Let’s talk about sunscreens. Theyre greasy, smelly, an extra step in our beauty routine, and something our moms made us put on, so we’re naturally averted to them, right? WRONG. Over the last few months I’ve been testing tons of sunscreens to share with you because as I get older, I realize how much more we need to take care of our skin. I mean, how much better would it be if I started caring about it ten years ago? So in honor of my enlightenment, I’m sharing the best sunscreens for your face.
Summer may be halfway over, but that doesn’t mean we’re halfway to not wearing sunscreen. I’m only posting this now because I’ve needed adequate time to test all of the options I was sent between May and June.
I used to think that the freckles that showed up across my nose in the summer were cute. Then more and more appeared each year, and now I see them and realize that they wouldn’t be there without sun exposure. It’s worth noting that some freckles are genetic and unrelated to sun exposure. Freckles related to sun exposure appear when the skin is exposed to UV rays. Freckles are a result of increased melanin production in the skin in an attempt to shield the skin from the sun’s harmful rays. While most freckles are harmless and signify previous sun exposure and not sun damage, according to Dr.Wu MD in an Everyday Health article, freckles or moles that show changes such as getting larger, darker, or itch/bleed should be checked out by a dermatologist.
Shop the Best Sunscreens for the Face:
Top 5 Best Sunscreens for the Face
Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Ultimate Protection Moisturizer, SPF 50
Image skincare is one of my favorite skincare brands. I use some of their products every day including the Vital C serum! This daily suncreen and moisturizer is my favorite sunscreen for daily use. Given that I work at home, I don’t always put on makeup, but I do have to take out the dogs, so I am exposed to the sun regularly. This moisturizer also smells great and isn’t greasy! The Prevention+ line comes in several variations, including a daily hydrating at SPF 30, a tinted version at SPF 30, and a matte moisturizer at SPF 32.
Price: $40 for 3.2oz
Dermalogica: Prisma Protect(TM), SPF 30
I’ve talked about Dermalogica quite a bit, and have used their skincare line all summer and loved it! I was also sent this sunscreen to try and it is super lightweight, boosts luminosity, and also helps filter out pollutants with their antioxidant technology. The size and it’s flat shape make it great to travel with, as well! This light-activated sunscreen is also hydrating for your skin and is easy to work into your daily routine. It is the most expensive on this list, at $65 but Dermalogica’s products have never let me down!
Price: $65 for 1.7oz
VU Skin System: Essential Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30
SPF 30
I actually hadn’t heard of this brand before trying their sunscreen, but after using it, I want to try more! It is the least “greasy” out of the sunscreen options here, and the best value for the cost.
Price: $25 for 3.0oz
Coola: Sport Classic Sunscreen, SPF 50
SPF 50
This is my go-to sunscreen for a day outside. From the pool to the lake to the ocean, this is the one you want because it is the only one on this list that is water-resistant up to 80 mins. It’s easy to throw in a bag and carry with you all day.
Price: $32 for 1.7oz
Peter Thomas Roth: Max Mineral Naked, SPF 45
SPF 45
If you’re looking for a great tinted option I love this one! It is light and airy- and great to put under your daily makeup because it’s also tinted. This is the only all-mineral option out of this bunch, it also leaves a great matte finish.
Price: $38 for 1.7oz
Let’s Talk SPF
SPF stands for sun protection factor. SPF is the factor by which measures the time you should be able to spend in the sun without getting burned. For example, if you typically burn after only 10 minutes in the sun, and you use SPF 15, you should be good for 150 minutes. However, these results are alb-tested and not exact. It’s always safe to reapply sooner than suggested!
The minimum SPF recommended by the FDA is SPF 15, however, according to the American Academy for Dermatology (AAD), “Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen of at least SPF 30.” While higher SPFs increase coverage, no sunscreen can block 100% of sun rays.
% of Blocked Sunrays
SPF 15 = 93%
SPF 30 = 97%
SPF 50 = 98%
Overall, the best sunscreens for the face are the ones that you actually use! Sunscreen does no good when you aren’t using it every day. As they say, there is no safe way to tan, but I say, it’s unavoidable, but burning isn’t!
