What’s my number one anti-aging skincare hack? Wear sunscreen! All the time. Seriously. If I am not sleeping I have sunscreen on my face and most of my body. A while back I did a whole exhaustive report on suncreens with Dr. Ellen Gendler who thinks most U.S. sunscreens are subpar (Read Sunscreens: Myths, Facts and What You Need To Know) but so many new products (or new to me) have come out, so I had to try them and share. Here are 11 of the best sunscreens for face and body to try right now.
The Best Sunscreens For Face and Body
To be clear, you need to wear sunscreen every single time you step outside. Also SPF refers to UVB protection (sunburn rays), but doesn’t address protection against UVA (tanning rays). So you want to make sure you are wearing a sunscreen that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. And if you can find one that is both mineral and chemical, great. If not, double up. Ask any dermatologist, the best sunscreens are formulated with broad-spectrum protection of SPF 30 or higher.
How Does Sunscreen Work?
When it comes to effectiveness keep in mind, SPF 15 protects against 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 guards against 97% of UVB rays and SPF 50 protects against 98% of UVB rays. So you can see why an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended. Plus you need to reapply every few hours to prevent effects like sun spots, skin sagging, fine lines and wrinkles, and even skin cancer.
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Mineral or physical sunscreens are formulated with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide and reflect UV rays off of them before the rays penetrate into skin cells. Chemical sunscreens use chemicals that absorb damaging UV rays and convert them to non-damaging heat. Those ingredients include avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate, and ensulizole. I prefer a mix, but you may lean towards one or the other.
11 New Sunscreens To Try
Regardless of what you prefer, a lot has changed in the world of sunscreens and new ones are popping up on the regular. Here are 11 sunscreens that are new to me.
1. Sunplus Skin Nourishing Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 – with Coconut Oil, Goji Berry and Mangosteen, $24
While the active ingredients are Avobenzone 3%, Octisalate 5% and Octocrylene 3% this formula also includes plants-based skin superfoods; aloe vera, kiwi, pomegranate, Goji Berries, mangosteen, Vitamins C & E, coconut oil, and sunflower oil. It’s lightweight, fast-drying, moisturizing and safe for sensitive skin. It’s also reef safe.
2. Paula’s Choice Healthy Glow Invisible Sunscreen Oil SPF 30, $29
This nourishing oil hydrates and supports skin’s barrier at the same time. This fast-absorbing waterless formula has a lightweight feel that you’ll love. And the invisible format sinks into skin to leave a dewy, hydrating finish with zero white cast. I slather this all over my face (any extra I rub into my hands) and am hooked.
3. CōTZ The Healthier Sunscreen Flawless Complexion Tinted SPF 50, $27.50
If you are looking for sheer coverage and broad spectrum protection you need to try CōTZ The Healthier Sunscreen Flawless Complexion Tinted SPF 50. It provides mineral sun protection in a lightweight tinted cream that virtually vanishes on most skin tones. 20% Zinc Oxide is ideal for all skin types, even sensitive, rosacea-prone or breakout-prone skin.
4. Dr. Dennis Gross All-Physical Ultimate Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50, $42
I am so excited about this one (I know, excited about sunscreen?). It’s a water and sweat resistant, oil-free, 100% mineral sunscreen that protects against UVA/UVB, photoaging and pollution. This sunscreen is blendable with a lightweight dewy finish and layers well under makeup.
5. Kōkua Sun Care Hawaiian Natural Zinc Sunscreen, $26.99
This high performance sunscreen with broad spectrum protection utilizes the highest quality Australian non-nano zinc oxide to provide a natural physical barrier to the sun’s UVA and UVB rays while deeply nourishing the skin with nutrient dense antioxidant Hawaii-grown botanicals. This sunscreen is enriched with Noni, Hawaiian Spirulina, Plumeria Extract, Macadamia Nut Oil & Kukui Nut Oil. It’s meant for high endurance and is also gentle, baby safe, non-comedogenic and great for sensitive skin. It’s also reef safe.
6. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $41
I know this sunscreen is not new but it’s one of the best and new to me. Board-certified dermatologists love it because protects skin from UVB and UVA rays, is lightweight, fragrance-free and oil-free which makes it ideal for acne-prone skin (which also needs sunscreen).
7. Clearstem YOUARESUNSHINE™ Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+, $42
This multitasking tinted physical, mineral sunscreen gets rave reviews. It was designed to protect all skin types (including sensitive skin) that are prone to scar damage, acne, rosacea, dryness and discoloration. It’s formulated with green tea, gotu kola, and horse chestnut to calm the skin, stimulate collagen and reduce the look of scars and dark spots. Wear on its own, or layer under makeup as a daily primer to give skin a naturally, even texture and skin tone. It blurs imperfections and does not leave a white cast.
8. Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 35, $24.99
This vegan, creamy mineral sunscreen with SPF 35 and lightweight moisture is ideal for all skin types, including acne-prone. The formula has a peachy hue to help neutralize the white cast commonly associated with physical SPF, but is not tinted. It blends to a natural, skin-like finish which you will love. Non-nano zinc oxide works at skin’s surface to physically prevent UVA and UVB rays from penetrating the skin. Meanwhile antioxidants fight off environmental and electronic (a.k.a. blue light) aggressors for three-way protection and premature aging prevention. It’s a broad spectrum, mineral sunscreen you will want to use every day.
9. Brandefy Skin Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 46 Sunscreen, $25
I love Brandefy skincare products because they dupe some of the best in the biz for a fraction of the price. Case in point? Their tinted broad spectrum SPF which is a EltaMD’s UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 dupe. It protects your skin all day (with reapplication!) while gradually hydrating and brightening your skin’s complexion. This universal tinted SPF blends seamlessly and is ideal for wearing under makeup or alone.
10. Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33, $57
This antioxidant sunscreen is my go-to! It offers broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection while phytomelanin and Beta Glucan 1,3 further enhance the product for maximum protection. Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin for a glowing complexion while an oil capture system helps to control and prevent breakthrough shine. This invisible, hydrating and weightless antioxidant sunscreen is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
11. Coola Classic Face Mist Sunscreen SPF 50, $32
Remember I mentioned you need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day? Well few really do because who wants to put a sunscreen lotion over a face that has makeup? That’s where this spray comes in. This easy to use organic Face Mist sunscreen applies like a breeze. Just shake and mist! It features Coola’s Plant Protection® complex, with naturally effective antioxidant-rich ingredients like Buriti Oil and Prickly Pear extract. This non-greasy organic sunscreen mist helps fight free radicals and can be applied over make-up on-the-go!
Have you tried any of these sunscreens?
Read some of my other anti-aging beauty posts like Splurge Vs. Steal: The Best Anti-Aging Skincare Edition and Safer Fragrances: 11 Clean, Sustainable and Non-toxic Perfume Brands to Try.
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