Here's one thing all dermatologists agree on: Using the best sunscreens for face is nonnegotiable. Sun protection is crucial for blocking the UVA and UVB rays that cause sunburn, but it holds so much more power than that. It also helps prevent wrinkles and fine lines, sun spots, , and .
But finding the for your complexion is easier said than done, particularly if you have a concern like or . You may know that there are two types of sunscreen: physical (a.k.
a. mineral) and chemical. Dermatologists tend to recommend —but there's a big downside here: The active ingredients, zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, tend to leave a white cast—particularly on those with a darker complexion.
Chemical sunscreens—powered by active ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate—are easier to rub in and work like a sponge to absorb the sun’s rays rather than deflect them. No matter which direction you go, though, dermatologists say it’s important to look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF 30 or higher. Water-resistance is also key, especially if you have plans to swim or exercise in the summer (though reapplication is crucial—derms suggest a frequency of every two hours or after swimming or sweating).
To help you find the best face sunscreens for every skin type, we polled dermatologists for their top picks and asked editors for their tried-and-true favorites, including.
