Skin care

The Best Sunscreens for Your Skin

Hate every sunscreen you've ever tried? You're not alone. But trust us when we say there is one on this list you'll love

by Dawn Davis

6 of 10

The best sunscreen for your scalp While most dermatologists recommend using a spray formula because it's easy to apply, I disagree -- I think that's a recipe for sunscreen-coated hair. Instead, I use a lotion with a thin -- almost watery -- consistency so I barely have to rub it in. An oil-free version is best because it will dry quickly and absorb into your skin, not your hair. And the tip of the bottle should be small enough so you can draw a line straight down your part. It sounds impossible to find, right? Luckily, Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 fits the bill perfectly. And if your scalp is especially sensitive, you should wear a tightly woven hat. Pick one with a wide brim that guarantees SPF 50 or higher.

SPF Rx: Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42, $30; Hat Attack Raffia Braid Sunhat in Natural, $85

SEE NEXT PAGE: The best sunscreen for dark skin

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products mentioned

Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Lotion Sunscreen...

8.9

L'Oréal Paris Sublime Sun Advanced Sunscreen...

7.5

Supergoop! SPF 50 Antioxidant-Infused Sunscreen Day...

10.0

Coola Mineral Sport SPF 30 Citrus Mimosa Sunblock

0.0

willa Face the Day SPF 30 Tinted Face Protection

0.0

Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42

0.0

Raffia braid sunhat in natural

0.0

Sonya Dakar MicroVenom Daily Defense SPF 30 - BODY

0.0

Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Tint SPF 30

1.0

ReVive Filtre de Soleil Visage SPF 45

0.0

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Older comments

Can you recommend a sunscreen that contains UVA/UVB and IRA?

by Debb42 Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 07:34AM Report as inappropriate

thanks for the options. it is very difficult to find a sunscreen that works for your skin indeed.

by venenumletalis Monday, April 8, 2013 at 07:19AM Report as inappropriate

Sunscreen is a MUST have for everyone, no matter what time of year. 90% of aging factors are due to the sun and things we do to ourselves, only 10% is from natural aging process.

by jlb88 Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 08:55AM Report as inappropriate

Superb list of sunscreens. I'm loving Neova; it has a great matte finish and photodamage reversal!

by GigiSD Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at 10:59AM Report as inappropriate

good info

by LittleBunny Monday, January 7, 2013 at 11:43AM Report as inappropriate

I don't have a favorite sunscreen yet.

by EricaC123 Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 01:56PM Report as inappropriate

I will definitely be trying Loreal's sunscreen!!! Total Beauty has the most insightful articles.

by MizzPink Monday, December 17, 2012 at 02:21PM Report as inappropriate

The sun does not discriminate, it does not see if you are a fairer tone or of a darker tone. Diseases like skin cancer, sunburn and other sun or heat related conditions can be caught by anyone exposed to too much sun. It becomes more important for darker skin toned people to wear sunscreen for protection against the sun as darker tones have a higher risk of developing Melanoma. So it is advised to be always protected against harmful UVA/UVB rays, no matter your skin tone .I’ve used ExtraShade sunscreen and love it’s lightweight, moisturizing and doesn’t leave white streaks on my skin! I LOVE IT!

by extrashade Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 03:18AM Report as inappropriate

I am a sunscreen freak, never leave the house without it on

by kimihavens Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 02:42PM Report as inappropriate

I prefer physical sunscreens so Coola sunscreen sounds like a great option!

by BeautyTidbits Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 10:55AM Report as inappropriate