I'm 28 and Never Wore Face Sunscreen Until I Found This Product





Ingredients That Matter

The ingredient list on any beauty product can be difficult to decipher, let alone understand and compare. "Sunscreen is divided into two basic groups based on how it protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation," Nazarian explains. Physical or mineral sunscreen contains blockers that "reflect the radiation by acting as a shield." They are primarily made of two main ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. 

By contrast, chemical sunscreen work by neutralizing damaging UV rays as they hit the skin. They usually contain avobenzone and oxybenzone. "Very few people have irritation when using the physical blockers, while sensitive-skin-types may experience irritation such as slight tingling, itching, or redness after using chemical blockers," she says.

If you're tossing up between a mineral sunscreen and a lotion, Nazarian says it ultimately comes down to the application. "In order to achieve the SPF level advertised on the product label, you must apply the product (whether lotion or powder) sufficiently and liberally," she says. "If you are only using a light dusting of powder you’re unlikely to have effective protection—so when in doubt, apply a layer of lotion SPF below it."


The application will depend on the type of sunscreen you've chosen. "Chemical sunscreens need to be absorbed directly into the skin to work properly, so always apply these first," she explains. "Physical blockers can be applied before or after other ingredients, depending on their form."

Face sunscreen needs to work in tandem with your existing products, so Nazarian recommends checking with your dermatologist to make sure they complement each other. "If you are using a lot of other products in the morning, always check with your board-certified dermatologist about mixing. Many products that contain glycolic acid, or other alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids (among other chemicals!) may degrade the active ingredients in your sunscreen." The bottom line: When in doubt, chat with an expert.

Standout Products

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Spf 40
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 $44

Of all the sunscreens I tested, this is the one I use every single morning. Supergoop's formula is exactly what I was looking for: It's lightweight, scent-free, feels like a primer, and doesn't make my face look like an oil slick. Bonus: You only need the smallest dollop for full-face coverage. 

Hyrdopeptide Solar Defense Tinted $48

This color-adjusting sunscreen goes on white then changes to match your skin tone. Be sure to "break up" the pigment by rubbing the lotion between your fingers, first, then evenly blend on your face and neck. 

Spf 30 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face
Clinique Spf 30 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face $28

A perfect option for summer vacations, this Clinique sunscreen comes in a one-ounce container that fits in your purse or carry-on. It does have a slight sunscreen scent, which dissipates when rubbed in. 

Arbonne Advanced Prepwork Soft Focus Veil Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen $35

This lightly-tinted lotion offers less coverage than Hydropeptide but more than a classic face sunscreen. The formula is said to blur pores and small lines, but I just liked the natural, lightweight formula that sits well under foundation. 

Prefer organic products? Shop these 11 organic sunscreens to protect your skin this summer. 

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