Wondering what all the fuss is about sunscreens and SPFs? Why are so many people including them in their skin care routines? Stuck on which one might be best for you? Keep scrolling for all things sun protection and skin-type-specific sunscreen selections from the team at Dermstore.
Why is Wearing Sunscreen so Important?
We are firm believers in sunscreen being a non-negotiable part of your morning, as it not only helps keep our skin visibly more even, smoother and firmer, it most importantly protects us from serious complications such as skin cancer and sunburn.
UV rays can penetrate the skin and cause collagen depletion, resulting in wrinkles, roughness, uneven texture, sunspots and more. These negative effects are referred to as photodamage and are everything we, as skin care connoisseurs, want to avoid.
Furthermore, the results from your expensive retinols and science-backed serums can also be for naught if you’re not including an SPF in your regime.
How Often Should You Be Using Sunscreen?
Every. Single. Day. It might sound dramatic, but UV rays are still present on cold, cloudy days, and pesky UVA rays can even penetrate our windows. This means that on our days spent inside on the couch, sunscreen is still important.
What is SPF in Sunscreen and How to Choose the Right One
As something you’re going to use every single day, you want to make sure it’s one you love. Things to look out for are a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30+, as this is what protects our skin, and a sun lotion with broad-spectrum protection.
Just like you would choose a moisturizer or serum for your skin type, sunscreen should be treated the same. Whether your skin type is oily, blemish-prone, dry, or sensitive, your SPF should be chosen to reflect your individual skin needs.
What Are the Different Types of Sunscreens?
There are two main types of sunscreen, mineral (physical) and chemical. Mineral sunscreen works by creating a barrier between the skin and the UV rays that reflects them back out into the atmosphere. A chemical sunscreen contains active ingredients that help to absorb the UV rays into the skin, inactivating and converting them into heat. Both work equally as well to defend against disruptive rays, so choosing between the two is a personal preference.
If you like a little more coverage, you can opt for a tinted formula to conceal and correct. Some of our firm-favorites include EltaMD and La Roche-Posay. If you are searching for SPF simplicity, an un-tinted sunscreen is suitable for makeup layering and invisible wear.
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$41.00 Buy now with Dermstore EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Buy now with free deliveryBest Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin
Why We Love It: There is a good reason why this sunscreen is always selling out, as it features skin-smoothing lactic acid and niacinamide to refine and reduce pores and visible oiliness.
What Shoppers Say: “I love this sunscreen! My dermatologist’s office gave me a sample to try and I have used it ever since. It is not greasy and does not cause me to break out like other sunscreens I have tried.”
For a limited time, find this (full-size!) product inside our exclusive Sun Care Kit—along with SPF favorites approved by The Skin Cancer Foundation.
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$36.99 Buy now with Dermstore La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60
Buy now with free deliveryBest Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Why We Love It: Oxybenzone and Octinoxate-free, it’s been formulated and rigorously tested for skin tolerance, even on sensitive skin. Plus, it contains La Roche-Posay’s skin-soothing Thermal Spring Water and a powerful antioxidant complex to help prevent damage from free radicals.
What Shoppers Say: “Leaves no white cast. Rubs in well and does not cause breakouts. Go to for long days in the sun or beach!”
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$54.00 Buy now with Dermstore Obagi Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Buy now with free deliveryBest Sunscreen for Oily Skin
Why we love it: Oily skin and sunscreen don’t always mix but, fortunately, this mattifying broad-spectrum formula works to turn down the oil while turning up the protection. We love its lightweight, grease-free finish and the addition of free radical–fighting vitamin C.
What shoppers say: “Love the smell and the texture. Have used facial sunscreens in the past that leave your skin feeling like you have a thick layer of paste. This is light and non-greasy!”
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$46.00 Buy now with Dermstore Supergoop! Daily Dose Hydra-Ceramide Boost SPF 40
Buy now with free deliveryBest Sunscreen for Dry Skin
Why We Love It: This skin care-backed SPF is perfect for dry and dull skin types, as it combines the powers of ultra-hydrating ceramides, fatty acids and prebiotics for a soft and supple finish.
What Shoppers Say: “Not only does it add extra moisture to my dry skin, but I love that it also adds some extra SPF as well. I add five drops to my face immediately after cleansing in the morning. No waiting necessary.”
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$38.00 Buy now with Dermstore TULA Skincare Protect Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (1.7 fl. oz.)
Buy now with free deliveryBest Sunscreen for Combination Skin
Why We Love It: Combination complexions need a daily sunscreen that can multi-task to keep skin hydrated and acne at bay. This gel formula includes probiotic extracts that help reduce the look of inflammation and seal moisture into the skin so that your complexion stays well hydrated throughout the day. Pineapple and papaya also work together to even out skin tone, while wild butterfly ginger root gives the skin added protection against damaging blue light.
What Shoppers Say: “This sunscreen is so great because of the ‘glow’! I have combination skin so I do get oily through the day in my t-zone, but I love that this gives me a warm glow on days I’m not wearing makeup right from the get-go. It soaks into my skin nicely—my new go-to sunscreen!”
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$42.00 Buy now with Dermstore SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
Buy now with free deliveryBest Sunscreen for All Skin Types
Why we love it: If you’re looking for sun protection of the highest power, you can’t go wrong with this SkinCeuticals favorite. With a broad-spectrum formula, an SPF of 50 and water resistance for up to 40 minutes, this powerful sunscreen will not disappoint. Bonus? It has a sheer tint that flatters a wide range of skin tones and makes wearing foundation almost unnecessary.
What shoppers say: “This sunscreen is awesome. It is light and covers my skin imperfections at the same time. I use it faithfully and most of the time wear it and nothing else.”
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$38.00 Buy now with Dermstore Supergoop!® Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Buy now with free deliveryBest Sunscreen for Dark Skin Tones
Why we love it: If you’re not a fan of the gooey, white texture of most sunscreens, this weightless, scentless, colorless SPF is for you. Its oil-free formula leaves behind a velvety finish that helps grip makeup and works for all skin tones.
What shoppers say: “This sunscreen is clear, not white and goes on so smoothly! I love it because I hate sticky sunscreens and this almost acts like a primer under my makeup. I have combination/sensitive skin and this did not irritate or break me out. I will definitely be purchasing this again!”
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$35.00 Buy now with Dermstore Dermstore Collection Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
Buy now with free deliveryBest Sunscreen for Wearing Under Makeup
Why we love it: Shopping for a mineral sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white residue can be challenging. Lucky for you, we created a facial sunscreen that won’t go on chalky. This lightly tinted, zinc oxide–based formula blurs imperfections while protecting skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. As an added bonus, this sunscreen can be worn alone or under makeup, doubling as a smoothing makeup primer.
What shoppers say: “I am a long-time melasma sufferer and have tried close to 100 sunscreens. This Dermstore sunscreen has easily made the top 5. It’s a mineral-only product which is what I need for my skin, blends in seamlessly, feels lightweight, smooths my pores and helps my makeup last all day.”
Try this product in our exclusive Sun Care Kit.
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$60.00 Buy now with Dermstore SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen
Buy now with free deliveryBest Sunscreen for Hyperpigmentation
Why We Love It: Taking extra care with sunscreen for hyperpigmentation is a must, and this formula comes with the added benefit of tranexamic acid, niacinamide and phenylhthyl resorcinol to reduce the appearance of brown spots, discoloration and uneven skin tone all while protecting the complexion from harsh UV rays. In addition to targeting hyperpigmentation, the product’s added 7% glycerin and reflective mica give the complexion a brightened and refreshed look with wear.
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$79.00 Buy now with Dermstore Colorescience Total Eye™ 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35
Buy now with free deliveryBest Sunscreen for the Eye Area
Why we love it: Protecting the delicate skin around the eyes can help ward off sun side effects like fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and more. This product is a must-have because of its anti-aging, brightening formula and convenient applicator, which makes it easier to target this important area.
What shoppers say: “This is a fabulous product. Even though it is pricey, it is functional and will preserve the delicate skin around your eyes from irreversible damage. I would consider that a good investment. […] The applicator is luxurious and the product blends nicely to brighten the under eye.”
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$70.00 Buy now with Dermstore SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34
Buy now with free deliveryBest Sunscreen for Anti-Aging
Why We Love It: Using an advanced antioxidant complex, this restorative formula goes beyond UVA and UVB protection, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles & promoted smoother, more even-looking skin.
What Shoppers Say: “Awesome product began using 2 weeks ago. Can already seeing changes in my skin including deep wrinkles around mouth and chin!”
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$84.00 Buy now with Dermstore Revision Skincare® Intellishade Original
Buy now with free deliveryBest Sunscreen for Tinted Coverage
Why we love it: If you’re looking for an all-in-one product that can fight signs of aging, moisturize, protect against the sun and provide makeup coverage, look no further. This tinted sunscreen features vitamin C to brighten and protect skin from environmental factors (pollution, blue light) plus a blend of peptides to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
What shoppers say: “It’s a great moisturizer with sunscreen and the color is very natural-looking, not too orangey. It’s pricey, but I tried other products and I couldn’t duplicate the results that this one combination product delivers. One tube does go a long way. Love it!”
