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Lathering on sunscreen isn't just an outdoor festival and tour activity, it's a year-round must-have. Soaking up that vitamin D might feel good, but overexposure can give you a hot sunburn — and that includes when you're at a music festival listening to your favorite artist.
Whether you're planning to spend extended periods outdoors at concerts or already have days at the beach planned, you want to make sure you have the right sun protection.
Whether it's rain, shine, overcast or even partly cloudy, using a solid sunscreen will help keep your skin soft and healthy. The last thing you want to deal with is accelerated signs of aging or, at worst, skin cancer. Here's why we spoke with Dr. Angela J. Lamb, board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of Dermatology, and Dr. Bobby Buka, MD, JD to find out the best sunscreens.
Before you go stocking your cart, Lamb and Buka shared some tips to keep in mind, including how to know if what you're using is really “the best.”
What is the most effective sunscreen?
Not all sunscreen formulas are created equal, which makes ingredients and application especially important when looking for the right one.
“I recommend something that will go on easily, feel good on people's skin and allow them to wear makeup over the top if they wish,” she said. Lamb added that you should also look for ingredients like titanium dioxide and titanium dioxide, as “these ingredients will help the sunscreen work immediately when it's applied to your skin.”
If you have oily skin, you'll want to consider a gel or spray sunscreen, as Buka says it “will have a staining effect on the shine.” While for dry and sensitive skin, he would lean towards cream and lotion formulas “for their softening, moisturizing effect”.
How often should you reapply sunscreen?
Reapplying will depend on what you do, according to Lamb.
“If you're sweating outside or doing any kind of sport, your sunscreen really needs to be reapplied about every 80 to 90 minutes,” she said. “If you actually spend some time outside – maybe on your way to or from work – you can put on sunscreen in the morning and maybe, if the sun is still out when you leave to go home, reapply or use [a] powder [sunscreen] to touch it.”
What are the best sunscreens, according to dermatologists?
To upgrade your beauty routine and stock up on travel essentials for the summer season and beyond, see below to shop the best sunscreens, according to dermatologists, as well as some top picks and celebrity favorites.
Amazon
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen – SPF 40
Lamb likes this Unseen Sunscreen by Supergoop for its lightweight formula that's water- and sweat-resistant for up to 40 minutes after application. The texture is also sheer, allowing you to wear it without worrying about leaving white streaks behind.
Dune guard
Need a solid body sunscreen? Buka finds the Dune Bod Guard to be a solid choice for its non-sticky and cooling formula. It's also water resistant, comes with SPF 30 and is hypoallergenic for those with more sensitive skin.
“Patients are really drawn to the DUNE Bod Guard,” he says. “[It’s] Quick application, set it, forget it and rock a day in the sun.”
Amazon
Neutrogena Purescreen+ Tinted Sunscreen for Face – SPF 30
Lamb loves this Neutrogena Mineral UV Tint formula so much that she uses it every day. It comes in four shades and adds a hint of tint to your skin as soon as you apply it.
Amazon
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion – SPF 30
Billboard Markets has tried this sunscreen and I can say that CeraVe facial moisturizer is my choice. As someone with sensitive skin, finding a formula that doesn't leave my skin burning can be difficult. I have used CeraVe in the past and know that the ingredients are friendly to sensitive skin, which made it almost a no-brainer when deciding which brand of sunscreen to use. Not only is it lightweight, but it doesn't leave behind a chemical scent, and as an added bonus, it's the #1 best seller on Amazon for facial sunscreens.
What are the best sunscreens that critics and celebs love?
Even Hollywood has its favorite sunscreen formulas in stock, which you can shop below.
Black Broad Spectrum Sunscreen for Girls – SPF 30
Black Girl Sunscreen has gotten a lot of attention for creating a quality fragrance-free, long-lasting (like, up to 80 minutes!) SPF. It's even waterproof, allowing you to take a dip or sweat without having to reapply constantly.
Ulta Beauty
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense Facial Sunscreen – SPF 30
The previous Advertising sign Hot 100 Chart topper Selena Gomez is known to love Drunk Elephant's Umbra Sheer Physical Defense SPF, and we totally understand why. Not only does it come with the dermatologist-approved ingredient oxide, but it features a fragrance- and essential oil-free formula that's gentle on the skin without leaving it greasy.
Amazon
Lancôme UV Expert Primer & Face Moisturizer – SPF 50
EuphoriaZendaya has previously professed her love for Lancôme's UV Expert Primer & Moisturizer SPF, which not only provides protection from harmful UV rays, but also smoothes and hydrates the skin. And did we mention it's made with nourishing vitamin E?
And for more product recommendations, check out our roundups of AAPI beauty and skincare brands, refillable lipsticks, and the best TikTok beauty alternatives.
