TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.4*
Why it's great: "This slightly tinted, light-as-a-feather product gives you broad spectrum protection against UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays)," one reader says about this dual-purpose sunscreen and primer. "But it also soothes, softens and hydrates skin." Another reader raves, "This doesn't dry out my already dry skin as other primers do -- it actually moisturizes!"
Though the product is pricey, it "provides an easy, elegant and effective way to get daily sunblock on your face without mess or fuss" -- and most TotalBeauty.com reviewers say it's worth the cost.
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.8*
Why it's great: Readers love this travel-size sunscreen for its antioxidants, UVA and UVB protection and tiny microscopic sponges for oil control. "I have very sensitive skin and this does not make me break out," says one reader. "I wear it every day -- a little goes a long way." Readers also appreciate that they can use the product under makeup, without it running into the eyes or stinging. The bottom line? "I have tried every sunscreen, and if I could only have one product on a desert island, this would be it!"
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.8*
Why it's great: Reviewers say this "silky-light" sunscreen is "fantastic for all skin types." One reader says, "This is the perfect texture for a summer moisturizer -- light, sinks in and seems to let your skin breathe right through it. I am not a sunscreen fan, but this is so incredible that I use it anyway." The product has a fresh cucumber scent that not all readers love, but overall, they say it's "definitely a keeper."
Not to rain on your summer parade, but here are a few facts that should wake you up from your margarita-and-sun-induced coma, forcing you to take a big whiff of sunscreen: The incidence of melanoma (a deadly form of skin cancer) isn't going anywhere — an estimated 73,870 new cases of invasive melanoma will be diagnosed in the US this year. If that doesn't scare you, this will: 80 percent of the aging that dermatologists see is due to excess sun exposure, since it can break down the collagen and elastin in your skin and cause more wrinkles.
But enough of the doom and gloom — let's talk safe sun. Luckily, there are a slew of facial skin care products with SPF, and our readers have put them to the test. Shelve bad memories of your parents smearing thick, white, pasty zinc oxide on your nose and toss the idea that you can't wear sunscreen on your face if you have oily skin — this is the new generation of facial sunscreens. These products don't leave a white film on the skin, won't cause breakouts or an overly shiny face and can be applied seamlessly over or under makeup. See the best sunscreens for your face now.
Before we get going, here are some safe sun tips for healthy skin:
—Apply a shot glass full of sunscreen to cover your whole body. (At least SPF 15 daily, and for prolonged sun exposure, use a water resistant SPF 30 formula). Reapply every one to two hours while outdoors, says Heidi Waldorf, M.D. of Waldorf Dermatology & Laser Associates in Nanuet, New York.
—Use products containing zinc or avobenzone, which will help block UVA light so you don't accumulate more UV damage, says Katie Rodan, co-founder of Proactiv and Rodan + Fields Dermatologists.
—If you're spending a lot of time outside — especially during peak sun hours — wear a large brimmed hat (in addition to sunscreen) to shield your face and hair from sun damage.
If you're worried that all this sunscreen will keep you from your bronzy summer glow, you can reach for one of these top-rated bronzers. or self-tanners.
