What are your favorite sunscreens?

My favorite sunscreen is whichever one you will use consistently! Sunscreens all have different textures and people vary in which ones they like to use and what qualities are important to them. I generally recommend chemical sunscreens over physical sunscreens unless you have allergies or aversions to the UV blocking ingredients. That is because repeated studies have shown that people apply physical sunscreens less frequently and less densely than chemical sunscreens because physical sunscreens can have a thicker texture or whiter appearance.

When you don’t apply enough sunscreen or don’t re-apply frequently enough, they don’t give you the advertised SPF protection and they don’t work as well in a real-world setting.

That said, mineral or physical sunscreens are also great for people who prefer them or have allergies. There are lots of sunscreen products available and there’s a sunscreen out there for everyone! Here are a list of my favorite ones:

For the face:

  • Best For everyday use or those with oily or acne-prone skin:
    • Elta MD UV clear tinted or untinted- mineral based sunscreen in a lightweight formulation that doesn’t clog pores. Must re-apply often.
  • Best local brand:
    • Coola Classic Face Sunscreen – unscented and lightweight
  • Best for a lightweight feel
    • La Roche Posay Antihelios Light Fluid Sunscreen
  • Best for people who are prone to melasma
    • Tizo3 Tinted Sunscreen – with iron oxide, which helps to protect against visible light which is also important in melasma

For the body:

  • Best lightweight sunscreen
    • Coola Organic Classic Body Sunscreen (scented or fragrance-free)
    • Neutrogena hydroboost- Lightweight with a nice texture but has a scent that might be too strong for some people
  • Best sunscreen with a delicious scent
    • Coola Organic Classic Body Sunscreen- lightweight, non-greasy, soft, lovely fragrances
  • Best moisturizing sunscreen
    • Aveeno hydrate and protect- lightweight moisturizer combined with a sunscreen with a light scent. Available at your local drug store
  • Best for people with sensitive or allergy-prone skin
    • Vanicream sunscreen. Somewhat thick and whitish when applied but low in allergens and great for sensitive skin
  • Best organic sunscreen
    • Coola Mineral Organic Body Sunscreen

What are your favorite sun protection tips?

  • Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes or whenever you get out of the water or towel off
  • Use SPF 30 or more
  • Remember to apply to everywhere, including commonly missed areas like your ears, nose, shoulders, and back
  • Apply generously. You should use at least a shot glass quantity of sunscreen PER application for the entire body
  • If you’re going to be outside for a long time, consider UV protective clothing instead of sunscreen (you don’t need to remember to re-apply!). There are lots of brands that make lightweight clothing that is appropriate even for hot weather.
  • AVOID TANNING BEDS