Although we are all practicing social distance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, we also protect ourselves from harmful UV rays. This means using the best sunblock creams when you leave the house for essential errands and using SPF while indoors because standard glass still exposes you to some of the sun’s harmful rays.
UV rays may cause hyperpigmentation, acne, fine lines, and, in the worst-case case, skin cancer. According to one study, skin tumors form as a result of gene mutations caused by UV exposure. As a result, choosing the best sunblock creams is important. And many factors contribute to what makes a sunblock cream. First, it will have an SPF of at least 30. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, this is the best choice. And it has been scientifically proven to provide sufficient protection against the harmful effects of sunlight.
Top 10 The best sunblock creams
Here are our suggestions for the best sunblock creams to have on hand this season!
1. Aveeno Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Price:$13
Since Aveeno’s Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 comprises 100 percent zinc oxide and calming oats, the chances of it irritating the skin are slim to none. This 2020 Allure Best of Beauty champion is also sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it perfect for workouts, beach outings, and everything in between.
HOW TO USE:
- It should be used 15 minutes before setting out in the sun.
- Reapply after swimming or sweating for another 80 minutes.
- Immediately after towel drying
- Reapply it At least every 2 hours
2. EleVen by Venus Williams Sun Serum SPF 35
Price:$30
It’s no surprise that a mineral sunscreen made by Venus Williams has received a lot of attention and positive comments. It also won a 2020 Allure Best of Beauty Award. Because of the sheer, serum-like formula of the EleVen by Venus Williams Sun Serum SPF 35, it leaves skin with a flawless, demi-matte finish and layers beautifully with makeup. In terms of UVA/UVB protection, 25% zinc oxide does the heavy lifting, while prickly pear provides all-day hydration.
HOW TO USE:
- Shake well before use.
- Apply regularly over moisturizer or under makeup.
- Apply liberally to the face and neck 15 minutes before going out in the sun.
- For maximum sun protection, reapply after 2 hours.
3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine SPF 60+ Dry Touch Gel-Cream
Price:$20
La Roche-Anthelios Posay’s Clear Skin SPF 60+ Dry-Touch Sunscreen is designed for acne-prone skin. Also, it provides a matte, shine-free, and oil-free finish that won’t clog pores and become a breeding ground for breakouts. This Allure Best of Beauty winner for 2020 uses silica and perlite (which are present in several foundations) to absorb extra oil and reduce shine. It is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it an excellent option for active people who like spending time outside.
HOW TO USE:
- As the final step in your skincare routine, apply this product.
- It is safe to use under makeup.
- Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, toweling, and sweating in accordance with directions.
4. EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47
Price$27
EltaMD’s UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 sunscreen contains 10% translucent zinc oxide and 5.5 percent titanium dioxide for a physical, chemical-free sunscreen suitable for all skin types ages. It’s also fragrance-free and has an 80-minute water resistance rating.
HOW TO USE:
- Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure.
Reapply:
- After 80 minutes of swimming or sweating
- Immediately after towel drying
- At least every 2 hours
5. RéVive Skincare Soleil Supérieur Broad Spectrum SPF Sunscreen 50 PA++++
Price:$165
Spending $165 on sunscreen is a lot of money. The ReVivé Skincare Soleil Supérieur Body Broad Spectrum Sunscreen 50 PA++++, on the other hand, is well worth the money. It provides SPF 50 sun protection and includes moisturizing and plumping ingredients, including sunflower seed oil and squalane. So, you’re getting sunscreen and a skincare product in one, which should put your mind at ease after seeing the price tag.
HOW TO USE:
- Apply liberally to the body 15 minutes before going out in the sun.
- Reapply at least every 2 hours.
6. Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30
Price:$36
Drunk Elephant’s Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunblock cream is another mineral choice that hydrates and gives skin a natural-looking glow. The untinted version picked up a Best of Beauty Award in 2015. It includes zinc oxide as an active ingredient. And it also includes sunflower sprouts and algae extracts, which help protect the skin from free radicals.
HOW TO APPLY:
- Apply evenly to the face, neck, and chest every morning.
- Use 15 minutes before going outside in the sun.
- Reapply at least every two hours.
- If you are swimming or sweating, use water-resistant sunblock cream.
7. Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protector WetForce SPF 50+
Price:$28
On outdoor excursions, you won’t have to lug around heavy bottles of sunblock cream. Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protector WetForce SPF 50+ stick is lightweight and portable, with SPF 50 and water and sweat resistance. Besides that, this formula is completely transparent. It’s simple to reapply without a mirror. This is a feature that comes in handy when you’re trekking to the top of a mountain or, you know, lounging at the beach.
HOW TO USE
- Apply generously to the face and neck.
- Reducing the amount of sunblock cream applied reduces the level of protection significantly. This product can be worn on top of or below makeup.
8. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50
Price: $11
Neutrogena has been a dermatologist’s favorite for millennia. Though we prefer the brand’s Sheer Touch formulations, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 might fool even the most experienced sunblock cream user into thinking it’s nothing more than a water-based moisturizer. It comes out as a semi-opaque, pale-blue gel with more like a fresh, gentle shampoo than anything else. Because of the hyaluronic acid infusion, it feels cool on application and dries with a hydrating finish.
HOW TO USE:
- Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure.
REAPPLY:
- After 80 minutes of swimming or sweating
- Immediately after towel drying
- At least every two hours
- Avoid spending so much time in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
9. Hawaiian Tropic Antioxidant Sunblock cream Lotion 50
Price:$11
Are you looking for new everyday protection? Hawaiian Tropic’s Antioxidant Sunblock cream Lotion 50 is made with skin-nourishing antioxidants, including green tea extract, to nourish when protecting against harmful UV rays. The silky, lightweight lotion applies easily and smells like you’re on the beach of a tropical island. Did we say it’s less than 11 bucks?
HOW TO USE:
- 15 minutes before setting out in the sun, gently apply.
- Reapply after 2 hours either after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating.
10. Sun Bum Face Lotion SPF 50
Price:$13
Sun Bum Face Lotion SPF 50 is oil-free and comes in a pretty package. It also offers strong SPF 50 protection that meets the Skin Cancer Foundation’s stringent standards. This formula takes a little longer to absorb completely. But it leaves skin soft and healthy once it does.
HOW TO USE:
- Apply SPF 50 sunblock cream lotion liberally to your face or body 15 minutes before going out in the sun.
- Reapply after swimming or sweating for another 80 minutes.
- Immediately after towel drying. At least every 2 hours.
