A great organic, chemical-free sunscreen is hard to come by -- and finding one that rubs in easily is especially tricky. That's because these formulas are made with the minerals zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide -- ingredients that are thick and white. Keep in mind that the consistency and color are actually good things -- they provide physical sun protection by reflecting (rather than absorbing) UV rays. Coola is one of our favorite organic sunscreen brands -- they make organic, mineral formulas that blend in surprisingly well.
If you think the SPF in your makeup is enough, you're in for a surprise: "Sunscreen in makeup is just an added bonus," says Gerstner. She says that you should always wear a lightweight moisturizer with sunscreen underneath your makeup -- even if you won't step foot outside all day. We suggest trying a tinted formula -- like a BB Cream -- if you want to multitask.
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.
"Even my patients from West Africa who are very dark need sunscreen," says Downie. "The lowest SPF you can wear is 15, which will protect you from 93 percent of the sun's rays." However, Downie still recommends using SPF 30. "You get four percent more protection for the same amount of effort," she says. "You will age slower by wearing 30."
There are plenty of formulas out there specifically designed for people with sensitive skin. "You want a very basic product," explains Gerstner. She suggests avoiding anything that has too many extra ingredients or benefits. However, if you're prone to redness, you may want to try a formula that contains a calming ingredient, like green tea extract.
As a beauty editor, I get a lot of questions about sunscreen. "What are the best sunscreens this season?" "Which ones should I keep stashed in my purse, glove box, and desk drawer?" "What's the best sunscreen for oily skin?" "Does organic sunscreen really work?"
I love fielding these questions because I'm admittedly a proud member of the SPF police. When my husband plays golf, I send him a "time to reapply!" text message every two hours. And on more than one occasion, I've launched a friendly attack of continuous-spray SPF 30 on a friend who's fallen asleep at the beach.
And here's the thing: When I get these "Which sunscreen should I use?" questions from family and friends, everyone also says something along the lines of, "I hate sunscreen." And they share all kinds of complaints, like "it's greasy," "there are too many chemicals," "it smells awful," or "it makes my skin look white." I wish I knew of one sunscreen that would be perfect for everyone, but unfortunately I don't think it exists. However, I do strongly believe there is a sunscreen out there for each of us.
So instead of just rounding up the best new SPF's on the market and saying, "pick one of these," I set out to find solutions to specific sunscreen issues. I enrolled the help of two top dermatologists (chiefs in the SPF police force, if you will), and sent them the toughest questions that have come my way. Keep reading to find the best sunscreens based on your specific SPF gripes. And if you're still wondering which sunscreen you should use, leave us a comment. I'll personally chime in and suggest what I think is your best match.
