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These are the 5 best lightweight sunscreens for your face
If sunscreen isn’t a part of your daily skin care routine, what are you waiting for? Every reputable skin professional ever recommends using sunscreen every single day. That especially includes using sunscreen on your face.
Coola Organic Classic Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Rose Inc Solar Power Luminous SPF 30 Brightening Serum
Dermalogica Porescreen SPF 40 Mineral Sunscreen with Niacinamide
Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder for Sensitive Skin, Medium , 1 Count (Pack of 1)
However, banish any unpleasant thoughts of slathering your skin with a thick white lotion before they start. There are plenty of lightweight sunscreens formulated specifically for your face out there — and they won’t leave you drowning in greasy globs of goo.
Facial sunscreen is essential, no matter your skin type or condition. And yes, that means you should be wearing sunscreen even if you have painful acne or rosacea. After all, practically every skin condition can be adversely impacted by unprotected sun exposure.
Of course, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to sunscreen, from SPF to type of protection. First off, there are two types of sunscreen: mineral (or physical) and chemical. Chemical sunscreen uses organic materials — like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate and more — as a means of sun protection. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun’s rays like a sponge and expelling those rays as heat.
But there are some notable downsides to chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreen ingredients — like oxybenzone and octinoxate — have been tied to coral reef bleaching and adverse environmental impacts. Ingredients in chemical sunscreen also tend to be more irritating to sensitive skin than ingredients in mineral sunscreens. Additionally, chemical sunscreen ingredients are often under fire for potential adverse health impacts, although more research is needed for a scientific conclusion.
Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, work by acting as a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays. Think of it as a shield, blocking the light when it hits your skin. Mineral sunscreens have two main ingredients: titanium and zinc oxide. Titanium and zinc oxide tend to be well tolerated by all skin types, including sensitive skin. Physical sunscreens, however, tend to not be as lightweight as chemical sunscreens. They are also more likely to leave a white cast on skin, though formulations have improved immensely since the face paint-like sunscreen of your youth. Mineral sunscreens also tend not to be as water-resistant as chemical options, which is another thing to consider.
When looking for sunscreen, it’s also important to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVB and UVA rays — and it’s important to shield yourself from both. Both types of rays cause different adverse health impacts on skin. UVB rays cause burning (and related concerns like dark spots), while UVA rays cause deeper, lasting sun damage like skin aging. Both types of UV rays can play a role in skin cancer formation, though.
When shopping for sunscreen, it’s also important to look for an SPF of at least 30, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. SPF, or sun protection factor, measures the amount of UV radiation required to cause a sunburn. That said, those with fair skin who burn easily likely want to use an SPF 50 sunscreen, while those with darker skin tones can get away with SPF 30.
If you don’t already have a solid facial sunscreen in your daily skin care routine, you’re way overdue. Add these lightweight sunscreens for your face to your skin care rotation for healthier skin this summer and beyond.
This mega-popular mineral facial sunscreen by Coola features broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays without oxybenzone or octinoxate. The SPF 50 formula is lightweight and non-greasy, created to layer cleanly under makeup. The formula is also water-resistant, meaning you’ll be protected while swimming or sweating for up to 80 minutes. The top-rated Coola facial sunscreen is also sensitive-skin friendly, fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
Formulated for melanated skin, Black Girl Sunscreen’s sheer moisturizing lotion for face and body has SPF 30, protecting against both UVA and UVB rays. Unlike many sunscreens, it won’t leave a chalky white cast, allowing black skin to shine. The fragrance-free chemical formula comes infused with moisturizing ingredients, including jojoba, cacao and avocado. Plus, it’s free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, making it reef-safe. Pro-tip: For those who prefer mineral sunscreen, Black Girl Sunscreen also makes a hybrid sunscreen with both chemical and mineral protection.
It doesn’t get more lightweight than a sunscreen serum. Rose Inc’s Solar Power Luminous SPF 30 Brightening Serum is an ultra-hydrating mineral formula with squalane and other plant-based oils. Though it’s extremely lightweight, it still protects skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays via zinc oxide. The fragrance-free formula — which is free of oxybenzone or octinoxate — is sensitive, skin-safe and works well under makeup.
A top-rated option, Dermalogica’s Porescreen SPF 40 Mineral Sunscreen with Niacinamide is more than just a tongue twister. The broad-spectrum mineral formula utilizes zinc oxide to protect against UVA and UVB rays. But it also has niacinamide, a skin care ingredient that helps address signs of sun damage. This mineral sunscreen has a blurring effect on the skin, providing a slight tint to help smooth your complexion. Like all mineral sunscreens, the Dermalogica Porescreen Sunscreen is free of oxybenzone or octinoxate.
Reapplying sunscreen while wearing a full face of makeup seems damn near impossible — that is, until now. A truly innovative mineral face sunscreen, the Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen Powder applies in a flash thanks to a built-in brush applicator. This SPF 50 sunscreen acts more like a translucent powder than a traditional sunscreen, working wonderfully when brushed over makeup beautifully. The featherweight formula (which is free of oxybenzone or octinoxate) protects against UVA and UVB light, pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation. A single brush-on product will last you about 90 days, according to the brand. It’s worth every penny.
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