There is no doubt sunscreen is the biggest skincare trick that we have on our sleeves when it comes to skin care and aging, not only for your face but also for your body.
The UV rays of the sun are very damaging to our skin, excessive sun damage is the primary cause of premature aging like fine lines, irregular skin texture, loss of elasticity, dark spots, dull skin and it can also lead to the formation of skin cancer. The more you block the UV light from reaching your skin, the healthier your skin will be in the long run and the better it will look when you age.
Daily sunscreen use reduces all these risks, helping you age better and more beautiful, while also protecting you against skin cancer.
In this post, you will find out why you should use sunscreen daily, how to choose the best sunscreen for your face, what active ingredients to look for in a sunscreen, how to layer it( in which step of your skincare routine), the difference between chemical vs physical sunscreens and some of the best face sunscreens that I have found out so far to be amazing and I think you should give them a try this summer.
Disclaimer: Please take this as entertainment, educational and informational content and not as medical information and advice. This post contains affiliate links. For full disclosure please check here.
Sunscreen is THE MOST IMPORTANT step of any skincare routine, every day. If you have to choose only one product to put on your face today let it be sunscreen.
There are a lot of people who are battling with melasma, fine lines at a young age, dark spots and the product that they are missing or have missed in the past is sunscreen. Also, more and more people have sun allergies (red and itchy skin, sometimes even small pustules), caused by bathing in the sun for a long period of time unprotected.
Using an SPF with a high protection factor and applying it diligently every 2-3 hours when in the sun or even earlier if you go into water will dramatically reduce the sun allergies as well as the dark spots and aging.
How to choose the best sunscreen for your face
Not all sunscreens are made equal. It is important to know what to look for in sunscreen in order to not waste a lot of money on products you won’t like, need, or are not good for you.
I have made things easier for you and researched and tested products and these are the aspects you should take into consideration when looking for a good sunscreen:
Know your skin type and choose a sunscreen based on your skin type and needs
It is imperative to know your skin type in order to get the most out of your sunscreen. A sunscreen made for dry skin might clog pores for a person with oily skin.
Because of the ingredients, they contain and because they stay on top of your skin, a lot of the sunscreens are comedogenic, meaning they can clog your pores. Do NOT get scared of this, and stop using sunscreen, you just have to find out one sunscreen that works for you and keep using that.
There is more and more research around sunscreen and the ingredients that protect your skin from the UV rays, especially in Korea. Korea has some advanced sunscreens and filters that are very easy to apply and are less comedogenic than their European and American water-resistant counterparts.
That being said, if you are planning a day at the beach in full sun, I would suggest you go with European sunscreen for both face and body. I consider European sunscreens to be the best when you are all day in the sun and most of them are also water-resistant which is also a plus. But, this is just my personal preference, not a piece of study-based advice.
It might need a few tries though until you get the right sunscreen for your skin type. If you are unsure, I have a post regarding how to find out your skin type which may help you find out.
Don’t skimp on quality
There are 2 types of UV rays, UVA and UVB. Most of the sunscreens on the market protect you only against UVB. UVA is a wavelength that can penetrate through glass and clouds, causing photo-aging.
Please make sure you check the label before you buy sunscreen and make sure that it says broad-spectrum SPF, meaning it’s guarding against both UVA and UVB.
All the sunscreens I recommend in this post were broad-spectrum sunscreens at the moment I wrote this post but formulations might change. Please be careful and always check for yourself that it says broad-spectrum on the bottle.
Consider your skin tone
Most of the mineral sunscreens leave a white cast because of their active ingredients like zinc oxide. If you have a darker skin tone, some of the mineral ones might not work for you. I will incorporate in my list sunscreens that don’t leave a white cast so make sure you check the list below.
Layer it on last
An important factor to consider when buying sunscreen is how will you layer it. Sunscreen comes in multiple forms nowadays, going from serums with SPF or moisturizers which include SPF to separate products for it like normal sunscreens. You can also have sunscreens in the form of a powder, stick, spray, or tinted moisturizer which includes some foundation to it.
The normal way to apply sunscreen is after you applied serums and moisturizers (SPF cream and stick) and before make-up. So they usually go at the last step of your skincare routine.
If it’s a tinted moisturizer you can use it as a foundation if you want, adding some color to your skin.
If it’s a powder sunscreen then you apply it after foundation, when you set your make-up. I usually think a powder sunscreen is usually not enough. I suggest you use a normal sunscreen and then just use the powder one to reapply sunscreen every two to three hours. The same goes for spray SPF, use it only for reapplication.
For those of you wondering if you can apply an SPF cream before going to bed, I would not recommend it. It can clog your pores overnight and you want your skin to breathe and actually try to repair itself, not stress it even more.
Should you buy a Mineral or a Chemical sunscreen?
Whether it’s a mineral or a chemical sunscreen, it gets the name from the type of filters the sunscreen contains: mineral UV filters or chemical UV filters.
Mineral filters in sunscreen
Mineral filters(also known as physical filters) are the types of filters that sit on the surface of the skin. They act as a physical barrier, blocking and deflecting UV rays. Because they sit on the skin protecting it, sunscreens with mineral filters can sometimes be slightly comedogenic from my experience.
Because of their reflecting property, mineral filters can usually make your sunscreen have a white-cast or purple-ish cast, depending also on your skin. This is not the case anymore, as many new mineral sunscreens that appear nowadays got rid of the white residue or at least diminished the look of it with the new technologies.
The two mineral filters used in sunscreens are Zinc Oxide(which offers protection against both UVA and UVB) and Titanium Dioxide(which only offers protection against UVB).
Because they don’t penetrate the layers of the skin, just sit on top of it, mineral sunscreens are considered safer for the skin and most of them are also good for sensitive skin too.
Chemical filters in sunscreen
Chemical UV filters are active ingredients in sunscreens that absorb the UV rays like a sponge, instead of letting your skin absorb them. They penetrate the layers of the skin and protect you without sitting on top of it. There is a wide range of chemical filters but some of the most used ones are oxybenzone(Benzophenone-3), avobenzone(also known as Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane), octisalate (Ethylhexyl Salicylate), homosalate, octinoxate, cinoxate, octocrylene, dioxybenzone.
So, if you want to know if your sunscreen is a mineral one or a chemical one then look at the ingredient list.
For the question: “should you get a mineral sunscreen or a chemical one?” the answer is it depends. It depends on wheater you are sensitive to chemical filters, want to go the safer route with a mineral sunscreen, don’t want to have any white cast, and so on. I did my best to create a list of sunscreens that I like, mineral, chemical, or hybrid ones, and state the white cast for some, the active ingredients, the type of sunscreen, the SPF level as well as the formula. Hope you can find out the best facial sunscreen for your needs regarding your skin type.
Even if this post is about what sunscreens to try out this summer, you should wear sunscreen daily, regardless of the season. Also, sun protection doesn’t mean only wearing sunscreen. It also means not staying in the sun from 12 PM until 4 PM, wearing a hat when in the sun, wearing sunglasses to protect the delicate eye area.
Always reapply sunscreen before and after swimming or sport and on healthy skin. If you are out all day make sure you reapply it every two to three hours.
The best face sunscreens to try out this summer
Bioderma Photoderm Max SPF 50+
Photoderm Sunscreen it’s a very fluid cream, that goes very smooth on the skin and doesn’t leave a white cast. This elegant formula is quickly absorbed into the skin and you can go with make-up over it easily. It doesn’t have fragrance, it’s water-resistant, good for sensitive skin, good for dark skin tones, and has an anti-shine texture, making it one of my favorite hybrid sunscreens.
It’s a “hybrid” sunscreen because it contains Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol [Nano], a new generation UV filter that is halfway between physical and chemical agents. This agent offers broad-spectrum protection. This sunscreen agent it’s not available yet in the US, only in Europe. If you can get it from Europe is a must-try sunscreen this summer.
Type of sunscreen: Hybrid | SPF level : 50+ | Formula : cream(very liquid) | Active Ingredients : Octocrylene, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol [Nano], Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Clinique Mineral Sunscreen Fluid For Face
This is probably my favorite mineral sunscreen that I have found out so far. It is a lightweight cream, that absorbs into the face pretty quickly, leaving a smooth face. It does have a little bit of a white cast in the beginning, but after a while, the tint disappears (on lighter skin tones) or diminishes very much on darker skin tones. While I can’t guarantee that the white-cast will totally disappear on you, you have to swatch it first, this one is pretty amazing even for darker skin tones.
The Clinique sunscreen works great under make-up as well as on its own if you don’t use make-up. Because it contains mineral ingredients like Zinc Oxide it is also great for sensitive skin.
Seriously, if you want to try a new sunscreen this summer, this is the one, for me, it’s the best mineral sunscreen for the face. Also, if you live in California, I would definitely recommend this to you all year round.
Type of sunscreen: Mineral sunscreen | SPF level: 50 | Formula: cream | Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide
La Roche Posay Anthelios 50+ SPF
I consider La Roche Posay’s sunscreens to be some of the very best sunscreens in Europe. The entire Anthelios line of sunscreens is good, just make sure you choose one that fits you best.
This sunscreen is an invisible fluid (also good for dark skin tones) that offers high protection.
It is non-perfumed, but it does contain alcohol, so might irritate sensitive skin. If you want the non-chemical, mineral sunscreen good also for sensitive skin then I recommend the mineral Anthelios fluid.
Type of sunscreen: Chemical sunscreen | SPF level: 50+ | Formula: fluid | Active Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Drometrizole Trisiloxane
Shiseido Waso Color-Smart Day Moisturizer Oil-free
This is the best-tinted sunscreen that I have found to work well for all skin types. Because is oil-free it makes it non-greasy and perfect for everyday use even for people with oily skin.
When applied to the skin, this cream changes color, adapting to your skin tone for a natural complexion, thus the name color-smart.
It can be used on its own or as a make-up base. Because the color is very natural I recommend using it standalone, like a bb cream.
Type of sunscreen: Chemical and mineral sunscreen | SPF level: 30 | Formula: tinted moisturizer | Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.4%, Titanium Dioxide 5.3%
Paula’s Choice Calm Mineral Moisturizer
This mineral sunscreen is amazing, with a very beautiful formula. It has very little white-cast and is fast-absorbed into the skin. It is recommended for normal to oily/combination skin, but I think it can be used by all skin types. This sunscreen has an alternative sunscreen for people with normal to dry skin which is as wonderful as this is.
I really think that the normal to oily formula works for everyone, if you have dry skin just use a richer moisturizer before you apply it. It can also be used by people with sensitive skin.
If you are oily skin and want to try a new sunscreen this summer this is a must-try sunscreen.
Type of sunscreen: Mineral moisturizer| SPF level: 30 | Formula: moisturizer | Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide
Paula’s Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid
The amazing formulation in this chemical sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The lotion is lightweight and is very well and fast absorbed by the skin. It absorbs without feeling greasy, making it a perfect choice for oily skin people, but it is amazing for dry skin as well.
Helps boost your skin’s defenses with a blend of potent antioxidants like Green Tea Extract and Grape Seed Extract. It also contains soothing ingredients like Camomile and hydrating ingredients like Vitamin E.
This is the best chemical sunscreen for oily skin and combination skin to try out this summer.
Type of sunscreen: Chemical sunscreen | SPF level: 50 | Formula: lotion | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Octocrylene
Avene Very High Protection SPF 50+ Cream
If you want to try a hybrid sunscreen good for dry skin this summer, check out Avene’s SPF cream. It offers hydration for dry skin leaving you with beautiful glowy skin. It is formulated with Avene Thermal Water which is famous in Europe because it has soothing properties.
This formula is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, great for sensitive people, and sits very well under make-up. Because it is fragrance-free, it does have a certain smell that might be unpleasant for some people.
It does leave a slightly white residue in the beginning but eventually, it will absorb pretty well into the skin. People with very dark skin might still get a white residue even after absorption.
I would not recommend this cream for people with oily skin as they might find it greasy on the skin.
Type of sunscreen: Hybrid | SPF level: 50+ | Formula: Cream | Active Ingredients: Octocrylene, Titanium Dioxide, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral SPF 50+
This is my go-to mineral sunscreen for a day at the beach. It is a sunscreen spray with high mineral protection, designed for allergic skin which can be used on both face and body.
I would only recommend this for the beach as it’s very oily and leaves a very noticeable white–purple residue. It is perfect for people with dry to very dry skin and with a fair complexion. It leaves your skin very hydrated and somewhat oily in the first half an hour but it does absorb into my skin afterward. Definitely not a mineral sunscreen for oily skin.
This mineral sunscreen is alcohol-free, fragrance and essential oil-free, and is also suitable for people with sun allergies and for children because of the missing chemical filters.
Type of sunscreen: Mineral| SPF level: 50+ | Formula: Spray| Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
Eucerin Sun Protection Sun Mattifying Fluid SPF 50+
Another amazing hybrid sunscreen that contains both physical(mineral) agents like Titanium Dioxide and chemical filters to offer broad-spectrum protection.
This cream is formulated for people with oily skin, providing help in mattifying the skin. It does contain Alcohol Denat which has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties but if you have sensitive skin then this cream might not be for you, it might sting your face and your eyes if it enters your eyes (not the best option if you go to the beach but amazing in day-to-day life).
It can be very drying to the skin so this is definitely not for dry and very dry skin people.
All in all, I consider it to be a very good hybrid sunscreen for people with oily skin who are not sensitive to alcohol in their products.
Type of sunscreen: Hybrid | SPF level: 50+ | Formula: Cream | Active Ingredients: Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Titanium Dioxide (Nano), Ethylhexyl Triazone, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
Are chemical sunscreens safe to use?
Some studies showed that Homoxalate, a chemical filter found in some sunscreens might not be very good for you in a concentration over 0.5%. A lot of the products that use it in their formulation, have it at a concentration of about 10%. Studies made at a 10% concentration showed potential endocrine-disrupting properties of homosalate.
Some of my favorite sunscreens had it in their composition but the remaining list presented here should be ok, but ALWAYS check the ingredients first before buying, the formulation might change or it defers depending on where on the globe you buy the product. If you want to read more about the nocive effects that Homosalate can have on your body, check out this Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety opinion from June 2021.
This post was all about the best facial sunscreens to try out this summer for oily skin, dry skin, normal skin, combination skin, or sensitive skin. It was also about how to choose the best sunscreen for you and the difference between a mineral (physical) sunscreen and chemical sunscreen.
As always, please do your own research about the ingredients, and if you are in doubt about a product or an ingredient check out incidecoder they have great info there or any other site that offers information about products and ingredients.
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