Protect Your Skin By the Pool With the Best Sunscreens
There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to buying sunscreens. What is the right one for your skin? Which one is best? How often do I need to apply it? Questions like these that you may have are the reason why we made this buying guide. It will help narrow your search and make a decision on the best sunscreen for your skin’s protection.
Summer is quickly approaching, and we could not be more excited! Everyone’s looking forward to it and you’ve probably already outlined all the awesome water sports you’re going to be doing on the beach. All that’s left to do is to make a choice from the top-of-the-line sunscreens in 2024 to help keep the harmful sun rays at bay and protect your skin. You certainly don’t want a nasty sunburn putting a halt to your carefully laid out plan and ruining all your fun.
Our Top Picks
- Buyer’s Guide: Finding Your Top Sunscreen
- 1 What Do I Need to Know Before Buying Sunscreen?
- 2 SPF rating
- 3 What Are the Types of UV Radiation?
- 4 UVA (Ultra Violet A)
- 5 UVB (Ultra Violet B)
- 6 What Are the Sunscreens for Different Skin Types?
- 7 Sensitive skin
- 8 Oily skin
- 9 Dry Skin
- 10 How Much Would Sunscreen Cost?
- 11 How Often Do I Need to Apply Sunscreen?
- People Also Asked
Compare the Premium Sunscreen of 2024
Top Pick
The Supergoop Sunscreen is an incredible choice to protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun. This invisible, weightless, scentless formula provides oil-free protection for all skin types, tones, and lifestyles. It can be worn alone or as a primer before you apply makeup. This sunscreen filters out all of the damaging UVA, UVB, and IRA rays, as well as the blue light emitted from your cell phone, computer, and tablet. It is made of clean, powerful ingredients such as soothing frankincense and hydrating meadowfoam seed that nourishes and protects your skin.
Pros
- Won’t plug up pores
- Velvety texture
- Weightless formula
Cons
- Expensive
Key Features
Unlike other sunscreens, it does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, making it reef-friendly. It has a velvety texture that leaves a matte finish on your skin which makes it great for guys too as it does not have an oily feeling. The best part about this sunscreen is that it truly feels like nothing when it is on and does not feel heavy or greasy on your skin.
Runner Up
The Sdara Skincare Mineral Sunscreen is a unique and highly beneficial sun protection option. It ticks all the important boxes for skin health, environmental sustainability, and quality.
Pros
- Combines sun protection with hydration
- Smooth and light with a pleasant scent
- Spreads and absorbs well
Cons
- Not suitable for those with very dry skin
Key Features
This sunscreen is reef friendly and contains natural ingredients, making it a safe and effective SPF 30 mineral sunscreen. The ingredients are paraben-free and fragrance-free, so you can be sure of the sunscreen’s gentleness on even the most sensitive skin. Its unique formula protects the skin while helping slow the aging process. Additionally, the packaging is sustainable and made from industrially compostable Sugarcane.
Best Against Aging
This tinted mineral sunscreen works well on many skin types and offers three key functions: protection, repair and correction. It protects your skin against the sun, repairs previous damages and corrects your skin’s tone to give it an even, harmonious look.
Pros
- Powerful active ingredients
- Fights the signs of aging
- Corrects skin tone
Cons
- Expensive compared to others
Key Features
This sunscreen from Isdin is specially formulated to battle the signs of aging that are often worsened or hastened with too much sun exposure. It offers SPF 50 protection against both UVA and UVB rays and features key ingredients like zinc oxide to protect your skin on even the sunniest and hottest days.
Best for Sensitive Skin
This mineral-based sunscreen is great for sensitive skin and skin conditions such as; acne, rosacea, and discoloration. It is non-greasy and fragrance-free.
Pros
- It is suitable for sensitive skin
- It is fragrance-free
- It deeply moisturizes
Cons
- Produced specifically for facial application
Key Features
This product provides an SPF 46+ protection and is contained in a 1.7 oz. bottle and is 50 millimeters in volume. It is non-greasy, fragrance-free, and is specially produced to tackle facial skin problems as well as prevent harmful rays of the sun. This lotion is available in tinted and untinted formulas and provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB sun rays.
Honorable Mention
This product is water-resistant for up to 80 mins and absorbs quickly. It is a high-performance sunscreen specially designed for athletes.
Pros
- It is water-resistant
- It is great for all skin types
- Dries out fast
Cons
- It may be a little pricey
Key Features
This product comes in a 2-in-1 pack. It has clinically proven UVA and UVB protection against harmful sun rays. It is contained in a 12 oz. The spray bottle has an easy-grip body and a twist and lock top. It provides SPF 30 protection and is an invisible clear spray. This spray sunscreen was specially formulated to withstand sweat and water and is non-greasy.
Contender
This product provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection that protects your skin up from up to 98% of the sun’s most damaging sun rays. It comes in spray form.
Pros
- Great for water sports
- It water-resistant
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Specifically made for adults
Key Features
The Copperstone sunscreen spray is a high-performance broad-spectrum SPF 50 spray that lasts up to 80 minutes after application. It dries out quickly, is non-greasy, and is water or sweat-resistant. This product contains moisturizer and vitamin E to refuel your skin’s antioxidant defenses. This product comes in a 3 in 1 pack and is contained in a 5.5 oz. each spray bottle with twist and lock covers.
Also Consider
This product is reef-friendly and vegan. This moisturizing lotion is packed with vitamin E and is approved by dermatologists.
Pros
- It has a pleasing scent
- Can serve as a moisturizer
- Mild on skin
Cons
- It may not be suitable for sweaty activities.
Key Features
This product provides a broad spectrum of SPF 50 UVA/UVB protection. It is made without any harmful chemicals and deeply moisturizes as well as protects the skin from harmful rays of the sun. This product provides protection for up to about 80 minutes and has to be reapplied every 2 hours. It comes in a plastic 8 oz. bottle with a press-to-release cap.
Another Option
This product dries on the skin fast and is water and sweat-resistant. It is recommended by the skin cancer foundation and has an exotic fragrance.
Pros
- Deeply moisturizes the skin
- Has a pleasing scent
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- It may be too pricey
Key Features
This product provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB sun rays. It is available in SPF 15, 30, and 50. It does not clog pores and leaves a luminous finish on the skin after application. The product provides protection for up to about 80 minutes. It comes in a 12.8 plastic bottle and has an easy-open lid. This product is made with fruits and shea butter extracts and is suitable for all skin types.
Great For Skin
This sheer light coverage tinted cream can be worn alone or serve as a base for makeup or other moisturizers. It is fragrance and chemical filters free.
Pros
- It can be used as a primer or base
- It is 100% mineral-based
- It leaves a luminous finish on the skin
Cons
- Not suitable for all skin types
Key Features
This product was formulated with three essential ceramides that restore the skin’s natural barriers and lock in moisture. This product is a 100% mineral-based sunscreen and provides SPF 30 protection against harmful rays of the sun. It has a universal tint and leaves the skin with a healthy glow. This product is contained in a 1.7 oz. tube with easy-open snap covers.
Also Recommended
This product is light, easily absorbs into the skin, and does not contain any oily residue. It can serve as a great base for other moisturizers.
Pros
- Easy absorbent
- Suitable for all skin types
- Provides protection for up to 80 mins
Cons
- It may not be the best option for kids
Key Features
This product is non-greasy and is rated broad-spectrum SPF 100+. This sunscreen lotion comes in a 3 oz. bottle and is 88 millimeters in volume. This product is formulated with helioplex for superior sun protection for the skin. It provides all-around protection and leaves a matte finish on the skin after application.
Buyer’s Guide: Finding Your Top Sunscreen
When summertime is approaching, everyone’s excited about how much fun they’re going to have skiing or surfing on the beach. Lists of all the watersports to partake in are being written and plans are being made. One important thing on that list that people fail to factor in is the best sunscreen for skin protection.
Grabbing sunscreen from a grocery counter wouldn’t quite cut it. They are some important information you need to know to help you pick out the best sunscreen for your skin. Any random pick may not be the best bet for your skin protection. Asides from nasty sunburns that can ruin your summer, being in the sun without protection can increase your chances of getting skin cancer. Scary I know, but it is something to keep in mind.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and ample application of the right sunscreen would greatly reduce the potential risk of having one. Here’s what you need to know before buying sunscreen.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying Sunscreen?
Sunscreens are only effective when they are used right. Factors you need to consider before selecting and using one have been listed below:
SPF rating
Sun protection factor (SPF) is a measure of how well the sunscreen shields the skin from ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Dermatologists recommend that the lowest SPF one should go for is an SPF 15 – this blocks out about 93 percent of UVB rays. A higher SPF content simply means that it offers more protection from the sun. When buying sunscreen, ensure that you get one that has a “broad spectrum” or UVA/UVB written on its body. This simply means that the sunscreen would protect your skin from both UVA and UVA rays.
What Are the Types of UV Radiation?
The sun emits different types of light rays, but two of them, in particular, are responsible for damaging your skin and causing nasty sunburns, dark spots as well an accelerated aging process.
UVA (Ultra Violet A)
These are rays from the sun that penetrates into the skin and causes damage. UVA rays are working even when you can’t feel your skin burning. These rays can get through glass so if you are sitting in the car under the sun or by the window in view of direct sunlight, you’re not safe from the UVA ray.
UVB (Ultra Violet B)
This type of sun ray comes with shorter wavelengths shorter than UVA. It cannot penetrate through glass but is responsible for sunburn – a red painful, itchy skin that is hot to the touch and may also blister. Both UVA and UVB rays cause skin cancer and signs of aging if one spends a lot of time under the sun.
What Are the Sunscreens for Different Skin Types?
Sensitive skin
If you have really sensitive skin that reacts to certain products, you should use sunscreen which contains ingredients that are mild on the skin. A sunscreen with high SPF and has ‘noncomedogenic’ written on it would be your best bet.
Oily skin
Some sunscreens can be really sticky and greasy for people with oily skin. Creamy sunscreens may not be a great idea. For extremely oily skin, water-based sunscreens are what you should opt-in for. You can also use a sunscreen that has a matte finish or one that has ‘noncomedogenic’ written on it so that your skin wouldn’t be so shiny after application.
Dry Skin
A person with dry and flaky skin should go for sunscreens that deeply moisturize as well protect their skin. A sunscreen that contains hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, etc. with a high SPF content would be ideal.
How Much Would Sunscreen Cost?
When it comes to protecting your skin we don’t really think cost should be a factor. But, thankfully sunscreens fall on the cheaper side and even if you’re on a budget, you can get sunscreen for as low as 8$ and as high as 50$ or more.
How Often Do I Need to Apply Sunscreen?
Sunscreen should be applied often for the most effectiveness. The best sunscreen usually lasts for up to 80 minutes and should be reapplied every 2 hours. After application, wait for 10-15mins for it to set in before you head out into the sun.
People Also Asked
Is sunscreen safe to wear every day?
Whatever type of sunscreen you decide to go with, dermatologists recommend that you wear it every day because UV damage accumulates underneath your skin throughout your life. It is also important to note that sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours.
What are the types of sunscreen?
There are several types of sunscreen such as; lotion, cream, gel, and spray.
What should I look out for on a sunscreen label?
The first thing to do is to look out for products with a “broad spectrum” label or one with UVA/UVB written on it. Sunscreen with SPF 15 and above is recommended by dermatologists.