“You will want to use the highest SPF you can find, and you need to use it every time you go outside. Some testers loved it, while others thought it was way too much — even though it goes away after about 15 minutes. It was just like my regular skin, but with a protective coating,“ said one tester. $11.37 (24% off) SHOP NOW. This mineral pick from MDSolarSciences is a two-time Beauty Lab test winner. after a dip in the pool or a sweaty outdoor run). One even said the chemical formula felt more like a moisturizer than a sunscreen! Then “EltaMD UV Facial” is best for you. At the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab, we test the best sunscreens and SPFs and consult top dermatologists to find the best sunblock to keep your skin protected, healthy, and youthful all year long. Sunscreen can work in two ways: first, by reflecting or blocking light from the skin; and second, by absorbing ultraviolet energy and preventing it from entering the skin cells. That's because harmful UV rays can easily penetrate windows and clouds year-round, which means your skin can be damaged in the middle of the winter through your car's windshield, through the windows at the gym, at work, and on an airplane. $14.99. "This drugstore find is great for dry skin, because it contains hyaluronic acid that works to hydrate skin and lock in moisture, while feeling lightweight and non-greasy," says Dr. Sonia Batra, a dermatologist and co-host of The Doctors . This is most recommended by the dermatologist.” Active Type: Chemical sunscreenPackaging: LotionSPF Rating: 50 broad spectrum Water Resistance: 80 minutes. And since we know sunscreen isn’t one-size-fits-all, first, we surveyed over 5,500 people in our consumer panel to get insights into the qualities they actually care about when it comes to sun protection. Why trust us? “Look for oil-free, gel textures that won’t clog pores, and the ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide." Sunscreen is your most vital skincare product. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Fortunately, there are some good alternatives on the market that provide the kind of SPF protection you need without giving skin that streaked, white or chalky appearance. When you work with a dermatologist, they can help you understand your skin type, how best to care for it, and what products are right for you. COVID-19: What you need to know about the current coronavirus outbreak. “Brands I have had success with include Vanicream and Blue Lizard,” Dr. Lane recommends. Avene Ultra-Light Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50+ This is a chemical sunscreen that’s been recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Of all the skin-care products we use, sunscreen is the most powerful — and perhaps the most scrutinized. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55 ... a board-certified dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of NY ... or recommended treatments. Some of Dr. Lane’s favorite brands are Blue Lizard, Badger Kids, California Baby, Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby, and Thinkbaby. While it was overall easy to apply, some testers thought the formula was too thick and warned that application could get messy. The SPF 50 is enough to shield the skin from UVA and it … Not only were testers were most satisfied with this sunscreen, it’s the best value among top performers at less than $0.90 per ounce. One of our local team members will reach out to you shortly to answer your questions or schedule an appointment for you to visit us soon. Now that you’ve got the lowdown, check out some top-tested sunscreen formulas from our Beauty Lab: The winner of our Beauty Lab’s most recent sunscreen test, this pick from Hawaiian Tropic excelled across the board in our evaluations, earning perfect scores for not drying or irritating skin. Truderma is the right choice for those in search of the best sunscreen for dry skin in India. This excelled in our Beauty Lab tests earning perfect scores for not running into or stinging eyes and not causing breakouts. This is probably the best sunscreen you can find out there for people with sensitive skin. It also earned the highest score for scent thanks to its fresh, light fragrance which wasn’t overpowering. Additionally, Stein recommends that those with acne-prone skin look for liquid sunscreens over thicker creams: “Liquid is just not as thick, so it’s less likely to clog your pores” she says. This sunscreen has SPF 30, PA+++ and provides UVA/UVB protection. When it comes to the best sunscreen for your face, Julep sunscreen is lightweight and super-easy to apply with no white cast or greasy feeling left behind, which makes it perfect for everyday use on your face. In our Beauty Lab’s recent test, YourGoodSkin tied for the highest score when it came to leaving testers’ skin hydrated. Cetaphil amazon.com. But one thing is for sure: It's extremely important to wear it regularly. There are some sunscreens which dermatologists might love to use every day. With summer approaching and recent FDA announcements about sunscreen safety, there’s more talk (and confusion!) “The newest studies show that people wearing 100 SPF are less likely than those wearing 30 to get sunburned,” she adds. “Look for sunscreens that are noncomedogenic and oil-free,” Dr. Lane advises. One thing is for sure: You really should not rely on an SPF lower than 30. That's because no sunscreen is completely impervious to water and sweat, just as no sunscreen can totally “block” the sun’s rays. The top-tested spray and lotion sunscreens for face and body. Yes, it is a splurge (more than triple the average price of others we tested), but if you want a luxury mineral option, it doesn’t get better than this. around SPF than ever before. If your skin has been feeling dry, this affordable, drugstore pick from CeraVe may be able to help. One tester described it as “melting into” her skin. Not water resistant. Caveat: This one may not feel greasy, but it does leave behind a bit of a white cast, which only gets glowier when skin is wet (i.e. These Are the Best Dermatologist-Recommended Sunscreens For the Face Here’s a look at some of Dr. Lane’s picks for best sunscreens: Since children have sensitive skin, look for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. “Our tests have shown that people apply about one-third the amount of sunscreen necessary to achieve the SPF listed on the label,” says GH Beauty Lab Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D., who recommends using at least broad-spectrum SPF 50 to compensate. Everyone’s favorite childhood sunscreen brand also offers a mineral option that’s formulated only with zinc oxide. In the GH Beauty Lab’s most recent test, our chemists evaluated 61 body sunscreens. In that case, Dr. Rhea Phillips, a board-certified dermatologist at U.S. Dermatology Partners of Dallas Presbyterian in Dallas, Texas, recommends using EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 sunscreen, which not only provides a high level of protection, but also is designed not to clog pores or cause reactions in people with sensitivities. "It's SPF 44, water resistant, and offers broad-spectrum protection, but is also moisturizing and tinted." Until they reach a more robust conclusion in late 2020, the FDA advises, “Americans should continue to use sunscreen with other sun protective measures as this important rule-making effort moves forward.” Our GH Beauty Lab experts agree, and test a range of formulas (both mineral and chemical) that protect against sunburn. Its beachy scent was also total crowd-pleaser, even with testers who tend to be especially critical about scent. “Today you have many choices, which means that you can find the one that works best for each member of your family.”. from nearly everyone who tried it. Dry skin can exacerbate wrinkles by deepening the appearance of lines while making the skin appear waxy and dull. EltaMD UV Facial Sunscreen with SPF 40 for Dry skin One tester said it even stayed put during a run and didn’t burn her eyes. When it comes to sunscreen today, there’s no shortage of options. After narrowing the field to the top 24 sunscreens, we enlisted the help of 580 consumer testers across the country. SPF Ratings: Keeping your pores from getting clogged while at the same time making sure your skin is protected from harmful UV rays means that you probably want to look for a sunscreen created with acne-prone skin in mind. Not only is this stellar sunscreen invisible, it helps to control shine for a matte look. We also found it was gentle on skin, causing no irritation or stinging even when applied around testers’ eyes. Two of Dr. Lane’s favorites are Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen and Glossier Invisible Shield. Mineral sunscreens don’t have to break the bank: This one earned top marks in our tests for less than half the price of other top-performing mineral options. CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50. Glo Skin Beauty is another gentle, dermatologist-approved makeup brand for sensitive skin. The main sun blocking ingredients are avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate and octocrylene. Testers loved that it didn’t leave a white tint “like all of the other physical (non-chemical) sunscreens [they] have used.” This silicone-based formula goes on silky, but has a tendency to separate in the tube when it's hot, so remember to give it a shake before use. Finally, remember that the best choice of sunscreen varies from one person to the next, Dr. Lane reminds. Active Type: They also smooth away fine lines, slow moisture loss, and protect skin from environmental irritations such as harsh wind and dry climates. This is a great everyday option since you can layer the sunscreen under makeup without worrying about it interfering with your usual products. This one is perfect for guys with a darker skin tone looking for the best SPF that won’t leave a white cast. After reviewing over 12,000 responses, our experts narrowed in on the top-performing picks. Get the latest updates on news, specials and skin care information. Water Resistance: We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Individuals with a history of skin cancer need to take extra precautions when it comes to protecting their skin, Dr. Lane says. According to Dr. Debra Jaliman, an assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine, “Cerave Moisturizing Cream is … One tester also said that it stained her bathing suit. Coola’s fruity sunscreen feels so light on skin that many testers said they forgot they were even wearing it! Its best-rated attribute: Not making skin feel greasy, oily, or slippery, even in the hot sun. Since it’s often difficult to put sunscreen on young, wiggly children, consider looking into clothing with UV protection. “Remember, sunscreen isn't a complete block — no matter what the SPF is,” says Dr. Lortscher. While you can find sunscreen tailored to the specific needs of every member of your family, sometimes you might not want to have the hassle of using different sunscreens. Overall, it provided ample protection for those who prefer a mineral/physical sunscreen and don't mind paying the extra price for it. Good combination products that moisturize and protect include Shesiedo Wet Force, Neutrogena Healthy Defense, Cetaphil PRO Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30 and La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Sunscreen Milk. Buy it: $30, dermstore.com If you’re using an aerosol sunscreen, keep in mind that sprays go on thinner than recommended, so you will need to reapply more often than with conventional creams and lotions. Great for people with sensitive skin, it earned perfect scores for being gentle on skin (face and body). It is very light and feels weightless, while providing 40 minutes of water resistance and up to 24 hours of hydration. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, What the New FDA Sunscreen Regulations Mean, 12 Natural, Mineral-Based Sunscreens to Try Now, FYI: Sunscreen Does Have an Expiration Date, You Need to Start Applying SPF on Your Lips ASAP, 17 Best Face Sunscreens for Every Skin Type, Sabina Wizemann, Good Housekeeping Institute, Nicole Saporita, Good Housekeeping Institute, No Excuses Invisible Facial Sunscreen Gel SPF 40, Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion SPF 50, Sunforgettable Total Protection Body Shield SPF 50, Classic Body Sunscreen Guava Mango SPF 50, Senior Chemist, Health, Beauty & Environmental Sciences Lab. “. Julie Harper, M.D., an Alabama-based dermatologist, says this sunscreen from EltaMD is her favorite sunscreen for face. Just as with children, people who have sensitive skin often have better success with mineral-based sunscreens, which won’t be as irritating to the skin as chemical-based options. “I would definitely buy this,” added one. “It applies smoothly, left little residue, and didn’t make me feel too tacky,” said a tester, who is allergic to chemical options. It works like a charm after each application because like Truderma claims, the skin feels refreshing and bright unlike before. However, a few testers did note that the sunscreen was runny when coming out of the tube. Ideal for oily skin types because of its calming effect, the multi-award-winning sunscreen is easily one of the best affordable sunscreens on the market.