The Ultimate Guide to All Things SPF

As the summer quickly approaches, I know you’re all ready for pool days, boat rides, beach lounging, and in general, enjoying that summertime sunshine. Me too! But, it is so important that you protect your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays.

There are a lot of sunscreen options out there but I never recommend a product or procedure without first testing it out myself. So this sunscreen guide is brought to you by many rounds of online orders, product testing, and evaluation. Check out the links to all my favorites below – from everyday face, to scalp-specific protection, even the best sunscreen for babies – and grab the right SPF for your skin.

the best sunscreen for summer

WHAT MAKES UP A "GOOD" SUNSCREEN?

All of the sunscreens I chose meet my skin protection requirements with a minimum of 30 SPF and broad-spectrum coverage (to protect against both UVA “aging” rays and UVB “burning” rays). However, it’s up to you to apply and reapply these products correctly to make sure you don’t get burned. The best practice for sunscreen application is to cover the exposed areas of your face and body with about two tablespoons, or one shot glass, of sunscreen, setting aside a nickel-sized dollop for your face alone. You’ll have to repeat this process every two hours for proper reapplication!

THE BEST SUNSCREEN FOR EVERYDAY WEAR

For Anti-Aging Everyday Face (Tinted Sunscreen): Revision Intellishade Original

I love that this is a 5-in-1 product - it is hands down my favorite anti-aging sunscreen on the market. Not only is it a sunscreen (SPF 45!), but it is also a moisturizer, foundation (matches virtually every skin tone!), antioxidant, and peptide treatment. This is my “desert island” product - you won’t find me without it! 
Revision Intellishade Original
Revision Intellishade Clear

For Anti-Aging Everyday Face (Non-Tinted Sunscreen): Revision Intellishade Clear

If you love the idea of Intellishade Original but prefer a non-tinted option, this is it! This is also a favorite among men!

For Anti-Aging Everyday Face + A Matte Finish: Revision Intellishade Matte

This is for my oily girls, or if you just overall like a matte finish to your skin. Same great benefits of Intellishade Original, minus the shine!

Revision Intellishade Matte
Revision Intellishade TruPhysical

For Sensitive Skin Everyday Face: Revision Intellishade TruPhysical

If you prefer a tinted sunscreen free of chemical filters but still anti-aging, this one’s for you!

For Acne-Prone Faces: EltaMD UV Clear

If you’re acne-prone, chances are you’re probably hesitant to wear sunscreen daily because it seems like they all break you out. Well trust me on this one - this is my go-to for all of my acne-prone patients and you’ve got to try it!
Elta MD UV Clear Sunscreen
Cerave AM Moisturizing Lotion

For My Bargain Shoppers: Cerave AM Moisturizing Lotion

Affordable (under $15!) yet effective - not to mention convenient. Grab it at the grocery or drug store whenever you’re in a pinch.

For Everyday Body Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Lotion

Feels like a regular body lotion, not a sunscreen!

Elta MD UV Lotion
Perfection Protection Powdered SPF

For All Day Reapplication: Perfection Protection Powdered SPF

I don’t leave my house without this guy! Fast, easy reapplication without the mess of a liquid. Great for reapplication over makeup!  Reminder: you’re supposed to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours!

The Best Everyday SPF for Kids: Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion

This lotion absorbs easily into the skin and doesn't feel sticky, so kids love it!
Supergoop! Play Everyday Sunscreen

 

THE BEST SUNSCREEN FOR POOL DAYS & VACATIONS

The perfect long-lasting, water-resistant SPF products.

Thinbaby Mineral Sunscreen

The Best Sunscreen for Babies: Thinkbaby Mineral Baby Sunscreen

The Best Water Resistant Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Cooling Water

Water Resistant Sunscreen
UV Mist SPF 30

For Full Body SPF Coverage: UV Mist SPF 30

Water resistant and packed with antioxidants (Vitamins C & E) for powerful antioxidant protection.

For Your Lips: EltaMD UV Lip Balm

This moisturizing lip sunscreen soothes and protects dry, chapped lips!
EltaMD SPF Lip Balm
Supergoop! Poof Sunscreen Spray

For Your Scalp: Supergoop! Poof Part Powder

Feels similar to a dry shampoo while also protecting your scalp!


AND JUST FOR FUN

For My Glam Girls: Supergoop! Resetting Spray

An easy way to reapply your sunscreen without ruining your makeup!
Supergoop! Resetting Spray

WHY YOU SHOULD WEAR SUNSCREEN

The start of the summer just so happens to align with Skin Cancer Awareness Month. So for those of you who still need convincing to pull the trigger on that sunscreen order, I’ll leave you with a few staggering statistics.

  • Skin cancer accounts for more than 50% of all cancers combined.
  • 3 people die of skin cancer every hour.
  • Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.
  • Even one indoor tanning session can increase the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 67%. (Plus, more people develop skin cancer from tanning beds than develop lung cancer from smoking!!)
  • Indoor tanning before age 35 can increase your risk of melanoma by 59%.

So wear your sunscreen people!!! And don’t forget to schedule your annual body check with a dermatologist!