You Need to Wear Sunscreen Every Day. Here Are 16 of the Best.

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I went through a serious Love Island phase a few years ago. For the uninitiated, the incredibly long TV show follows a group of sexy singles living in a tropical mansion whose only goals are to look smoking hot and couple up with each other. The whole thing is an elaborate forced mating ritual: Contestants hang out by the pool all day, work out in the open air, compete in challenges on the beach, and hardly ever wear anything more than swimsuits. But as the fair-skinned among them grew redder and redder by the day, instead of becoming invested in their love lives, I found myself thinking, “I really hope they’re wearing sunscreen.”

There was never any mention of sunscreen on Love Island—and that’s because, let’s face it, sunscreen is not the sexiest. But it is important. Sun damage can cause your skin to age faster, pigmentation issues like sun spots and, most importantly, skin cancer—the most common form of cancer. Wearing sunscreen is your best defense and you should wear it if you’re hanging out by the pool or going for a run outside, but also on cloudy days and when you’re inside too. “If you are out in the daylight, you are exposed to UV rays. Even incidental sunlight exposure on your lunch break or your commute to work adds up over a lifetime,” says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research, Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai. That means wearing sunscreen on the daily, not just when you’re at the beach, is essential.

The reason most people don’t do that is because sunscreen is confusing. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing SPF 30 at minimum and looking for screens that say broad spectrum on the label (meaning they protect against both UVA and UVB light). There are also mineral and chemical sunscreens to consider. Mineral sunscreens use materials like zinc oxide to form a physical barrier on the skin that blocks UV light. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb and disperse the light rays. Which you choose is mostly “personal preference because both are effective,” says Dr. Zeichner, who usually recommends mineral screens for people with sensitive skin. Facial sunscreens, which are designed to use on just your face, come in both forms and often have additional ingredients like antioxidants and hydrating factors that might not be found in body sunscreens.

No matter which sunscreen you choose, the most important thing is that you use it properly. This means reapplying it every two hours, especially if you’re out in the sun, and making sure you use enough. “You should use a quarter size dollop for the full face and a shot glass amount for the rest of the body—which is more than most people are using,” says Dr. Zeichner. And if you’re wondering, yes, you can still get tan while wearing sunscreen even if you use that much. But the absolute most important thing when choosing a sunscreen, he says, is finding one you will actually use. “If it’s not on your skin, it won’t protect you.” Start with this list and you’re halfway there.

Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30

If you struggle with oily skin or breakouts, this sunscreen lotion will give you the UV protection you need without clogging pores or making you feel greasy.

Spray Gel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 30

Somewhere between a spray and a lotion, this innovative gel is easy to apply and leaves no film or residue once its rubbed into the skin. It’s also water-resistant for 80 minutes and broad spectrum, both important factors in a body sunscreen.

Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray

This mineral spray goes on easy and provides physical protection without goopiness. When using a spray, Dr. Zeichner warns to spray till your skin glistens and you can actually see the sunscreen on your skin, then “rub it in afterward to ensure you don’t have any missed areas.”

'Dew The Most' transparent Facial Moisturizer SPF 30

The best thing about this facial sunscreen isn’t the niacinamide and Vitamin E (thought that’s pretty great), it’s that it’s “a great option for all skin tones, including darker skin where others may leave behind an ashy discoloration,” says Dr. Zeichner.

Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen

Somehow this super lightweight gel-lotion feels more like a fancy body lotion than a sunscreen and yet delivers powerful sun protection without making your skin feel gross. It’s perfect for someone who wants a higher SPF without compromising the feel.

Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30

Instead of looking for a moisturizer with SPF (in many cases, the protective factor isn’t high enough), looking for a sunscreen that also moisturizes. This one, which is especially good for darker skin tones, is richly moisturizing, packs a powerful dose of Vitamin C, and will also protect your skin from UV rays.

Multi Correxion 5-in-1 Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

This daily facial sunscreen gets high marks from Dr. Zeichner because it “provides broad spectrum protection in a formula containing an antioxidant compound to brighten the skin and protect against free radicals.”

Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30

One of the problems with mineral sunscreens, especially on your face, is that many formulas leave a white cast—and no one wants that. The slight tint in this formula takes away the possibility of a white film, even on darker skin tones.

Rain Or Shine Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen

As its name suggests, this sunscreen from Jaxon Lane is great for all occasions and for all skin types. So much so that we named it the best sunscreen of 2020.

Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30

One of the easiest ways to work sunscreen into your daily routine? Combine it with moisturizer. Just apply each morning like you usually do and no more worrying about whether you're going to get a face full of UV rays when you step out the door. (Because you will. Yes, even if it's overcast.)

Sunvisor Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 35

A mineral sunscreen that goes on without any residue and is moisturizing enough to wear without an additional moisturizer? This daily facial sunscreen checks those boxes and more.

UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46

Often recommended by dermatologists, this powerful sunscreen is formulated for daily use on your face. It’s highly effective, but light enough that you won’t even know it’s there. Put it on after your morning moisturizer.

Time Traveler Ageless Daily Face Sunscreen

Dr. Zeichner recommends this all-natural sunscreen because it can be “fully rubbed into the skin without leaving behind a white cast”—something that can’t be said about all mineral sunscreens.

Invisible Physical Defense Sunscreen SPF 30

Zinc oxide gives this daily mineral sunscreen its protective factor against both UV light and blue light from your computer screen. The soothing ingredients like argan oil and a bio-active mushroom complex make this non-drying formula also ideal for sensitive skin.

Urban Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 40

This daily facial sunscreen is so lightweight, it feels more like a serum than a sun-protection product. But it still protects against UV rays as well as blue light and even pollution thanks to the powerful antioxidants in the formula.

Sun Drops SPF 50

Fifteen minutes before exposing yourself to the sun, generously apply a few drops to your face. The complex—comprised of cassia extract, beta glucan, and vitamin E—will support skin regeneration and protect against premature aging. Lightly textured, the serum is particularly great for those with sensitive skin.

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