By Maha Chaudhry
It is Summer in Orlando and the heat IS on (in more ways than one), and though we may be mid-way through the summer, we are at the peak of summer-time sunshine. Which means, it’s time to glow! But of course, in the best way possible with the right kind of protection under the sun!
Which brings us to protecting the skin. Ultraviolet (UV) protection is key when protecting your skin from various forms of UV radiation linked to aging, hyperpigmentation and skin cancer. Dermatologists urge individuals, regardless of the amount exposed to UV rays, to shield their skin. It is recommended when shopping for sunscreen, to look for one that contains at least an SPF of 30. With so many options of sunscreen in the market, it can be overwhelming to decide, especially since the formulas vary. The two primary types being mineral vs. chemical SPF.
The good news for you? We narrowed down some of our top picks so that you need not look further! Here’s our top summer choices of sunscreen, keeping in mind everything from ingredients to an overall feel!
Best for the face:
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 | Category: Mineral
This gentle yet strong oil-free vegan sunscreen is power-packed with niacinamide (vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid and lactic acid – all ingredients that are amazing for healthy-looking skin. In addition, it is super light and can be worn easily under makeup without feeling cakey or clogged.
If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, or suffer from hyperpigmentation and rosacea, this sunscreen is especially great for you! But overall, the key ingredients are beneficial for all skin types. Other active ingredients include: 9.0% Zinc Oxide, 7.5% Octinoxate.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 | Category: Chemical
Another weightless pick is the Supergoop! Unseen which contains frankincense – a natural ingredient that helps strengthen your skin and provides simultaneous soothing, as well as a complex derived from meadowfoam seed.
This sunscreen goes on invisible with a velvety finish and is great for all skin types – however, if you are on oily end, this sunscreen is especially great for you! Other active ingredients include: Avobenzone, 3%, Homosalate 8%, Istusakate 5%, Octocrylene 4%.
Best for the Body:
Coola Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Coola is no stranger to the skin game, and their sunscreen is no exception! This SPF 50 sunscreen is fragrance-free and formulated as a lightweight SPF protector that utilizes olesome technology to optimize efficacy. Key ingredients include their Plant Protection mix (Red Raspberry Seed Oil, Buriti Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, and Prickly Pear Extract), other ingredients include: Safflower Olesomes, and Neroli Flower Extract, which helps rebalance and hydrate the skin in a calming manner.
Just like Supergoop’s Unseen, It also contains: Avobenzone 1.75%, Homosalate 5.0%, Octisalate 2.0%, Octocrylene 5.0%
BARE Republic Mineral Sunscreen Gel-Lotion SPF 30
BARE delivers on this fragrance-free vegan light-weight overall body sunscreen. The formula is free of parabens and non-GMO. Though the sunscreen is on the lighter side of SPF, it contains great ingredients such as rose oil and calendula oil which help to soothe the skin. The sunscreen is also rich in antioxidants containing raspberry, grape and carrot seed oils.
Other primary active ingredient: Titanium Dioxide
Best for the lips:
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Lip Balm
You’ve probably heard of the name Sun Bum before, but if you haven’t tried their lip balm sunscreen, it may be time to consider. The best-seller balm includes soothing ingredients like Vitamin E and Shea Butter with the active ingredient being Zinc Oxide 8%.
Coola Classic Liplux Organic Hydrating Lip Oil Sunscreen SPF 30
Coola has made it back on our list with this rich SPF lip oil! Not only does it provide sun protection, it adds a bit of shine too with key ingredients such as: Camellia and Jojoba oils and Vitamin E. The flower extracts work great together to provide lasting moisture.
Other ingredients include: Avobenzone 3.0%, Homosalate 4.0%, Octisalate 4.0%, Octocrylene 10.0%.
