Botox and lasers get all the glory. But there's no need to max out your credit cards in the hopes of smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles with fancy in-office treatments. While aging is inevitable, premature aging isn't. Every dermatologist worth their degree will tell you that the single best way to mitigate the impact of environmental aggressors on skin is to wear a SPF product that protects against UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays).
When it comes to preventing skin cancer, sunscreen is your best bet. Research has suggested that even a single sunburn can increase your risk for developing skin cancer. More frighteningly still is the fact that one bad burn as a child makes you 50 percent more likely to develop melanoma as an adult.
Whether it's the burning, the aging or the skin cancer that proves to be your driving motivation for lathering on some white stuff, we've got you covered with the safest and most effective options. Keep reading for a look at the SPF products dermatologists swear by.
Image via Imaxtree
"Not all mineral sunscreens are created equal. I recommend my patients look for mineral sunscreens that contain non-nano particles. The reason is that super small nano particles may penetrate your body and get into your bloodstream. Non-nano zinc oxide is larger so it cannot penetrate the skin, which is why we consider them safer for not just you, but also the environment as they are also considered reef-safe. Evereden Sheer Botanical Facial Sunscreen SPF 30 is great because it's sheer and lightweight with no avobenzone or other chemical ingredients frequently used in sunscreen. It contains non-nano zinc oxide, which is naturally derived and effectively blocks UVA/UVB rays. It also contains a blend of superfood oils that allow for smooth application and leave skin feeling nourished and hydrated as opposed to that tacky feeling you often get with mineral sunscreens. My favorite feature is that it doesn't contain that typical sunscreen smell and instead has a subtle rose scent from the natural derived rose extract." -Dr. Joyce Teng, Evereden chief scientific officer and head of pediatric dermatology at Stanford Medicine
"Evereden Premium Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is essential to keep your little ones protected from the sun daily, which is why I recommend this 100 percent non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen for babies and kids. It's fast-absorbing and contains sunflower and jojoba oils to both protect and nourish skin." -Dr. Joyce Teng
"EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is a lightweight, silky sunscreen for daily use that is especially great for my acne patients. It contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and lactic acid to promote healthy-looking, clear complexions." -Dr. Marie Hayag, founder of 5th Avenue Aesthetics
"EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ contains 22 percent zinc oxide, but doesn't leave a white residue! This is useful for travel and for easy reapplication as well as being very practical for kids and men. You can use it on the face and on the body and it contains vitamin E for antioxidant protection." -Dr. Marie Hayag
