Whether we like it or not, sunscreen is a must for all of us. And according to Heidi Waldorf, M.D., of Waldorf Dermatology & Laser Associates in Nanuet, NY, we need "an SPF of at least 15 daily." For prolonged sun exposure (anything more than the incidental exposure you might get from driving or working near a window), she recommends an SPF of 30 above with a water-resistant formula. She also suggests choosing a sunscreen containing titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone or mexoryl as its active ingredient.
The amount of sunscreen you apply is also vital. Waldorf recommends "a shot glass full of sunscreen" for the average adult and reapplying "every one to two hours while outdoors." We'll admit that doesn't sound like a fun way to spend your summer, but with these reader-approved products, maybe it won't seem like such a chore.
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 5.0*
Why: Totalbeauty.com reviewers pan this sunscreen for a variety of reasons, such as the greasy film they say it leaves on skin. "The greasiness got worse with time," says one dissatisfied user. "It looked like I had rubbed Crisco on my face. Very upsetting from such a prestigious line."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 4.1*
Why: Readers use words like "dismal" and "heavy" to describe this sunscreen. "This made my face more oily, causing more breakouts on my face than ever before," says one bummed-out reviewer. Complaints that the moisturizer aggravates oily skin were rampant among readers, and many described the product as "clumpy" and "cakey."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.9*
Why it's great: If greasy sunscreen is a no-go for you, readers say you'll find this sunblock particularly impressive. "It feels like putting on your favorite moisturizer, rather than a sunscreen," says one reader. Others agree, saying besides the sunscreen's "great protection," they love the lightweight and non-greasy feel. While you should reapply after dipping in water, users say the sunscreen will hold up at your day at the beach. "It stays on really well, even after you've been in the water," one user says. "Being a person with a fair complexion this is the answer to all my sunscreen needs."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.9*
Why it's great: Reviewers say this sunscreen formula is "light, smooth and soaks into the skin." They love that such a lightweight product contains such a high SPF. "It's thin and has [a powdery] finish, which is great for my oily skin," one reader explains. "It also [is] the perfect primer to use before makeup," says another reviewer.
Whether we like it or not, sunscreen is a must for all of us. And according to Heidi Waldorf, M.D., of Waldorf Dermatology & Laser Associates in Nanuet, NY, we need "an SPF of at least 15 daily." For prolonged sun exposure (anything more than the incidental exposure you might get from driving or working near a window), she recommends an SPF of 30 above with a water-resistant formula. She also suggests choosing a sunscreen containing titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone or mexoryl as its active ingredient.
The amount of sunscreen you apply is also vital. Waldorf recommends "a shot glass full of sunscreen" for the average adult and reapplying "every one to two hours while outdoors." We'll admit that doesn't sound like a fun way to spend your summer, but with these reader-approved products, maybe it won't seem like such a chore.
