Suncscreen Cosmetics For Outdoor Casual Use

Skin experts consistently cite sunscreen as the most important precaution you can take for skin health. While it helps protect and prevent skin cancer, it is also a way to protect the skin from the aging forms of UV radiation. As much as you think you might want that glow, remember that even a tan is technically a burn. So while National Sun Protection Day may be May 27, for skin experts, every day is National Sun Protection Day, even on cloudy days.

“It’s important to wear sunscreen every day,” confirmed Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist. “It should also be reapplied every two hours and after swimming or sweating.” Dr. King is passionate about protecting skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, including skin cancer, but also cosmetic issues like premature aging and hyperpigmentation, which is why she recommends wearing clothing, hats, and sunglasses with UPF protection. Because there are so many options to consider and questions to ask when selecting the SPF that’s right for you, we break it all down below.

The two main types of sunscreen are mineral (also known as physical) and chemical formulas, while hybrid formulas include both types. The bottom line is that most dermatologists prioritize finding a sunscreen that you’ll use consistently. That said, there are some important distinctions between the two types.

First of all, mineral sunscreens (i.e. zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) work immediately, meaning you can apply them and go straight outside, while chemical sunscreens (i.e. homosalate, avobenzone, octocrylene, etc.) require a 15-minute window to take effect. Mineral formulas are also praised for being photostable, meaning they remain effective when exposed to sunlight. The main concerns with mineral sunscreens come down to their texture and tone. Some formulas leave an ashy glow, especially noticeable on deeper skin tones, with a thicker product consistency. Chemical and hybrid formulas, on the other hand, absorb more like your typical moisturizer.

It should also be noted that certain chemical sunscreens undergo ongoing testing by the FDA before being designated GRASE, which stands for “generally recognized as safe and effective.” While this does not mean they have been deemed unsafe, certain chemical sunscreens have been found to be absorbed into the bloodstream at higher levels than previously thought, so the FDA is requesting more information on long-term exposure before to grant them the GRASE designation.

Some chemical sunscreens have also been linked to adverse effects in the environment, with oxybenzone specifically harming coral reefs (which is why Hawaii banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate in 2018). As Dr. Ben Van Handel, a stem cell biologist at the University of Southern California and co-founder of Heraux, explained: “Researchers show that ultraviolet light converts oxybenzone into a toxic derivative, [which requires algae found within the coral colony to detoxify it].” He said that as the concentration of oxybenzone in the water increases, “the algae can’t keep up and the corals die.” So if you use a chemical sunscreen, try to avoid oxybenzone. Considering that everything we flush eventually ends up in the oceans, the green types also tend to select non-nano zinc, which refers to the mineral’s particle size, out of caution for effects on marine life.

Apply Your Sunscreen

Dr. Sheila Farhang, a board-certified dermatologist and “dermfluencer” who is also a skin cancer surgeon, offered three top tips for applying your sunscreen. First, he said to get sun care advice from reputable skin experts rather than, say, TikTokers or influencers. Second, he noted that certain supplements might help with sun protection, citing research on vitamin B3. Finally, when applying your chosen SPF, focus on the commonly overlooked areas where skin cancer can appear: the scalp, ears, lips, and face, all of which are easy to remember by the acronym “S.E.L.F.” Another warning from experts is that trendy powder formulas are better for touching up your protection during the day, but not for use as a first line of defense.

Choose Your Sunscreen

This is a lot of information to digest, and the beauty industry is literally overflowing with sun protection options for all skin tones, lifestyles, and preferences. So Dr. King explained: “I recommend physical sunscreens (ie zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) because they block a wide range of UV wavelengths and are photostable,” she said. “There are also fewer concerns about its possible adverse effects on both the body and the environment.” She assured us that mineral formulas have come a long way from their chalky predecessors. Plus, they also come in tinted formulas.

“Use something that feels good on your skin,” recommended board-certified dermatologist Nava Greenfield of Schweiger Dermatology Group. “New powder, stick and gel formulations are available from many brands to meet everyone’s preferences.” There are even multitasking sunscreen formulas that prep skin for makeup and impart cosmetic coverage, and even sprays that can set makeup. Skin care devotees can also find formulas that offer beneficial active ingredients like a skin care serum. Esthetician doctor Amy Peterson, founder of Miami Medspa, recommended looking for vitamin C, licorice root, and vitamin E to maximize the effects of your sun protection.

Dr. Farhang recommended this pure mineral formula from the cult favorite Australian drugstore brand. Tip: The cap turns blue in the presence of UV light as a helpful reminder to protect your skin.

The beauty of this drugstore pick is its incorporation of soothing blue tansy and niacinamide that strengthens the skin’s barrier. This makes mineral SPF a great budget option for sensitive skin.

The beloved French drugstore brand offers this form of tinted mineral SPF that is applied very smoothly to the face using titanium oxide as a physical sunscreen.

This best-selling, award-winning mineral primer is a hero SKU from this beloved Australian brand featuring “vegan collagen.” They also offer an SPF chemical setting spray that is perfect for “recharging” throughout the day.

Celebrity esthetician Kasey Boone loves this SPF spray that can set her makeup or wear on its own. The mineral sunscreen liquid includes blueberry and shiri fruit extracts, which benefit the skin with vitamins C and E.

Get your daily dose of vitamin C, niacinamide, and allantoin with CC-like tinted coverage and SPF 40 protection. Ideal for the “skinimalists” of the bunch, this mineral multitasker goes on like a serum and serves as a one-step solution before starting the day.

Meet mineral SPF that preps skin for foundation with a subtle tint. It also includes vitamins C, E and niacinamide for added protection, as well as soothing esters of jojoba and chamomile.

The beauty of a CC cream is that it’s a one-step product for days when you want to get up and go. In addition to the mineral blocker titanium dioxide, your skin benefits from stem cells and oils for a little more love.

Tulip Dew Vitamins and Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, $65
For a “clean” luxury selection with the benefits of a serum, look no further than this lightly tinted mineral sunscreen serum. Its patented Dutch Tulip Complex offers antioxidants, moisture and amino acids to pamper skin while protecting it.

Hyperpigmentation is notoriously difficult to treat, and sunscreen is an essential step when dealing with this skin problem. Urban Skin is a line designed especially for uneven skin tones, making this grapefruit extract-infused option appealing to those with unwanted pigmentation.

Lips can’t tan, but they sure can get burned. To help prevent sun damage to lips, this moisturizing balm includes zinc oxide and vitamins C and E for protection and glycerin and Hydromanil® for hydration.

This certified plastic-neutral company got a pre-launch waiting list of 1,000 for this mineral newbie. The tinted SPF was designed not to leave a tint on medium skin tones, plus it nourishes skin with recycled rose oil along with balancing squalane and barrier-friendly ceramides.

Every purchase from this earth-loving brand removes 1 pound of plastic, the equivalent of 22 water bottles, from the oceans. The mineral sunscreen comes in SPF 30 and 50 and supports skin with aloe vera, coconut, sea buckthorn oil, and antioxidants from green tea.

The green beauty brand has just launched its first primer mineral sunscreen. It’s infused with hibiscus, jasmine, and desert rose flowers to give skin an extra lift while blurring pores, soothing, protecting, and prepping skin for foundation.

Mineral Zinc Oxide Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30, $28
Those with temperamental skin types should consider this newcomer from FAB, known for its products that are friendly to sensitive skin. Soothing avocado oil and soothing vitamin E make this a soothing form of mineral protection.

This mineral sunscreen was specially developed for those with sensitive and breakout-prone skin with soothing, anti-inflammatory botanicals and added peptides for skin health. Note: If your skin tends to react to green ingredients, go for the former.