It’s summer, which means it’s time to get your sunscreen on and protect your skin! Forget pricey anti-aging creams: The absolute best way to keep your skin looking young and glowy is by shielding it from the sun’s harsh rays.
For years, it’s been well-established that broad-spectrum sunscreen—which shields from both aging UVA rays and burning UVB rays—is critical to keep skin fully protected. Last year, Obama signed the Sunscreen Innovation Act into law, requiring the FDA to speed its backlog of approval for sunscreen ingredients. Europe is notoriously ahead of the US in terms of sunscreen quality, but hopefully the new law will mean great innovations stateside soon.
In the meantime, here are a few tried-and-tested sunscreen favorites for every skin type. And don’t forget a few sunscreen rules: Apply every day (even if it’s cloudy!), use a shot glass amount to cover your whole body, and reapply after two hours (even if the label says “waterproof”). Your skin will thank you!
Best SPF for Oily SkinChoose a dry touch sunscreen that absorbs easily and helps mattify skin.
Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen ($11) – The formula features a special technology that means it absorbs into skin instantly and won’t cause any of that telltale grease that usually plagues complexions post-SPF.
Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 ($32) – This stuff won’t clog pores, rubs in immediately, and is oil-free to ensure a dry complexion that looks great under makeup.
Best SPF for Dry Skin
Dry skin needs a sunscreen with extra moisturizing ingredients designed to pamper and treat parched complexions.
Pevonia Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30 ($46) – An editor favorite, this moisturizing sunscreen features French rose, aloe, green tea, and vitamin C to nourish skin.
Olay Complete Daily Defense All Day Moisturizer with Sunscreen ($12) – If you’re in need of a little extra hydrating TLC, try this combo lotion with broad-spectrum protection, plus aloe, vitamin E, and glycerine.
Best SPF for Acne-Prone Skin
Zinc, one of the most popular ingredients in physical blocker sunscreen, is actually great for combating breakouts. It’s even available in pill form to combat blemishes, making it especially effective for zit-busting in sunscreens.
Neutrogena Clear Face Break-Out Free Liquid Lotion Sunblock ($10) – Non-comedogenic and clinically tested on acne-prone skin, this has an exceptionally light texture.
Renee Rouleau Daily Protection SPF 30 with 7% Zinc Oxide ($38) – The formula contains both soothing green tea and anti-inflammatory licorice extract to help calm irritated skin, without causing any new breakouts.
Best SPF for Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is more likely to react to the chemicals in sunscreen, which means you should choose a physical (not a chemical) blocker. Look for ingredients like zinc or titanium dioxide. Avoid anything with PABA, Avobenzone, Helioplex, or Parsol 1789.
Supergoop SPF 30 Skin Soothing Mineral Sunscreen ($28) – This zinc-based superstar calms and nourishes inflammed skin with olive polyphenols and omega 3 and 6 fatty-acids.
Hampton Sun for Baby SPF 45 ($28) – Free of PABA, gluten, parabens, and chemicals (it’s 100% mineral-based), this sunscreen is so pure it’s specially designed for babies. Bonus: It won’t sting if it accidentally gets into your eyes.
Best SPF for Dark Skin
Believe it or not, even very dark complexions can burn—or worse, develop skin cancer. Melanoma is particularly aggressive in those with African-American and Hispanic skin.
L’Oreal Advanced Suncare Clear Cool Lotion SPF 50 – ($11) The formula absorbs into skin instantly and doesn’t leave a chalky-white residue—so all you see is skin. And with an SPF of 50, it’s the highest amount of protection available (the FDA recently changed regulations capping the protection factor at 50).
Cotz Face Natural Skin Tone SPF 40 – ($20) This mineral-based sunscreen has a very subtle tan tint that ensures skin won’t have a white cast, plus sinks in quickly for no shine or residue.
Best SPF for Fair Skin
Obviously, fair skin needs a serious sunscreen. Look for a SPF of 30 or higher, plus soothing formulas that can do double-duty, like protect and calm.
Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Tint SPF 30 ($40) – A blockbuster sunscreen, including broad-spectrum mineral protection, this sheer formula absorbs quickly while protecting skin’s barrier. Plus, it’s an ultra calming complex to minimize discomfort on easily irritated fair skin.
La Roche Posay Anthelios SX Primer with SPF 50 ($40) – Fair skin is easily irritated skin, which means you’re probably already combatting fine lines and discoloration. Try this broad-spectrum cream full of antioxidants, which also mattifies and helps blur imperfections.
– Nadine Jolie Courtney is a beauty and travel blogger, author, and contributor to VanityFair.com, Angeleno and Fox News.
No comments:
Post a Comment