These high-rated SPF products will keep your skin safe all year long.
Want to keep your sun protection routine at its healthiest this summer? We have your skin covered - literally - with this guide to Beautytap experts’ favorite new sun care products. Whether you’re lounging by a pool or perpetually on the go, these products keep you protected for every step of your day.
First, A Little Sunscreen Refresher
When applying sunscreen, the first step is to choose one that aligns with your skin type and your sun care goals.
Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin like a lotion, causing a chemical reaction that turns UV light into heat when it hits your skin. Physical sunscreen (also called mineral sunscreen) blocks UV light from ever hitting your skin at all by using a protective barrier of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and absorbing up to 95% of sun rays.
If you have sensitive skin, most dermatologists suggest that you opt for physical sunscreen over chemical. And some derms believe you should always choose physical sunscreen, no matter what. “Chemical sunscreens, due to the nature of having to be absorbed into the skin, can interact and cause irritation, rashes or clogged pores,” says dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden. “Another downside to a chemical sunscreen is that the sun has to actually touch and reach the skin, whereas a physical sunscreen is blocking the UV rays from ever touching the skin.”
Coolibar Sun Protection Wear
Sunscreen In a Bottle and In Your Apparel
Dr. Goldfaden suggests creating a physical barrier between your skin and the sun whenever possible, both with your sunscreen and your clothes. “[Choose] a physical sunscreen that contains physical blocking mineral ingredient zinc oxide,” he explained to Beautytap. “Zinc oxide will sit on the surface of the skin creating a protective barrier from UVA and UVB rays. These are white in color and work immediately on application. Another type of physical block can be clothing, sunglasses, or a hat and even better if made from UVA protective material.”
He also advises wearing a minimum of SPF 30 every day, no matter your skin tone, even if an afternoon at the beach isn’t on your horizon. “Just because you don’t feel the heat of the sun, that doesn’t mean that harmful UV rays are not harming the skin,” Dr. Goldfaden explains. “You can get sunburned in the middle of winter when there’s three feet of snow on the ground and it’s 10 degrees below zero. Sunscreen should be worn always if you’re going to be spending time
When To Apply and Reapply
When applying sunscreen, make sure to cover every part of the body that the sun touches. “Don't forget to apply it on your scalp, lips, nose, ears, and neck - areas that are often neglected but can still be damaged by the sun's rays,” advises dermatologist Dr. Alberto de la Fuente Garcia. “Don't forget to use lip balm with SPF as well,” he adds. Yes, our lips need protection too.
Whether you’re lathering up with a chemical sunscreen or a physical/mineral version, it’s important to apply them about 15 minutes before sun exposure.
If you’re spending time in direct sunlight, including the beach, the pool, or cruising on a boat, reapply your sunscreen every 30-45 minutes. Reapply every time you swim, even if your sunscreen is waterproof.
New Sun Care Technology
The sunscreen scene is rapidly evolving. One trend gaining popularity on the shelves lately is a sun-protection pill. The pills contain antioxidants that may be able to give your skin a base level of sun protection, but more research is needed. However, it’s important to know that these pills are absolutely supplementary and are meant to work with other sun protection measures like sunscreen. As they stand right now, these pills cannot protect your skin on their own.
Sun care pros are also hard at work on developing products with a wider range of protection. “A good quality sunscreen should contain UVA, UVB, HEV, and IRA protection,” suggests Dr. de la Fuente Garcia. Sunscreens offered in the United States don’t always cover each of these factors, but the outlook is sunny (pun intended) that American sunscreen retailers may soon have the option to implement certain ingredients and sun protection ratings that are currently only found in the European Union and Asia.
Beauty Expert Sun Care Product Picks for 2023
Tuck these into your beach bag for your safest – and most stylish – summer yet.
Bliss Block Star Sheer Sunscreen
Created by the beloved spa brand Bliss, this sweat- and water-resistant sunscreen offers SPF 50 protection and 80 minutes of water resistance for your sunniest days. It blocks against both UVB and UVA rays, and slides on with a smooth, silky texture. Our favorite thing about this formula is its non-comedogenic approach to hydration, which can help counteract the drying effect of the sun. It’s also better for the planet: Bliss is a B Corp, and Block Star is made in a
Vacation SPF 50 Super Spritzer Face Mist
Vacation’s vintage branding pairs an awesomely ‘80s aesthetic with the best modern sun care technology that 2023 has to offer. This easy, breezy, invisible face mist can sit comfortably over makeup and is perfect for quick sunscreen reapplication on the go. Super Spritzer’s vegan formula has a lightweight, refreshing feel and dries in a snap. And did we mention the scent is swoon-worthy? Keep it in your purse for quick mists all summer long.
Vacation Baby Oil SPF 30
Summer nostalgia without the sunburn! Our mothers before us may have risked dangerous sunburns by tanning with baby oil in decades past, but this sunscreen oil offers a safe and luxurious twist on the ritual. With SPF 30 protection and an instantly iconic “baby oil accord” scent, Baby Oil SPF 30 brings all the perks of oil without the risk. In addition to sun protection, this mineral oil-free formula delivers rich hydration and a summery shine.
Vacation After Sun Gel
This isn’t your childhood aloe vera. Instead of the goopy stuff that you slathered onto your sun burns as a kid, this After Sun Gel is non-sticky and alcohol-free. With a light, smooth feel and fragrance, this formula glides on without the “ick” factor you might remember from growing up. In addition to aloe vera, it’s packed with other soothing ingredients like cucumber, vitamin B3, vitamin E, prickly pear, and hyaluronic acid.
Theraderm Cool Skin
When your sunburn hurts, Cool Skin feels just like magic - thanks to the power of innovative burn treatment science. This liquid formula quickly eases pain, blistering, redness, and swelling. In addition to cooling down warm burns, Cool Skin uses lactic acid to intervene with the body’s gene response and immune reaction, which may reportedly help heal the damage of sunburns. Use it 4-6 hours after spending time in the sun to stop your burn in its tracks.
From soft sand beaches to fauna-coated hiking trails, stay sun safe out there!
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