Protect your face from the sun, but keep that skin beautiful.
Tis’ the season for sunglasses, hats, hand shading, and extended hours of sun exposure. How do you protect your face from the sun, while at the same time protecting your face from chemicals and clogged pores?
Many are anxious about putting sunscreen on their face. The arms, back, legs, neck are fine, but isn’t the skin on the face more sensitive? Is there anything in sunscreen that would block the pores, and make me break out in acne? What about rashes?
Let’s go over some of the best sunscreens for the face. This will not only help you avoid the embarrassing peeling skin on the nose and cheeks; it’ll also help prevent serious sun damage and skin cancer!
First, some basics:
- Find sunscreen the protects against both UVB and UVA rays (broad spectrum)
- SPF 30 or higher
- Reapply every few hours
Have acne issues? Try…
EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46
This product has includes niacinamide, a vitamin B3 derivative with anti-inflammatory properties that can fight breakouts. It also has a quality formulation that can be easier on the skin.
Tizo 2 Non-Tinted Facial Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
Liquid sunscreens can be better than thicker formulas, since liquids can be less likely to clog the pores. This is true not just of the face, but of sunscreen on the rest of the body. Protect your face, and avoid body acne at the same time!
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Typical sun protection products use physical sunscreens like zinc oxide to block the sun’s rays. This kind is a chemical sunscreen that absorbs rays instead. Chemical sunscreens can be less sticky, and easier on the skin.
Cosrx Aloe Vera Sun Cream
A natural anti-redness remedy, aloe is a great ally in the battle against sun damage, and for protecting skin. This sunscreen is aloe infused, and is designed for people with acne-prone skin.
Have dry skin? Try…
EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
We like this formulation because it has hyaluronic acid that will keep skin hydrated as well as protected.
SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30
Don’t want to feel greasy while you’re enjoying this sun? This can be a good option.
CeraVe AM Face Moisturizer With Sunscreen, SPF 30
This is an affordable option with hydrators, so you don’t need to feel stingy when applying.
Love to exercise? Try…
Coola Mineral Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Stick
Stick sunscreens are great for avoiding that stinging eye problem; when sunscreen drips into your eyes. This product is also water resistant.
Neutrogena Ultimate Sport Face Oil-Free Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 70+
If you’re looking to do a lot of swimming, this is an affordable and effective option. It contains UVA-absorbing avobenzone and is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
UV Sport 3 Ounce SPF 50
Have your fun in the sun—but play it safe. This sunscreen is great for swimmers, skiers, runners, golfers and other athletes – or for those who just love to be outdoors! UV Sport is water-resistant so it won’t rinse off in water or drip into your eyes and sting when you sweat.
Most economical Try…
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Body Lotion Broad Spectrum Spf 70
This choice offers some serious protection, with a great price, meaning you can feel good about applying a lot, and often! There is a spray version also, which is great for helping protect kids.
Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
A reliable broad spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen that feels comfortable on the skin. If youve got a family to protect, this is a good choice.
A Word From Dermatologist Dr. Myers
There are hundreds of sunscreens out there, and many that are good. Probably more important than the brand is that you apply enough sunscreen, and that you reapply every few hours. Most people are too stingy with their sunscreen.
The best advice is this: find a sunscreen you’re comfortable with on your face, and make sure you use it!
