brightens (Vit C)
Builds Collagen (Peptides)
Hydrates (Glycerin, Squalane)
Soothes (Aloe & Extracts)
Note: Great for dry skin.
Best Sunscreens for Hyperpigmentation - Dry
EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Sunscreen
SPF 40: Mineral + Chemical
Antioxidant (Vit E)
Hydrates (Hyaluronic Acid)
Note: Great for dehydrated or mature skin.
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen with Sheer Tint
SPF 30: Mineral
Antioxidant (Vit E)
Brightens (Niacinamide)
Hydrates (Ceramides, Cholesterol, Hyaluronic Acid)
Colorescience Sunforgettable Face Shield
SPF 50: Mineral
Antioxidant + Hydrates (EnviroScreen®)
Note: For Dry, Normal, and Combo skin types. Weightless texture. Natural bare-faced finish.
Supergoop! Glowscreen
SPF 40: Chemical
Antioxidant (Vit E + Ferulic Acid)
Brightens (Niacinamide)
Hydrates (Glycerin + Hyaluronic Acid)
Soothes (Panthenol)
Note: Great for normal to dry skin.
DRMTLGY Broad Spectrum SPF 45
SPF 45: Mineral + Chemical
Antioxidant (Vit E + Extracts)
Brightens (Niacinamide)
Hydrates (Glycerin + Hyaluronic Acid)
Additional Sun Protection 💋
Don't forget your lips + scalp! Here are some recs for easy reapplication!
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm, SPF 25
Cetaphil Mineral Stick
Beach Sun Straw Hat UV UPF50
Supergoop! PLAY Lip Balm with Acai
Supergoop! (Re)setting Powder
Sun Visor Hat
COOLA Sunscreen Mist
Mineral Fusion Brush-On Sun Defense
Heliocare
Supergoop! Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder
ROUND LAB Birch Juice Sun Cushion
Women's UPF 50+ Sun Shirts
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick
Men's UPF 50+ Sun Shirts
Sunscreen FAQs
Is EltaMD sunscreen reef safe?
Yes, EltaMD offers some sunscreens that are considered reef-safe because they are free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, two ingredients that can harm coral reefs. Always check the specific product’s ingredients to confirm.
What is the best sunblock for sensitive skin?
The best sunblock for sensitive skin is typically a mineral-based sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. EltaMD UV Clear and CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen are good options.
What SPF should I use for my face?
For daily use, it’s recommended to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on your face. This provides adequate protection against both UVA and UVB rays. If you spend extended time outdoors, you might want to choose a higher SPF.
Is CeraVe sunscreen good?
Yes, CeraVe sunscreen is highly regarded, especially for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. It contains ceramides to help restore the skin barrier while providing effective sun protection.
What is the best sunblock for the face?
The best sunblock for your face depends on your skin type and needs. For sensitive skin, a mineral sunscreen like EltaMD UV Clear or CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen is ideal. For oily skin, look for non-comedogenic and oil-free formulas.
Is EltaMD a mineral sunscreen?
EltaMD offers both mineral and chemical sunscreens. If you’re looking for a mineral option, products like EltaMD UV Elements and EltaMD UV Physical are good choices, as they contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Where can I purchase EltaMD sunscreen?
You can purchase EltaMD sunscreen from various online retailers, such as Amazon, Dermstore, and the official EltaMD website. It’s also available at some dermatologist offices and select pharmacies.
What SPF should I use on my face daily?
For daily use, an SPF of at least 30 is recommended for the face. This helps protect your skin from everyday exposure to harmful UV rays, which can lead to premature aging and skin cancer.
What is a good sunscreen for the face?
A good sunscreen for the face is one that suits your skin type and provides broad-spectrum protection. For dry skin, choose a hydrating formula like CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen. For oily or acne-prone skin, opt for a lightweight, oil-free option like EltaMD UV Clear.
What is the best sun protection for the face?
The best sun protection for your face includes wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, reapplying every two hours, and using additional protective measures like wearing a hat and sunglasses.