Top Rated Sunscreens By Dermatologists (Updated For 2020)
Sunscreen is a lotion, spray, gel, foam, stick, or other topical product that absorbs or reflects some of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation and thus helps protect against sunburn. Diligent use of sunscreen can also slow or temporarily prevent the development of wrinkles, dark spots, and sagging skin. (source)
Depending on the mode of action, sunscreens can be classified into physical sunscreens (i.e., zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which stay on the surface of the skin and mainly deflect the UV light) or chemical sunscreens (i.e., UV organic filters, which absorb the UV light).
Medical organizations such as the American Cancer Society recommend the use of sunscreen because it aids in the prevention of squamous cell carcinomas.
The routine use of sunscreens may also reduce the risk of melanoma. However, many sunscreens do not block UVA (UVA) radiation, yet protection from UVA has been shown to be important for the prevention of skin cancer.
Types of Sunscreen
The active ingredients in sunscreens work by creating UV filters that keep harmful UV rays from penetrating the skin. There are two types of sunscreens – mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens. Each type uses a different mechanism for filtering UV rays and protecting the skin from damage. (source)
Mineral Sunscreens
Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin’s surface, acting as a physical blocker by deflecting and scattering UV rays away from the skin like tiny mirrors. Because they block UV rays at the surface level, mineral sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Also, because mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier, they are effective as soon as they are applied, so there is no need to wait.
Mineral sunscreens tend to have a white-ish cast to them and can be visible on the skin. Also, because they sit on the skin’s surface, mineral sunscreens can be rubbed, sweated, or rinsed off easily, which makes frequent reapplication a necessity.
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They also must be applied liberally to ensure adequate protection. Because the nanoparticles in mineral sunscreens should not be inhaled, it is best to avoid spray and powder formulations to minimize lung exposure. Mineral sunscreens contain the active ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide or a combination of the two.
- Pros: full protection from UVA and UVB rays; effective immediately; will not clog pores
- Cons: frequent reapplication is needed; may leave a white cast on the skin; spray and loose powder formulations should be avoided
Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into your skin and sit in the deeper layers. They absorb UV rays and change them into heat, then release the heat from the skin.
Since UV rays must penetrate the skin to reach these chemicals, chemical sunscreens may not protect against all UVA rays, which still causes damage to the deeper layers of the skin.
Because chemical sunscreens take about 20 minutes to be effective, planning is required.
Also, direct light caused the chemicals to be used up more quickly, so re-application must be more frequent when you are in direct sunlight. The heat-releasing nature of chemical sunscreens can be problematic for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin, as well as for individuals with hyperpigmentation.
The heated skin can cause an increase in existing brown spots. Chemical sunscreens can also clog pores and be problematic for acne-prone skin. Chemical sunscreens contain oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, octisalate, homosalate, or combinations thereof.
- Pros: less product is needed per application to offer protection; thinner and easier to spread on the skin; applies invisibly
- Cons: allows some UVA exposure; requires time to be effective; can exacerbate acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation; frequent application required
Top Rated Sunscreens By Dermatologists (Updated For 2020)
Healthy Paths spoke to dermatologists to find the best sunscreens on the market for all of your needs, from sensitive skin to budget. With all the options available, there’s no excuse to not protect yourself.
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The top rated sunscreen by dermatologists is the Hawaiian Tropic’s new AntiOxidant+ Sunscreen , this sunscreen is perfect because it does not dry or irritates your skin.
It’s lotion provides a protective layer of antioxidants. It helps prevent long-term skin damage and premature aging from the sun, while indulging your senses with an island-inspired fragrance.
Active Type: Chemical sunscreen
Packaging: Lotion
SPF Rating: 50 broad spectrum
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
[wptb id=3694]
Banana Boat Ultra Sport stays on in the sun, pool water, ocean water, wind, sweat, sand and extreme heat – to provide safe and effective broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection for your skin.
It’s the best value among top performers at less than $0.90 per ounce. Banana Boat’s lotion clinched the top spot for the best texture and came in as a close second in nearly every other category.
Active Type: Chemical sunscreen
Packaging: Lotion
SPF Rating: 50 broad spectrum
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
[wptb id=3697]
Dermatologist and Sonny approved, this non-comedogenic sunscreen delivers UVA/UVB protection and is packed with Vitamin E. It is oil-free, water-resistant and reef-friendly, it is great for all skin types.
The formula came out on top for not creating a white residue and provided effective sunburn protection.
Enriched with Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals. Vitamin E also acts as a moisturizer and can prevent premature aging.
Sun Bum sunscreen is hypoallergenic and designed for even the most sensitive skin.
Active Type: Chemical sunscreen
Packaging: Spray
SPF Rating: 50 broad spectrum
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
[wptb id=3701]
The SPF actives in No Excuses are naturally encapsulated into a vitamin-enriched essence-gel base, which preserves the maximum efficacy of all ingredients until the time of application.
It is lightweight and super-easy to apply with no white cast or greasy feeling left behind, which makes it perfect for everyday use on your face. it is also completely transparent, fast-absorbing that delivers broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection from UVA/UVB rays.
Active Type: Chemical sunscreen
Packaging: Lotion
SPF Rating: 40 broad spectrum
Water Resistance: Not water resistant
[wptb id=3703]
It provide an ample protection for those who prefer a mineral/physical sunscreen and don’t mind paying the extra price for it.
It was created by the prominent dermatologic oncologist Dr. Robert J. Friedman. It is a natural, ultra-smooth, mineral SPF formulas that feel amazing and fit seamlessly into your daily skincare routine.
This silicone-based formula goes on silky but has a tendency to separate in the tube when it’s hot, so remember to give it a shake before use.
Active Type: Mineral sunscreen
Packaging: Lotion
SPF Rating: 50 broad spectrum
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
What SPF do dermatologists recommend?
They recommend SPF of 30 and up to all of their patients, people apply about one-third the amount of sunscreen necessary to achieve the SPF listed on the label. Make sure to look for a water-resistant, broad-spectrum formula to protect against both harmful UVA/UVB rays and reapply at least every two hours.
You should not rely on an SPF lower than 30. It’s important to inform you that sunscreen isn’t a complete block no matter what the SPF is. SPF 30 filters 96.7% of UV rays, meaning it allows 3.3% to reach the skin.
To cut down on sun damage, dermatologists recommend layering on clothing, hats, sunglasses, and seeking refuge in shady spots between peak UV exposure hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Karen Watson
Karen started writing about health to document her own journey. She fell into some very bad habits and knew things had to change. That’s why she joined us to help as many people as possible with their health issues.
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