Every one of us should always wear sunscreen to protect our skin from sun damage, which can cause skin cancer and other signs of premature aging such as wrinkles and brown spots. The use of sunscreen is not a closely guarded secret. However, not all sunscreens are created equal, and with hundreds of different options available, it can be difficult to narrow down your options.
Sunscreen is an essential product for skin health and beauty.
Basically, sunscreen is made to protect our skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause sunburn, premature aging, wrinkles, dark spots, and skin cancer. Sunscreen works by either reflecting or absorbing the UV rays, depending on the type of sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, water-resistant, and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Sunscreen should be applied every day, even on cloudy or cold days, and reapplied every two hours or after swimming or sweating. By using sunscreen regularly, we can prevent skin damage, improve our appearance, and reduce our risk of skin cancer.
Regardless, there are a few things you should keep in mind at all times when weighing your options. If you have oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin or simply want a sunscreen that layers well under makeup, we’ve compiled a list of the best alternatives, ranging from chemical to mineral, and included it below.
The best sunscreen to protect our skin
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60
If you have sensitive skin, you know how hard it is to find a sunscreen that doesn’t irritate or dry out your skin. That’s why we love La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60, a French pharmacy favorite that has been one of our top beauty picks at Byrdie HQ. This sunscreen not only protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays with broad-spectrum SPF 60 and antioxidants, but also replenishes your skin with moisture and nourishment. It has a melt-in texture that feels silky and smooth on your skin without leaving any white residue or greasy feeling. It’s also paraben- and oil-free, making it suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive ones.
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
If you’re looking for a sunscreen that caters to your skin’s needs and beauty, you’ll love Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30. This sunscreen was created specifically for people of color, who often struggle to find sunscreens that don’t leave a white cast or clog pores. Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 is completely sheer, so it blends seamlessly with your skin tone and enhances your natural glow.
It also contains avocado and jojoba oil, which nourish and moisturize your skin, making it soft and smooth. You can wear this sunscreen under makeup without any issues, or on its own for a radiant look. Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 is more than just a sunscreen. It’s a sunscreen that celebrates your skin and protects it from the sun’s harmful rays.
MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50
Mineral sunscreen from MDSolarSciences is your best bet for all-over sun protection. This product contains antioxidants, ceramides, and humectants to keep your skin hydrated, and its broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection shields you from harmful UVA and UVB radiation. When it comes to protecting your skin from sun spots and more serious skin disorders, such as skin cancer, you can rely on a formula recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 35
The Invisible Shield by Glossier is a transparent sunscreen that applies more like a serum than a thick lotion. This water-gel mixture contains vitamin E, vitamin P, broccoli, and aloe leaf extract to combat free radicals. It will not clog your pores and it contains no comedogenic or paraben ingredients. It is completely transparent, leaving no white residue on your face, and it has a light but pleasant aroma (thanks to the delicious orange peel oil).
