You know you’re supposed to protect your skin from the sun by applying a layer of sunscreen regularly, but you may not be doing so. Dermatologists are strong sun protection advocates and often lead by example. ‘I wear it every day, 365 days a year,’ says Dr. Gary Goldenberg, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine in New York. For everyday use, (he recommends) EltaMD’s Sunscreen Sport Lotion. In other words, “you still receive some UV that might cause skin damage even in winter.”
New York City dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner says, “I include sunscreen into my daily hygiene practice and apply it shortly after shaving.” Dermatologists use and suggest these products as the healthiest sunscreens available. Whether your skin is dry, oily, or anywhere in between, we have a product on this list that will work for you.
Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Face Sunscreen Lotion
This oil-free, broad-spectrum sunscreen has an SPF of 60 and contains oatmeal. This nutritious ingredient helps heal and moisturize the skin’s delicate outer layer without clogging pores.
There are several reasons why Aveeno’s Protect + Hydrate sunscreen is a favorite of ours. Besides giving broad-spectrum protection from the sun, it offers excellent oatmeal to heal and moisturize the surface skin layer.
We know that exposure to UV rays can cause the top layer of skin to get damaged, resulting in dryness and discomfort. The sunscreen is non-comedogenic, oil-free, and fast-absorbing, so it will not clog your pores. It can also withstand water for up to 80 minutes.
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, SPF 70
High SPF sunscreens are beneficial since most people do not use enough of the cream. Dermatologists recommend this lotion because of its high SPF and quick-drying formula.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that this sunscreen provides much more protection against sunburn than products with lower SPFs. Sunscreens might be heavy and oily, but Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen is ultra-light, absorbs quickly, and leaves a matte finish. The product’s high SPF is one of our favorite features.
In practice, many of us don’t use as much sun protection as they should, reducing its efficacy. You may get the best defense from the outset by using a sunscreen with a high SPF value.
Vanicream Lip Protectant Sunscreen
Do you experience a burning sensation on your lips? Dermatologists recommend this sunscreen since it is specially developed for your mouth and does not include any sensitizing chemical sunscreens, which you probably do not want to put in your mouth.
The vast majority of us in this workplace rely extensively on our own sunscreen products for everyday use, and this particular sunscreen is what we use on our lips. This lip protectant from Vanicream has an SPF of 30, applied just like a lip balm. It doesn’t get wet for up to 80 minutes. It is free of fragrance, lanolin, chemical sunscreens, flavoring, dyes, parabens, masking odor, formaldehyde, gluten, and oil. Hence, the chances of having an allergic reaction to it are low.
In addition to that, it prevents dry lips.
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen
In addition to its high Zinc Oxide content (11%), which provides excellent UVA/UVB protection, this mineral sunscreen is loaded with chemicals that help repair sun damage from the inside out.
Although it has a lengthy name, we highly recommend this mineral sunscreen. Patients with preexisting sun damage are our top choice to use it. When it comes to sun protection, go no further than Isdin’s Eryfotona Actinica. As a bonus, it also contains DNA repairsomes and vitamin E, which are effective against UVA-induced skin injury.
Sunscreen Sport Lotion, SPF 50
The focus of this ultra-lightweight composition is on the final result. It instantly absorbs and imparts just the right amount of moisture. Dermatologists highly recommend it for acne-prone people who want high SPF protection in a non-greasy texture.
We recommend EltaMD’s high-quality sunscreen to everyone. This item provides broad-spectrum UV protection, is non-comedogenic, and does not make your face feel oily. EltaMD’s UV Sport is water-resistant and made from mineral ingredients. It won’t run into your eyes if you perspire heavily.
DERMA E Sun Defense Mineral Oil-Free Sunscreen
This fragrance-free solution contains Zinc Oxide, which is excellent for sensitive skin, plus other soothing components, including Vitamin C and green tea.
We like DERMA-E Sun Defense because it is odorless. Vitamin C and green tea extract are included to speed up the skin’s recovery time after sun exposure and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Zinc oxide, the active ingredient in the sunscreen, blocks both UVA and UVB rays and, because it contains no oil, won’t obstruct your pores.
COOLA Organic Face Sunscreen & Sunblock Lotion
This sweat- and water-resistant solution provides broad-spectrum defense, works well with cosmetics, and is reef-safe so that no hazardous chemicals are released into the sea while you swim.
The zinc oxide in Coola’s organic face sunscreen is of high quality. Sun protection and moisturizing in one convenient package—that’s what you get with this fragrance-free sunscreen/lotion.
Easy to use, it stays put for up to 80 minutes in water and sweat. Coola’s sunscreen is reef-friendly, so you can enjoy swimming without worrying about damaging marine life.
Final thoughts
It would be best if you always searched for a sunscreen with the keywords “broad spectrum” and an SPF of 30 or higher printed on the label. Having “broad spectrum” protection means you won’t have to worry about getting burned by the sun or developing skin cancer from being out in the sun too long.
Aside from that, though, a lot of it is just a matter of taste. The healthiest sunscreen is the one you use, whether it be a lotion, a gel, a stick, or a spray.
Infoceptor's editorial team handpicks all of the products and services it recommends, regardless of external influences. Affiliate links appear in some of our stories. We may receive an affiliate commission if you purchase something through one of these links, which helps us stay independent and support our great team.