SPFs to Smear By
We've rounded up our top sunscreens of the summer and included something for everyone, whether you're looking for the strongest full-body protection against UV rays or a gentler, all-natural formula for sensitive skin. Check out our product picks, shopping tips, and expert advice for staying safe in the sun.
Get Your Vitamins
Most sunscreen formulas are now enriched with antioxidants (in many cases, the same ones that should be appearing on your plate). “Sun damage starts on the skin's surface, so it makes sense to have an extra level of free-radical protection,” says Loretta Ciraldo, M.D., a dermatologist in Miami. She also recommends using an antioxidant-rich face and body lotion overnight, since inflammation brews for hours after sun exposure.
Read the Labels
Scan labels for antioxidants like green tea, soy, mushroom extracts, lycopene, vitamins A, C, or E, which should be high up on the ingredients list.
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Consider Chemical
Once you've started eye-balling labels, you'll want to consider the type of sunscreen and, of course, the SPF. Chemical sunscreens rely on ingredients like mexoryl, avobenzone, or oxybenzone for UV protection. They spread easily, feel light, and can offer sky-high SPFs, but they're more likely to irritate sensitive skin than physical sunscreens, which are made from the minerals titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
Versus Physical
Physical sunscreens, on the other hand, top out at around SPF 45, but they're nonirritating and safe for all skin types, including kids'.
