Find Your Best SPF
By Jordana Mattioli, LE
"I love sunscreen!," said no one ever. For every issue (it smells weird, it makes me look ghostly, it's greasy) we've got the best sunscreens for people who hate sunscreen.
It makes me breakout
How about an ultralight, fragrance-free, oil free, silky lotion with 5% niacinamide (vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid and lactic acid - all proven ingredients to fight blemishes and promote the appearance of healthy looking skin? Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46 is a favorite among our patients with oily and acne-prone skin.
It makes my skin look white
Sunscreens with a high amount of minerals like zinc or titanium will leave a noticeable white cast on the skin, enter tinted sunscreens. These tinted formulas are sheer enough to not look like makeup, just your skin -- but better! Revision Skincare's Intellishade SPF 45 is much more then just a sunscreen, it's an anti-aging powerhouse with vitamin C, three peptides, and coenzyme Q10. Plus this comes in two types, original (for the dewy look) and matte (great for oily skin).
It stings
Some people are really sensitive to chemical sunscreen ingredients, which is why we have formulas without them. These super gentle sunscreens use mineral ingredients for sun protection. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50 is a tinted, ultralight fluid that leaves a matte finish. Isdin Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50 is the perfect formula for our patients with extremely fair skin or those who have a history of skin cancer due to its DNA Repairsomes™ and antioxidants that prevents actinic damage. For drier skin or post procedure, Skin Medica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35 is a broad-spectrum formula infused with age-defying ingredients that moisturize and improve the skin's texture and tone.
It takes too long
We hear you, and we want to streamline your morning routine. If you want to skip moisturizer, try EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40 or, for really dry skin, EltaMD UV Facial SPF 30. Both contain hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E for silky creamy hydration. For anti-aging, Skin Medica's Total Defense Repair SPF 50 or SPF 34 (with or without tint) have made an all-in-one sunscreen using an advanced antioxidant complex, to go beyond UVA and UVB protection, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving the skin's texture and evening skin tone. This can really be the only thing you apply in the morning!
It messes up my makeup
Re-applying sunscreen can undo your makeup application, so keep it all intact and add on more protection with ColoreScience Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 50. This is such a great find -- a portable twist-up brush with a powder mineral SPF, red seaweed extract, vitamins, and amino acids to keep the skin healthy and radiant. The easy-to-use dispensing brush makes reapplication easy and keeps powder secure to prevent messes inside your purse or makeup bag.
It sweats off so fast
Whether you're a swimmer, surfer, or tennis player, water and sweat will get in the way of keeping you protected. We teamed up with SPF clothing experts Mott 50 to make a fitted unisex swim shirt that looks stylish in the water or on the court. We also have many styles of hats and SPF umbrellas from PARASUN. Give our office a buzz and we can tell you which colors and styles we have in stock.