As a reformed high school tanning-bed user (I know, I know), I like being a nice tan as much as the next bronze-obsessed girl, but now I know the cost of such vanity. So for the past few years, I've sworn off tanning salons (and preached to others on their dangers) and converted to spray tans, self-tanners, and bronzers. And whether I'm in the sun or not, I use sunscreen every day. I know I sound preachy, but this is important stuff. There is sunscreen in my moisturizer, my makeup, and my body lotion (plus, I see my dermatologist yearly for a skin check). But in all honesty, sunscreen was a hard thing to love. |
Acne-prone/oily:Look for a sunscreen that's “oil-free,” meaning that it uses dimethicone instead of petrolatum. Dimethicone helps absorb oil on the skin’s surface and can actually help it appear less oily.
Some good ones: Cetaphil DermaControl Moisturizer SPF 30 ($15.99), with zinc and licorice root extract, as well as Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen ($10.50), with botanical extracts. |
Red (or rosacea-prone):Anti-inflammatory botanical extracts in sunscreens may help soothe irritated skin. Try Aveeno Ultra Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 ($16.99); it contains feverfew, a botanical similar to chamomile, which helps reduce irritation.
Eucerin Redness Relief Daily Perfecting Lotion SPF 15 ($14.99) has been formulated with licorice-root extract, which also soothes red skin. |
Dry:The creamier, the better. Try CeraVe AM($12.99), which provides SPF 30 protection and contains a ceramide-rich formulation that may help repair skin-barrier function. |
Sensitive:If you can't tolerate chemical sunscreen ingredients, opt for a strictly physical blocker like SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50, 50 mL ($32), which contains zinc and titanium but no chemical sunscreen ingredients.
Also nice: Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby Faces SPF 50+ ($11.50) contains only physical blockers and is fragrance-free and tear-free.
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