Every day, you should wear sunscreen. Yes, even in the depths of a Maine winter I used SPF in my face lotion. Why? Because it doesn’t have to be the height of summer for sun exposure to occur. To be quite honest, I am quite prepared to go to any lengths to keep my face as wrinkle-free as possible for as long as I can. Call it vanity, but if a simple thing such as using a facial moisturizer with SPF in it helps, I’ll take it!

I also would like to avoid any potential nasty skin cancer. I’ve already exposed my poor body to enough of the brutal suns rays growing up in South Africa, so you can bet your bottom dollar that I am going to pack sunscreen in my beach bag, along with a hat, sunglasses, cute flip flops, and an adorable beach towel.

If wrinkles and cancer don’t scare you off, how about hyperpigmentation? Yep, those delightfully little brown spots that just scream age! I am going to help my body avoid visible signs of aging all while still enjoying the sun.

So what do I look for in a sunscreen? I always go for one labeled “Broad-spectrum” because it means it protects against both UVA AND UVB rays. UVA rays are the ones that make you age quicker causing wrinkles and sunspots, and UVB are the ones that cause you sunburn. Overexposure of both can cause skin cancer.

Consider the Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

SPF is a measure of how much UVB light sunscreen can filter out. A 30 SPF is recommended. Why? Because an SPF 30 blocks out about 97 percent of UVB rays, and an SPF 15 only 93 percent.

It’s important to apply enough sunscreen to any exposed area of skin every day. How much should you apply? If you are going to suntan on the beach, a shot glass of sunscreen would be a good measure. Don’t skimp, a liberal application will make sure you are covered. Remember, water-resistant doesn’t mean waterproof. No sunscreens are waterproof or sweatproof. You need to reapply frequently, every 2 hours is ideal.

Spray, lotion, stick or gel?

That’s all your personal choice. The most important thing is that you actually use a sunscreen. I know that on my face for daily use, I like one that doesn’t smell, doesn’t feel greasy or give a white chalky look. On my body, I like a light, non-greasy sunscreen.

1. EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

My teenage daughters love this. It’s great for acne-prone skin and contains zinc oxide. If my daughters think that sunscreen will cause breakouts, they won’t use it, but the rave about this one.

2. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 100+

You can’t have enough SPF for your face. Since we don’t tend to apply enough sunscreen, or often enough, for sure this one with SPF 100 gives you more protection. An added bonus is that it is very reasonably priced.

3. Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 50- 0.21oz

Available in four shades, this powder sunscreen is fabulous for on-the-go sunscreen touch-ups. There’s nothing worse than messing up your make-up to reapply sunscreen. This you can easily layer over your make-up and it goes on really easily.

4. Olay SPF 35 Face Lotion plus Shine Control

Do you have an oily skin? Do you balk at the idea of wearing sunscreen on your face because you don’t want to look oily and shine like a disco ball? Well, this sunscreen is for you! The matte formulation absorbs oil so you never have to worry about looking shiny.

5. MDsolarSciences Mineral Beauty Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 50

If you really dislike the white, chalky look of zinc sunscreens, then this tinted mineral sunscreen with a light/medium tint, completely oil and fragrance-free is amazing and can be worn alone, or I often use it as a primer under my foundation.

6. COOLA Full Spectrum 360 Mineral Sun Silk Creme Sunscreen

An oil-free, airy-light Sun Silk Crème that gently glides on to form a transparent mineral veil for sun, digital, and pollution protection. Finally, a facial sunscreen that is not greasy! Immediately soaks into the skin and leaves no white haze. Great to wear as is or under foundation.

7. THRIVE Natural Face Moisturizer & Mineral Facial Sunscreen SPF 30

I like to wear a moisturizer and sunscreen in one for ease. This oil-free moisturizer is great for both men and women. It hydrates, nourishes and protects from harmful UVA/UVB rays.
The ingredients and packaging are eco-friendly, and you will LOVE this product and wish it came in a bigger size bottle!

Supergoop! Everyday SPF 50 Sunscreen For Face and Body, with Sunflower Extract

Don’t let the name fool you. There is nothing goopy or sticky about this, and the scent is heavenly… it’s made with natural extracts of citrus, basil, and bois de rose, so you’ll leave that typical sunscreen smell behind.

8. Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ (6 ounce)

Finding a baby-safe sunscreen is a top priority for new moms. This mineral-based (Zinc Oxide) sunscreen goes on smoothly and doesn’t feel sticky. The best thing? That is free of harmful chemicals and waterproof. If you want a safe, and effective sunscreen for your little one, this one is for you.

9. EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF

This is a 2 for 1 product. An amazing suncreen and foundation all in one. It’s light and non-greasy. You won’t break out with this effective sunscreen, it’s very lightly tinted and doesn’t give that white ghost look that so many zinc products cast. The most you will need is a little powder to set it. This facial sunscreen is one that is well worth the price tag.

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