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If you’re anything like me, you’re excited to spend as much time outside as possible as the weather warms up. After being severely deprived of vitamin D all winter, I’m excited to get some sun and maybe lose my pale skin. However, spending all that time outside comes with its risks.
According to the CDC, the majority of skin cancers come from overexposure to UV rays. Although the CDC recommends skin protection all year round whenever the UV index exceeds three, if you’re not already wearing daily sunscreen, now is a great time to start. Here are five facial sunscreens that you can include as the last step of your skincare and can use to keep your skin safe!
- NUmbuzin: No. 1 Clear Filter sun essence (spf 50) (~$27)
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Although I haven’t got the chance to buy this one yet- I’ve had this sunscreen saved in my to-buy for months after my favorite skincare YouTuber, Hyram, recommended it in one of his videos. In “The Best Korean Skin Care of 2024”, skin care specialist Hyram talks about how the sunscreen is lightweight and how amazing the ingredient list is. He recommends the product for both use on the face and body.
I’m especially excited to try this one out this spring and summer since Hyram describes it as having a “lightweight gel-serum consistency, that immediately absorbs into the skin.” As someone who hates the normal thick, lotion-like texture of many sunscreens, sign me up!
- Supergoop uNSEEN sUNSCREEN (spf 50) (~$40)
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Since I’m on skincare-tok, I’ve seen people raving about Supergoop for months. Over my spring break, I decided to try out their unseen sunscreen. Although I haven’t been using this sunscreen very long, I can say that I love how well the sunscreen blends into my skin.
As a chemically based sunscreen, Supergoop can be great for sunscreen users who despise white casts left on the skin. I loved how the product has felt both lightweight and also hasn’t left my skin feeling oily.
The product has been reviewed by dermatologist, Dr. Sugai, on his YouTube channel. In his “Dr. Sugai Reviews: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF40”, Dr. Sugai recommends using 1/2 teaspoon amount of the product for face and neck application. Dr. Sugai feels the product is a bit oily and may not be recommended for oily, acne-prone skin types.
I haven’t had any issues and I’d consider myself a combination-skin girl. However, you might want to keep that in mind if you’re prone to breakouts. He also discusses how the sunscreen has the antioxidant ingredient, Boswellia serrata extract, however, he wishes there were more antioxidants included since the brand tends to be a bit pricier for the amount you purchase. I would have to agree with him about that, however, I am loving the product so far and don’t regret my purchase.
Sephora - Scinic Enjoy super mild sun essence spf 50 (~$8)
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This sunscreen is also recommended by Hyram. Thank you for the recommendation, Hyram, because this one is so affordable! In his video, “The BEST suncreens of 2023”, Hyram discusses how this is yet another light-weight, no white-cast, gel-consistency sunscreen.
There’s a theme going on so far. He also breaks down some of the ingredient list, which includes Propanediol, Niaciminide and Hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help to support moisturized skin and a protected skin barrier. If you’re interested in finding out more about what ingredients are right for you, I advise checking out the Dermatologist’s Choice Ingredient Dictionary.
- CōTZ mineral sun stick spf 45 (~$26)
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For easy application, choose a sun stick you can bring everywhere you go! CōTZ mineral sun stick is, surprise, surprise, also recommended by Hyram! Hyram recommends this for days when your skin is extra dry to provide extra moisture while also protecting your skin.
This sunscreen is tinted with iron oxide and offers water-resistant wear. However, if you are looking for a tinted sunscreen, the CōTZ sun stick doesn’t have many shade options. You may find a better sunscreen that fits for you under one of their mineral sunscreens.
- isntree- hyaluronic acid watery sun gel spf 50 + pa++++ (~$25)
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If you’re an oily-skinned girly, you’ll want to try this one out. Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Sam Ellis, recommends this sunscreen in her YouTube video, “Dermatologist Shares the Best Sunscreen for Your Skin Type”. Also, this lovely sunscreen is packed with hyaluronic acid, which is great for both skin health and hydration.
Dr. Ellis explained, “Oily skin can still be dehydrated.” She also goes on to explain that you can tell if you might have dehydrated oily skin if you’re skin still feels tight despite the oiliness.
This product is great for those who may struggle with this issue. It is also yet another lightweight, no white-cast product, which to me, is definitely a plus.
Whether you’re walking around campus or spending time at the beach, protecting your skin is always in your best interest. While I recommend these sunscreens, if you already have a favorite, that’s great too!
In a Mayo Clinic article, it’s recommended to opt for SPF 30 or higher and to make sure you’re applying enough sunscreen throughout the day. Just keep those recommendations in mind when choosing the sunscreen that’s right for you!