You’ve heard it all before, right? That the number one thing you can do to keep your skin looking fab—and head off signs of aging—is wear sunscreen. Every day. No excuses. All the lotions, potions, scrubs, serums, peels, masks, and oils in the world won’t come close to providing the long-term beautifying benefit (not to mention skin cancer protection) of daily sunscreen. It’s just that pesky daily part that most women have trouble with, myself included.
My sunscreen stumbling block? Most formulas make me break out. Big time. I have the indignity of seriously acne-prone skin plus the usual in-my-30s antiaging concerns. My skin is also a lot more sensitive than it used to be, and I’m a bit of a baby about product texture—I cannot stand when anything feels heavy or greasy on my skin and doesn’t sink in quickly. I’m naturally pasty pale. And the kicker: I use retinol at night (see: acne and wrinkles) which can make you sensitive to the sun.
Yeah, that’s a tall order, but I was on a mission to find my perfect, holy grail sun protection. The broad-spectrum sunscreen of my dreams couldn’t make my sensitive, acne-farm of a face break out. But it also had to sink in quickly and feel good, because after all the idea is to wear it every single day and if it feels greasy, looks bad under makeup, and gives me zits, I’m out. It also needed to be at least SPF 30.
This, as it turns out, is a tall order for my particular combo of skin issues. I tested a lot of sunscreen as part of my daily routine, in every price range. I tested sunscreen/moisturizer combos. Sunscreen layered with other moisturizer. Sunscreen layered with face oil. Sunscreen on its own. Even waterproof sunscreen for a winter beach trip. I’ve been at it for months, but I’ve finally found the perfect sunscreens for me. (Phew!) And because I know I must not be alone in this epic quest for zit-free, sun-protected skin, I’m sharing.
My Best Everyday: Supergoop SPF 30 Anti-Aging City Sunscreen Serum
This is it, folks. The holy grail, wear-it-daily sunscreen. It’s perfect: sinks in fast, isn’t greasy, looks good under makeup. It’s a chemical block, but it doesn’t contain parabens, fragrance, or oxybenzone. On days when my skin isn’t particularly dry, I can even skip moisturizer. (But pro tip: When layering, always apply sunscreen first. I was putting it on last. D’oh.)
My Best Higher SPF: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
This sunscreen is a physical/chemical block combo that contains niacinamide to calm sensitive, acneic, or rosacea-prone skin. It didn’t make me break out, didn’t leave the usual gross white zinc residue, and sunk in fairly quickly. On days when I know that I’ll be out in the sun more than my usual desk job requires, I reach for this stuff. (But I like it as much as the Supergoop, it could totally be my everday.)
My Best All-Natural: Pratima Neem Rose Face Sunscreen SPF 30
If you’re looking for a 100% physical block, this micronized zinc formula was my favorite. No breakouts and it felt way more smooth than many other zinc-based formulas I’ve tried. (Those little micronized particles are the jam.) It didn’t look as good under my makeup, but I wear powder foundation so this may be perfect for ladies who use a liquid or BB cream.
My Best Water-Resistant: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream+ Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ For Face
The only water-resistant formula that didn’t make me break out, and I tried several in every price range. I wouldn’t wear this every day, but it’s perfect for a trip to the beach or any outdoor activities where you’ll get sweaty.
Disclaimer: These sunscreens worked for me and my special brand of skin crazy. I hope they work for you! But as always, skin is an individual, tricky business and you just have to test to see what works for you. So do you have a holy grail sunscreen that you love? Share in the comments!
