How to Shop for ... Facial Sunscreen
Find your ideal sunscreen for everyday use in five easy steps.
Sunscreen is, without a doubt, the most important element of your skincare routine. No matter how many steps you choose, if you skip this one, you’re setting yourself up for issues down the line. I still cringe when I think about all of those tanning bed sessions or hours spent baking in the sun unprotected back in my teens and twenties. Thankfully, I have several scars from mole removals to remind me to slather on the SPF every day, no matter the season, temperature or environment.
But like all skincare products, finding the right sunscreen is personal. Everyone’s skin is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all product, no matter how many skinfluencers call something the “holy grail.” And we all will likely need more than one type of sunscreen depending on where we are and what activity we’re engaged in.
There will always be trial and error involved, but I’ve managed to find not one, but several facial sunscreen formulas that work for my skin by remembering these five things:
1. Think about your skin type.
All sunscreens have different formulas, making them suitable for different skin types. Approach their ingredient lists like you would any other product in your routine. I have very oily skin prone to acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For those reasons, I avoid oils, artificial fragrances and added shimmer and go for water-based formulas with actives such as niacinamide and lactic acid to calm my skin.
2. Consider the source.
There are two types of sunscreens: mineral and chemical. Mineral formulas are physical sunscreens that sit on top of the skin and have ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to protect the skin. Chemical formulas rely on avobenzone, octinoxate or oxybenzone, which absorb into the skin. I am not afraid of the word chemical. Water is a chemical. But mineral sunscreens are generally more reef safe.
3. Know your numbers.
The sun protection factor (SPF) of your sunscreen is the next thing to look at. The higher the better, not only because of the shield it provides against UVA and UVB rays but because of something we’re all guilty of: not applying enough. If you’re applying a pea-sized amount of SPF 15, you might as well skip it altogether. But using a 1/2 teaspoon amount or more of SPF 50 will give your skin the protection it needs.
4. Examine your entire skincare routine.
Your sunscreen has to play along nicely with the other products you use, be they two or 20. Apply sunscreen as your last step—after your moisturizer or oil—and before makeup to get the full benefit. If you have a lot going on underneath or prefer a full face of makeup, a lighter formula may feel more comfortable, while a richer formula can replace your moisturizer. Some sunscreens can cause pilling when layered with actives like vitamin C, so it may take some experimenting to find the right combo.
5. Remember you need to reapply.
Reapplication is key to all-day protection. And you need to factor that in when looking at the cost of a particular sunscreen. If you’re going to be outside all day and need to add another coat every two hours, that can add up quickly. I typically apply a tinted formula in the morning (because my skin hates foundation) and then keep a mist or powder sunscreen with me that I can add on top as needed.
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