My Favorite Sunscreen for Every Skin Type
If I could only use one product for the rest of my life, literally only one, it would be sunscreen. Even though it’s probably the least glamorous product in my regimen, it is one of (if not, THE) most effective products you will put on your face in terms of anti-aging. Through years of research we’ve learned that the giant ball of light in the sky is pretty much the source of most of our external aging (80% by most estimates).. If you look at identical twins, one who wears sunscreen everyday and one who does not, in 15-20+ years the difference is huge! Basically, if you aren't wearing sunscreen every single day, you might as well throw away all your other skincare. Why? Because wearing an effective daily sunscreen is the BEST thing you can do for yourself now to prevent aging in the future.
Also, let’s just get this out of the way now… sunscreen in your moisturizer, foundation or powder DOES NOT COUNT. At least not the way we generally apply these products. Why? The amount of product you would have to use on your face to get the SPF number it says on the bottle is wayyyy more than you would ever want to use, especially in the case of foundations. For instance if your foundation says “with SPF 30” you would have to use approximately 7x more product to get the actual SPF 30 than most people apply (for powder that number is significantly higher). Ok now that we’ve covered that, let’s get to the fun stuff.
Just like any product, your skin type must be taken into consideration when choosing a sunscreen. So I’m breaking down my favorite facial sunscreens and which skin types they are best for! After all, the BEST sunscreen is the one you’re ACTUALLY GOING TO USE! So here they are, in no particular order. If you’re looking for a more exhaustive list of sun care must-haves- click here!
My Favorite Facial Sunscreen for Every Skin Type
1. Elta MD UV Elements - Dry & Mature Skin
This is a tinted sunscreen with SPF 50. This product is great for dry skin types and olive skin tones. It also contains some beneficial antioxidants to help mitigate free-radicals. I love that it protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays, but also by blocking 56% of HEV - a key trigger for conditions like hyperpigmentation.
Skin tip: You’ll notice that most of the products on this list are tinted. I almost exclusively wear tinted facial sunscreens because they contain iron oxides which help protect our skin from visible light which can worsen hyperpigmentation such as melasma and even redness.
2. Summer Fridays Shade Drops - Oily Skin
Such a beautiful, mattifying formula! It glides on like a serum, shielding skin from UVA and UVB rays, leaving a super natural finish. Bonus points for being lightweight and soothing.This one is non-tinted for those who prefer a colorless formula. I love this one on days I plan to use my usual skin tint or foundation on top.
3. ISDIN Ultralight Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 - Sun Damaged Skin
Like all tinted sunscreens, this one pretty much works double duty by protecting your skin and also subtly covering existing discoloration. While this one’s protective qualities are amazing, what really sets it apart is its sun damage reversal properties working to tackle signs of existing photoaging over time.
4. Kosas DreamBeam - Dry & Sensitive Skin
Another one of my favorite mineral sunscreens. I find it to be both gentle and nourishing. It’s jam-packed with peptides, hyaluronic acid and ceramides, making it super ideal for sensitive or drier skin types. I also appreciate that it’s not super sticky like some tinted sunscreens, so I almost never have build up on my hairline.
5. Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 - Makeup Lovers
This is a really lovely all mineral option that wears almost like a foundation. It hydrates and protects the skin, while providing an even and bright glow. If you want good coverage of discoloration or redness, this is a great option.
6. Supergoop PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 30 - For The Body
My go-to sunscreen for applying on my body. I love how well it absorbs and hydrates the skin. It also comes in a pump which I find so easy to use and reapply.
7. Bubble SPF 40 - For Teens & Budget Friendly
I love that this SPF isn’t greasy or chalky. I also just like that it’s not too sticky or irritating to the skin. I use both the tinted and non-tinted formulas! Plus, the packaging is fun and can be a great way to encourage your teen to apply (and re-apply).
Skin tip: The best sunscreen is the one you’ll wear. Don’t worry too much about mineral versus physical or other details. SPF 30, every day, tinted if you have rosacea or hyperpigmentation- the rest is just preference!
I believe that if you have a sunscreen you love you’ll be more likely to slather it on everyday. Trust me, for me to pick ONE product for the rest of my life, you know if must be pretty darn great for your skin.
xx Amy
Hungry for more? Check out my Comprehensive Skincare Guide in the Skinthusiast Shop!
**Disclaimer: This post does not constitute medical advice. Please speak to your Dermatology provider before adding any at home procedures or products into your routine!
***This post contains affiliate links.***
