When it comes to summer must-haves, there’s nothing more important than SPF in order to protect yourself from the sun’s harsh rays. And while sunscreen is essential year-round, it’s especially important as UV rays gain strength in summer months and can lead to sunburn in as little as ten minutes , depending on your skin type. These days, there are two main types of sunscreen to choose from: chemical or mineral formulas.
While you can think of chemical sunscreens as a sponge that absorbs UVA and UVB rays before they reach your skin , mineral sunscreens act like a shield that blocks the sun’s rays entirely. They’re generally less irritating and aren’t absorbed into your bloodstream like chemical sunscreens. However, they can be harder to apply or leave a white cast.
As long as you stick to an SPF of 30 or higher , the choice is entirely up to you. But if you’re on the hunt for a new mineral sunscreen this summer, shop eight of our top picks. Best drugstore: Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50 Best for sensitive skin: Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50 Best for oily skin: Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 Mineral Sunscreen Best spray: Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray Best tinted: EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Tinted Face Sunscreen Best for body: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50+ Best makeup-sunscreen hybrid: ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation Best for kids: Thinkbaby – Safe Sunscreen S.