It's the holiday weekend and time to soak up all the great things about summertime, including backyard barbecues, sandy sojourns, salty boat rides and fireworks. Generally, when it comes to sun protection I always have a variety of high-quality sunscreens in my beach and pool bag. For instance, I make sure to have one specifically for my face and options for my body, depending on what type of summer activity is planned.
While we all know by now, sun exposure leads to hyperpigmentation, lines and wrinkles, inflammation and scarring, some people are still not wearing sunscreen. In addition, too much time spent in the sun can lead to more serious stuff such as skin cancers.
First, it is always a good time to reevaluate your sunscreen habits—application is vital and so is the formula. Gone are the days of subpar sun protection; todays formulas have skincare benefits, provide luminosity, leave no white cast and add moisturizing ingredients to the skin.
Furthermore, you have chemical and physical (aka mineral) sunscreens to think about. The main difference is in the way these formulations block UV rays. For those with sensitive skin, acne or Rosacea, mineral formulas are less irritating and tend to work better for the face.
No matter what formula you go with this, pick a SPF 30 or higher and make sure to reapply every two hours (according the American Cancer Society). Overall, a sunscreen you love and will use everyday is the best one!
Here are my sunscreen picks for summer 2022:
I've always been a fan of Shiseido sunscreens and I love their portable size for travel and getting through TSA with no issues. The brand recently launched a new formula Shiseido Urban Environment Fresh Moisture Sunscreen ($38) which hydrates the skin with hyaluronic acid while protecting against harmful UV rays. The consistency is light and it absorbs in the skin quickly leaving a dewy finish.
One of my favorite everyday sunscreens is EltaMD. Recommended by multiple dermatologists years ago, I fell in love with the UV Clear SPF 46 for my face and never looked back. The brand just sent a few goodies to try such as the UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF50+ which is great for active lifestyles and a multi-purpose UV Stick SPF 50+. Already, have been loading up on Elta MD UV Lotion SPF30+. The airless pump is quite large, but the formula is super-hydrating and blends easily into skin. It contains zinc oxide and nourishing vitamin E, great to use on my entire family.
My skin is always dry in the summertime so I love incorporating a body oil to add some extra moisture and a little sheen. Sun Bum Sunscreen Oil SPF 30 ($17.99) is made with organic coconut oil and smells like I'm on a tropical vacation.
If you prefer a gel texture Dune The Bod Guard ($24.95) is packed with skincare enhancing benefits and hydrates for 72 hours.
Silky textures are all the rage this summer and Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen ($36) glides over skin like a serum leaving a soft natural almost blur like finish. Skin soothing chamomile and moisturizing squalene make it great for sensitive skin.
I'm a longtime fan of La Roche Posay and the Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 60 ($24.99) is great sunblock for all skin types. The fast-absorbing formula blends easily into skin and doesn't leave any whitish cast.
Sheer tinted face formulas are all the rage. They offer light protection with a hint of color, perfect for daytime outings. My favorites are SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense ($36) and EltaMD Tinted UV Clear SPF 46 ($41) and I want to try Alastin HydraTint which imparts a light glow.
Have you tried any of these sunscreens? Let me know in the comments below
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