The best sunscreen for everyday use will be a mineral sunscreen that is made from only two active ingredients– zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It will also need to be broad-spectrum, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and will have a SPF of at least 30.
Mineral sunscreen may be your safest bet, though it's a hotly debated topic in the research community. The two ingredients often found in mineral sunscreen, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are marked "GRASE" (generally regarded as safe and effective) by the Food and Drug Administration.
Yes, it is generally recommended to use sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather or your planned activities. Daily sunscreen use helps protect your skin from harmful UV radiation, which can lead to skin cancer, premature aging, and other skin issues. Here are a few key points to consider:
Due to the health concerns associated with oxybenzone, EWG recommends consumers avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone. Octinoxate is a non-mineral UV filter.
Ultraviolet light (UVL) “is our biggest risk factor for skin cancer,” said Dr. Jones. “The UVL rays cause damage to our skin cells increasing the risk of skin aging and skin cancer. Using sunscreen on a daily basis is critical to protect the skin cells from this damage.
First of all, you should choose a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. If you want the highest protection, choose SPF 50+. If you're happy with a lower protection, use SPF30+. Don't forget to choose a sunscreen that's water resistant if you'll be swimming.
The Best Sunscreen
Blue Lizard has reformulated its Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+, our top pick. It now contains an aloe extract and the SPF booster butyloctyl salicylate, among other inactive ingredients. The active ingredients, zinc oxide (10%) and titanium dioxide (8%), remain the same.
Many cultures developed their own methods to keep their skin from burning, from pastes and lotions derived from ingredients found in nature, to special clothing that warded off the sun. It's fascinating to know how far we've come with sun protection, especially since nowadays, sunscreen is nearly invisible on the skin.
So the best way to make your skincare routine efficient is to start with the moisturizer and then follow with your sunscreen. That way your face cream and suncare will not get diluted and you will still get maximum efficiency of the SPF.
The short and sweet answer is: Absolutely. Sunscreen isn't just reserved for playful days at the beach or relaxing days on the boat. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, anyone over 6 months of age should be applying sun protection every day.
Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Broad-spectrum formulas protect your skin against both UVA (that age your skin) and UVB (that can cause skin cancer) rays. To find the best daily SPF for face use, it's important to look for a sunscreen that suits your skin type.
Blue Lizard is regarded as one of the best skincare brands when it comes to sun care — at one point, its products were only really available at dermatologists' offices.
For day-to-day use, pick a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. If you spend time outdoors, choose a product with SPF 60 or greater. In reality, most people do not use as much sunscreen as they should, and this higher SPF helps compensate for the reduced application.
Don't skip out on sunscreen even if there isn't any sun that you can see. SPF is necessary indoors as well as out, to protect against UV damage and blue lught damage, too.
Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97% of the sun's UVB rays. Higher-number SPFs block slightly more of the sun's UVB rays, but no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun's UVB rays.
Many safe and effective sunscreens are available, and using them daily will give you the best protection from ultraviolet rays. No matter where you live or the color of your skin, there are many benefits of sunscreen, including reducing skin cancer risk and preventing premature aging.
What type of sunscreen is best? It doesn't really matter which brand of sunscreen you use as long as it contains the right ingredients. Sunscreen has two main types of ingredients: physical blockers (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) and chemical blockers (avobenzone, oxybenzone and others).
Dermatologists recommend Cerave highly as its formulas do just what they say on the bottle, with no frills or confusing jargon to understand. A blend of fatty acids and ceramides is found in all of its formulas, helping to nurture, strengthen and protect your skin for next-level results.
However, those seeking the safest products in the US market should look for physical, also known as “mineral,” sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. That's because “there are fewer concerns about absorption and safety”, says King.
Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
Size: 3 oz.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant Sunscreen
Derms love this lotion for its broad-spectrum protection and fast-absorbing finish.