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Sunscreen is my #1 skincare product.
Sunscreen is something I never leave the house without. Protecting our skin from damaging UVA/UVB and blue light rays is so important, but facial skin can be so sensitive to products. There are SO many facial sunscreen options. I’m breaking down the best facial sunscreens that double as high-quality skincare and and sun protection from UVA & UVB rays.
I wear sunscreen on my face year-round to protect my skin. If you aren’t using a sunscreen on a DAILY basis, you’re wasting your money with skincare. Summer may be coming to an end but that doesn’t mean that you should stop applying SPF.
Why Your Skincare Routine needs Sunscreen
Let me tell you why your skincare routine needs sunscreen. There are several benefits of sunscreen protection and preventing sunburn is just one of them.
Sunscreen is the most important product to wear every day (yes, even cloudy days, in the winter, or for only going to the office). A good quality sunscreen will protect you from UVA, UVB, and even blue light rays from your computer.
Adequate sun protection is the only way to prevent melasma from occurring or worsening. It also prevents sunspots or other sun damage, and slows down aging.
During my pregnancy I remember being so scared of getting melasma I didn’t step outside without a hat and sunscreen on, and I truly believe that’s what prevented me from getting it.
I got a little lazy with wearing a hat recently and started to notice a touch of melasma- so it’s back to the hat life for me. I always get the most compliments on my skin when I’ve been protecting it from the sun!
Sunscreens – Rated and Reviewed
I linked all of the sunscreens I tested, and when you purchase using my link I receive a small commission. Please read the application instructions on each of these products before using, and always make sure to reapply throughout the day!
#4 – CeraVe SPF 30 Hydrating Sunscreen – $15 – 2.5oz
CeraVe SPF 30 Hydrating Sunscreen is a really great affordable option. CeraVe is highly recommended by dermatologists, so it makes me feel comfortable sharing this brand with you. This is a mineral sunscreen but doesn’t seem to have any active ingredients for any issues other than sun protection.
It is moisturizing and can act as a makeup-gripping primer, but it does leave a little bit more of a greasy feeling behind. For a drug-store option, this is about as good as it gets.
I used to be an avid Aveeno sunscreen user, but I think CeraVe is a better option. It didn’t seem to clog my pores or irritate my skin. For a more affordable option, this is my pick!
#3 – Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen – SPF 40 – $34 – 1.7oz
The Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen has a gel-primer consistency. You don’t need much at all, but you want to make sure it’s applied evenly and all over for protection.
It really is “unseen”- it’s a clear gel, so no white residue. It doesn’t have a scent (which is a perk for sensitive users) which makes it a good option for everyday use under your makeup.
Supergoop!’s Unseen Sunscreen does protect against damaging UVA/UVB rays and blue light – which isn’t clearly stated on the packaging. I reached out to the company to confirm before sharing this product.
#2 – Tula protect + glow SPF 30 – $36 – 1.7oz
Tula is my all-time favorite skincare lines. Their products are affordable and formulated to balance your skin’s pH using probiotics. They’re a clean beauty brand very affordable for the quality. This gel- sunscreen is very popular already this year and for good reason: it protects against UVA + UVB and doesn’t leave white residue or have the “sunscreen” smell.
The Tula protect + glow triples as a makeup-gripping primer and moisturizer and it was definitely one of my top favorites of the bunch I tried. It feels slightly greasy until it absorbs completely, but it covers well and its very lightweight and comfortable. And as it says in the name, it does give a bit of a dewy sheen to your face.
The only downside – SPF 30 is about as low as is recommended by skincare professionals) for my face. This Tula sunscreen just barely meets that requirement.
#1 – EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 – $36 – 1.7oz
The EltaMD UV Clear sunscreen doubles as high-quality skincare and addresses rosacea, acne, free-radical damage, large pores, aging skin, oily skin, or uneven skin tone or dehydrated skin.
It’s sulfate-free and paraben-free. The key ingredients include Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, niacinamide, zinc-oxide, and antioxidants. It is the best sun protection at SPF 46 and suitable for all skin types. And with all of those active ingredients, it’s no wonder this one is a top-seller.
EltaMD UV Clear is extremely lightweight and also does not have the sunscreen smell. It absorbs nicely and honestly was the most weightless one of the bunch I tried.
EltaMD UV Clear is my very top choice because of the SPF 46- it protects against UVA & UVB rays and also triples as a moisturizer and primer.
Sign up as a Dermstore rewards member and you can earn rewards points on your skincare purchases. This includes EltaMD and you’ll get access to their special sales and offers!
Bright-Eyed Sunscreen – Honorable Mention
This sunscreen eye cream deserves an honorable mention, because before I found it, I had never even dreamed of such a product.
This Bright-Eyed mineral eye cream by Supergoop! is loaded with SPF 40, completely mineral-based, and is safe to use right around our delicate (and sometimes sensitive) eyes. It also has a light peachy tint to it to cancel out dark circles.
It’s so important to protect the skin around our eyes and this eye cream sunscreen is gentle but super effective. Protect your cheek bones from getting that splotchy sun damage, and help prevent crows feet! Although the bottle says to use it liberally, I use just a TINY bit to keep it from caking up in my fine lines.
My Secret to Good Skin
Now you know my secret to good skin- quality sunscreen! Nothing goes farther in a skincare routine than incorporating daily sun protection. Sunscreen is a step you do NOT want to skip, or you’ll end up regretting it! If you’re curious what my morning skincare routine looks like, you can read all about it here. You can also tag along on my Instagram and watch my stories to see what products I’m trying out on a daily basis.
Thanks for stopping by! Please don’t forget to tag me (@caitminschy) if you try out any of my recommended products. I appreciate the love!
xo, Cait
