2025 Sun Care Guide for the Ultimate UV Protection
Sun care made simple. Backed by beauty expert guidance, Dermstore breaks down the most common sun care concerns, from what SPF should I use to which type of sunscreen is best for my skin type. Read on for the latest in sun protection with beauty reviews, educational guides, and shopping roundups.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Ashley Magovern – Board-certified Dermatologist and member of Dermstore’s Medical Advisory Board
- Dr. Connie Yang – Board-certified Dermatologist and member of Dermstore’s Medical Advisory Board
- Lindsay Holdorf – Licensed Esthetician
What to Look for in Sunscreen
Read key factors to consider from Dermstore's esthetician, Lindsay Holdorf, to ensure you're getting the best sun protection for your skin.
Broad-Spectrum Protection: Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are responsible for premature aging and can penetrate deeper into the skin, while UVB rays cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. A broad-spectrum sunscreen ensures you're protecting your skin from both types of harmful rays, minimizing the risk of skin damage. SPF Rating: SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how well the sunscreen protects against UVB rays, the ones that cause sunburn. If you're looking for what SPF you should use, a higher SPF offers more protection, but it's also important to apply enough sunscreen and reapply it regularly. SPF 30 is generally sufficient for most people, but if you're fair-skinned, spending more time outdoors, or sweating, you might want to opt for SPF 50 or higher. Water Resistance: Sunscreens that are water resistant can offer better protection during activities like swimming or sweating. While no sunscreen is completely waterproof, a water-resistant formula ensures that your protection lasts longer, even in moist conditions. This is crucial for people who lead active lifestyles or spend time in the water. Sunscreen Ingredients: The ingredients in your sun care can make a big difference for your skin, especially if you have sensitivities or allergies. Mineral (physical) sunscreens, containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays, making them ideal for sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb UV rays and are often lighter in texture. It's important to choose a formula that suits your skin type and personal preferences to avoid irritation or breakouts.
Sun Care by Category
Empower Your Sun Protection
Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen: A Derm-Approved Guide on How to Choose the Right Type of Sunscreen
As your skin goes through changes with the seasons or even just with time, so do the products and ingredients that you need to keep your complexion in top shape. There is, however, one product that needs to be a constant in any skincare routine: sunscreen. So, to get the guesswork out of the way, we spoke with a dermatologist to help us break down everything you need to know about mineral vs. chemical sunscreen and decide which sun protection is best for your skin and lifestyle. READ MORE
Sun Care by Skin Type
Elevate Your Sun Care Routine
The 20 Best SPF Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin in 2025
Skincare and sunscreen protection innovations now allow for the best SPF sunscreens to come in all shapes, sizes, and formulations without the ick, grease, and white cast that made SPF get a bad rap. Wondering which sunscreen is right for you? We've got you covered. Read on for a roundup of our favorite sun protection formulas so that you can choose the best SPF sunscreen for your face and body. READ MORE
The 16 Best Tinted Sunscreens for UV Protection With Natural Coverage for Flawless-Looking Skin
If layering sunscreen under makeup makes for an extra step on busy days, try tinted sunscreen. This super popular skincare-meets-makeup product acts like a skin tint (some give more coverage than others) with the full protection of a standard sunscreen, making this single product all you need. With their weightless, natural finish, below, our roundup of the best tinted sunscreens allows you to reap the benefits of SPF while forgoing heavy face makeup—a win-win! READ MORE
The 10 Best Sunscreens for Rosacea-Prone Skin of 2025
It goes without saying that sunscreen is an integral part of any skincare routine, and that’s even more so when dealing with rosacea. Rather than playing a guessing game as to the best sunscreens for rosacea-prone skin, we did the work for you. Consider this your ultimate guide to finding a skin-safe sunscreen that delivers what it promises without compromising the skin. READ MORE
The 6 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens of 2025
The best reef-safe sunscreens are still protective and can boast other skin-friendly benefits. So, rather than combing through countless reef-safe sunscreens and wondering which ones are good, we did the work for you. Here are the best reef-safe sunscreens you’ll want to slather on for your next tropical vacation. READ MORE
Sun Care by Brand
Best Sunscreen Brands, Tested & Approved
An Honest Review of Vacation Sunscreen, Tested and Approved by Our Beauty Editor
Just imagine- you’re on your dream beach vacation, Aperol Spritz in hand at an all-inclusive resort wearing a high-cut swimsuit getting ready to lay in the sun for a lazy afternoon while Jimmy Buffet plays in the background. And all you need to grab is your leisure-enhancing sunscreen to ensure you are protected from the strong sun rays while you can enjoy your day. I am excited to share my Vacation® sunscreen review of best sellers and new launches from the brand that can take you from the seaside to poolside cocktails- no 80’s shoulder pads required. READ MORE
How to Pick the Best EltaMD Sunscreen for You for the Ultimate Sun Protection
Want healthy, plump, glowy skin? Then you best not gloss over sunscreen. This non-negotiable skincare step is also a golden rule of skin care: never leave the house (no matter the weather) without a layer of sunscreen. Finding the right sunscreen for your skin type can seem like an uphill battle, so read on for guidance on how to choose the right SPF and the which EltaMD sunscreen suits you the best! READ MORE
An Unfiltered Review of La Roche-Posay Sunscreens, Tested and Approved By Our Beauty Editor
Sunscreen is a skincare nonnegotiable. Enter: La Roche-Posay, a line of dermatologist-backed skincare products known for its comprehensive sunscreens offering unparalleled UV protection. Our beauty editor, Elise Tabin, put three of the brand’s most popular sunscreens to the test and shares her La Roche-Posay sunscreen review and which formulas she’s stockpiling for spring and summer. READ MORE
7 Best Supergoop! Sunscreens—And How to Pick The Right One
In fighting the good fight against premature skin aging, sunscreen remains our number one weapon. With that in mind, Supergoop! has earned itself a cult-like following and has quickly risen to become the go-to brand of beauty editors, celebs, and skincare pros. So, if you’re wondering which Supergoop! sunscreen is the best, you’ve come to the right place. READ MORE
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Sunscreen FAQs
How Often to Reapply Sunscreen
Sunscreen isn’t a one-and-done step. Its effectiveness wears off over time, especially with sun exposure, sweat, swimming, or even just touching your face. Reapplying every 2 hours is essential to maintain proper protection, and even more frequently if you're active or in water. To make reapplication more practical throughout the day, there are several alternative formats beyond traditional creams, like powders, sprays, and sticks.
When to Apply Sunscreen in Your Skincare Routine
Sunscreen should be the final step in your morning skincare routine, applied after moisturizer, but before makeup. Think of it as your skin’s protective armor. Applying it last ensures nothing dilutes its effectiveness, and that it can properly form a barrier on the surface of your skin. If you’re using makeup with SPF, that’s great—but it shouldn’t replace your dedicated sunscreen.
From the latest hair and makeup trends to the best solutions for your skin issues, we've got all your beauty concerns covered!
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