It’s summer! As you're likely spending more time outside these day, remember that the best sunscreen for face is the undisputed, expert-recommended step to maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Year-round, SPF is the most effective way to shield skin from cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation, as well as , which is the primary cause of fine lines, deeper wrinkles, blotchiness, discoloration, and textural abnormalities. To find the best of the best, we spoke to four esteemed dermatologists and revisited some new and old editor favorites (all of which have been tested and worn IRL!).
Read on to find your best facial sunscreen. “We are increasingly seeing skin cancer in younger individuals,” cautions dermatologist Julie Karen, MD. “If that doesn’t convince someone to protect themselves, then we can rightfully appeal to their vanity.
The sun is responsible for 90% of the visible changes we see within the skin that are often attributed to aging.” As if the most common science-backed truths are not enough of an impetus, let this sink in: “Fresh off of winter, our skin has diminished capacity to protect itself from damaging UV rays, which are becoming ever stronger,” explains Karen. Moreover, there are specific skin reactions that can happen during early summer with the first exposure to ultraviolet radiation, such as polymorphous light eruption (or PMLE), a reaction of sun sensitivity that happens when our skin is not exposed to the sun for long periods of time.
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