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The Best Sun Protection Sunscreens For Everyday Use
About Sunscreens
Long days in the sun can take their toll on the skin with an increased risk of premature aging, wrinkles, and even cancer. For these reasons, it is crucial to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. However, it can be challenging to find a sunscreen that is not too greasy, doesn’t irritate the eyes or sting when you sweat, and also blocks both UVA and UVB radiation. So what are you supposed to do?
If this sounds like your problem then this article will give you everything you need to know about choosing the best all-round sunscreen for everyday use.
The best sunscreen is the one that works for you. It’s all about finding what works best for your skincare and lifestyle needs. To help, here are some of the best sun protection sunscreen products to consider.
AT A GLANCE – THE TOP 5 SUNCREENS | |
1. TOP PICK: EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad | |
1. TOP PICK: EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad | |
SPECIFICATIONS Oil-free EltaMD UV Clear facial sunscreen is recommended by dermatologists as it helps calm and protect sensitive skin types prone to acne, rosacea and discoloration.
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
This sunscreen is a good choice for those who want to protect their skin from sun damage while maintaining a matte finish. It's ideal for those with combination skin because it is lightweight and non-greasy. It's also easy to apply and spreads evenly on the skin, which makes it good for everyday use.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
"I really like this SPF cream. First of all it doesn't smell 'perfumey' - it might have a hint of suntan lotion smell, but it's really faint. Second this cream is NOT GREASY and disappears fast - even though it has 9% zinc oxide. Third it has 46+ SPF with 7.5 Octinoxate to slow burning. I've finally had to admit that I need a strong SPF; given past brushes with melanoma and the sincere desire to not have the hide of an alligator. And while not inexpensive."
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PROS Formulated with niacinamide to prompt healthy looking skin
| CONS A little pricey for a small amount |
2. BUDGET-FRIENDLY CHOICE: COOLA Organic Sunscreen | |
SPECIFICATIONS A broad-spectrum, moisturizing lotion sunscreen with antioxidants for enhanced UV protection.
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
COOLA Organic Sunscreen SPF 30 is an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. It's gentle and absorbs quickly, so it won't cause breakouts or irritation to the skin.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
"Just feels like you put a moisturizing lotion on. The smell is fruity, which I like, but fades enough that my friends with asthma and allergies don’t notice it. Even when first applying, my asthma isn’t bothered at all. Before I was applying SPF 45 or higher 3x a day and still getting pink. With this I only apply 1x and I get pink after about 6 hours. Since you should apply sunscreen every 2 hours that is fantastic. Other sunscreens feel greasy or break me out in a rash. This feels so good, like lotion that absorbs completely into my skin. No shiny just moist beautiful skin. I take this with me everywhere and even lit some in a small diabetic insulin cooler in my car for when I forget to put on sunscreen! Use it on my daughters too. My new favorite sunblock. Love the scent, love how it observes right into your skin and no skin reaction! I used a generic brand and broke out my skin really bad. I am so relieved that my skin doesn’t react to this sun block!" | |
PROS 70%+ Certified Organic Ingredients
| CONS Only contains 5oz
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3. FOR SUN DAMAGED SKIN: ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen | |
SPECIFICATIONS A 100% mineral-based sunscreen designed to have a lightweight consistency with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection that won't leave your skin feeling greasy. Formulated with DNA repairsomes and vitamin E.
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
This sunscreen offers high protection from both UVA and UVB rays with a broad-spectrum SPF of 50++. It's made with natural minerals that exert skin healing properties and prevent your skin from developing sun damage.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
"I had read about Isdin mineral sunscreen in a health article on line. I mentioned the product to my dermatologist who then wholeheartedly recommended it. She also sells the Isdin line in her practice. Unlike other zinc based sunscreens, Isdin is absorbed well and leaves no "white, ghostly" residue as I experienced with CeraVe and other products. Even when layering Isdin with moisturizer, make-up etc. there isn't any heavy feeling. If I rub my skin I don't get that rub-off pilling. I recommend Isdin. It's worth the cost. I use it all over and not just on my face."
The sunscreen is very lightweight and moisturizing. It will go on as a thin white film but will absorb into your skin quickly.The price is reasonable as it's twice the size of the 1.7-ounce products available." | |
PROS Fast-absorbing- The ultralight mineral formula melts into skin without feeling heavy.
| CONS It has a Dry sheer finish not ideal for people with dry skin. |
4. PREMIUM CHOICE: NEOSTRATA Skin Active Repair Matrix Support | |
SPECIFICATIONS Targets the skin's hydrating matrix to firm the skin's appearance and repair the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
This sunscreen has been clinically proven to moisturize skin and smooth fine lines. It uses five protective blocks to protect you against both UVA and UVB rays, while being lightweight and non-greasy. It's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you can wear it during outdoor activities or swim in the ocean without worrying about reapplying it.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
"I decided to buy a larger bottle due to the moisture, lightness and effectiveness. I definitely recommend and would buy again"
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PROS Protects you from sun damage and at the same time improves the quality of your skin.
| CONS Quite expensive |
5. EVERYDAY WEAR: Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Day Moisture | |
SPECIFICATIONS Reveal radiance and protect skin from UV damage with Murad's Essential-C Day Moisture. Potent antioxidants help shield skin from environmental aggressors such as pollution for a glowing, healthy-looking complexion.
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WHAT WE THINK: | |
This sunscreen is suitable for all skin types and helps keep your skin hydrated and protected. It has a broad-spectrum SPF 30 with 12% zinc oxide, which blocks UVA rays.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
"I love this product. The citrus smell is refreshing. The cream makes my face feel silky soft and I love that it has spf and protects my face. Absorbs into the skin very well. It may seem pricey, but you only need a small amount each time, so one tube lasts a very long time. Highly recommend that you try this product. I am sure that you will love it."
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PROS Contains Ginkgo Biloba - Antioxidant; combines with antioxidant vitamin C to fight free radical damage.
| CONS Has a shiny finish on the skin
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which sunscreen product should I choose for my skin type?
While most sunscreens have a similar basic formula, different products work better with sensitive skin. For example, those with combination skin may find that a liquid sunscreen works better than a cream-based sunscreen. Another thing to consider is the SPF product features. A higher SPF offers greater protection against UV rays, so choosing a high-SPF product will provide greater sun protection for your skin.
2. What is SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it measures how well a sunscreen can protect your skin from UV rays. A higher SPF means that the product blocks more UVB radiation. The FDA recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to adequately protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. If you’ll be spending time outdoors in direct sunlight, especially if you have sensitive skin or are pregnant, you may want to choose a higher-SPF product for added protection.
3. How often should I apply sunscreen?
Sunscreen protects the top layers of your skin from UV rays, but it only lasts for two hours after application. That means the best way to protect your skin is to apply sunscreen every day.
4. How do I find the right sunscreen?
The best thing you can do is ask a dermatologist for advice, or ask friends and family who have had good results using certain products. You can pick up a sunscreen at any local pharmacy, and some salons also offer in-house SPF protection. In addition to reading these reviews, always ask your dermatologist which sunscreens are right for your skin type.
5. Can I get a sunburn even if the sunscreen says it’s waterproof?
Even though some sunscreens are waterproof, they still do not keep your skin completely safe from UV rays. You can still get sunburned or have a nasty reaction if you’re exposed to too much sunlight and/or if you use a product that doesn’t protect your skin well enough.