With summer almost here, I want to share some of my favorite sunscreens with you. Not only will sunscreen help keep your skin looking younger, it will keep you safe from more serious skin problems. I hope that you will find these sunscreen recommendations helpful this summer.
When I was young, we didn’t know about the dangers of worshiping the sun and not wearing sunscreen. With my fair skin and time spent in the sun with no protection or, even worse, wearing suntan oil (with no SPF), I’ve had my share of skin problems, including having MOHS surgery. I have come to appreciate sunscreen and hats.
When you buy sunscreen, be sure that it is SPF 30 or higher. Do not count on products advertised to have sun protection if the SPF is lower than 30. It won’t protect you.
Sunscreens for Your Face
I use a few different sunscreens on my face. There are a lot of good sunscreens to choose from.
PCA Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 45
This is my favorite sunscreen for everyday use. It is light, easily blends into my skin and it feels really good on my face. It feels like a good quality face cream and I love how my skin drinks it up when I apply it.
The company claims that their sunscreen provides UVA/UVB protection with ultra-sheer zinc oxide and that it is ideal for people with oily or breakout-prone skin, and for those who dislike the feel of traditional sunscreen products. Their products are free of potential irritants like synthetic dyes and fragrances. PCA SKIN does not perform or condone animal testing.
This sunscreen works well under makeup.
This is not the sunscreen that I choose if I am going to be doing outdoor exercise in the summer. I use something a little heavier.
EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 Tinted
My MOHS surgeon recommended this sunscreen and I really like it. The tint works well with my skin tone (fair), it is water resistant and not overly heavy.
I like that it adds a little color to my face and provides very good sun protection.
This sunscreen is good for extra-sensitive and “post procedure” skin. I’ve used it soon after my MOHS surgeries. It is also chemical free (uses no sunscreen chemicals).
You can use the company’s link above to find places to buy EltaMD near you. I bought mine at the pharmacy associated with my doctor’s office (Harvard Vanguard pharmacy), but there are many places you can buy it. Some people claimed that there are fake versions for sale online, so be sure to find a legitimate source.
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few sunscreens that I like and keep on hand.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Brush
I carry this brush-on chemical-free, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen in my purse. The small container is really light. I like that the powder adds a little glow to my skin. The powder comes in a few shades to match your skin tone.
According to the company, this powder conceals any hyperpigmentation, rosacea, redness, or acne and is a water-resistant formula.
I put this powder on top of my main sunscreen layer and makeup (if I am wearing makeup). While I have no reason to believe that this isn’t 100% effective, I worry about how well the powder is distributed on my face. I use it to touch up sunscreen.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Ultra-Light Fluid Face Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
This is another sunscreen that I usually have in my purse. It is a good sunscreen. It is water resistant and stays in place if I perspire. It is relatively light-weight and sheer.
There is also a tinted version of this sunscreen, which I like. The tint works well with my fair skin tone.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum SPF 70
I use this sunscreen most often when I exercise outside. It is water resistant and sweat proof. It really stays in place when I perspire.
The bottle is small, which makes it good for keeping in your purse or packing when you travel.
This does add a slight white hue to my skin. It is not extreme and I’m not sure that anyone else notices it.
Primers with Sunscreen
I like the fact that some companies are making primers that have SPF 30 or higher, so that you can easily have sun protection under your makeup.
Maybelline Face Studio Master Prime Blur and Illuminate
This primer is light and feels really good on my skin.
Be sure to get the Blur and Illuminate version (in pink and black packaging), because this is the one with sunscreen.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Face Sunscreen SPF 50 Anti-Aging Face Primer
This is very thick and not everyone likes it. I feel that it blends in well and provides a good base for makeup and good skin protection. The store assistant suggested to me that this is very good for trouble spots, where your pores need a bit more coverage.
Sunscreens for Your Body
Here are two that I like.
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen – Regular – SPF 30+
This is another sunscreen recommended by my MOHS surgeon. It provides very good sun protection.
The broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection sunscreen is water-resistant. It doesn’t have the strong coconut scent of many sunscreens meant for the body.
Not that you probably need this, but the sunscreen bottle changes color in the presence of harmful UV rays, so that you remember to put on sunscreen. The deeper the blue becomes, the more UV rays are present. If only the bottle would set off an alarm when it was time to reapply.
Kiehl’s Activated Sun Protector 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
During the sunnier months of the year I put this sunscreen on my hands and arms before I leave for work. I want a base layer to start the day and this sunscreen does the trick.
Designed for sensitive skin, it isn’t supposed to block pores and it’s water-resistant.
I get a little bit of a white hue when I apply it, but for the most part that disappears when I blend it into my skin.
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