Good sun protection is essential, whether it is during the summer or any other time of the year. At Schlessinger MD, our board-certified dermatologists, Mohs surgeons and cosmetic surgeons Drs. Joel and Daniel Schlessinger want to help you stay safe this summer. Here are their top tips to help avoid sunburns, sun damage and the potential skin cancer.
1. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply it often.
Both of our dermatology experts recommend using a high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher every day. However, SPF is only one part of the equation, as it indicates the level of protection a sunscreen provides from the sun’s UVB rays, which cause sunburn, while UVA isn’t a part of that rating. “Broad spectrum” on the label indicates the sunscreen offers protection from not only UVB rays but also UVA rays, which are associated with premature signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause cancer.
To get the best protection from your chosen broad-spectrum sunscreen, you’ll want to make sure you’re applying enough for it to be effective and reapplying it often. “Most people will need at least one and a half ounces of sunscreen—a shot glass full—to cover their body, as well as a half dollar-sized amount for the face, neck and chest,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says. “Forgetting to reapply your sunscreen once you’ve left for the day is one of the easiest ways to end up with a sunburn, so I always recommend my patients bring their sunscreen with them and reapply every forty to ninety minutes or even sooner if they are in water or sweating significantly.”
Sunscreen also has a limited shelf life and is less effective past its expiration date. “If you’re using a bottle of sunscreen that’s sat in the bottom of your beach bag since last summer, chances are it’s expired,” Dr. Daniel Schlessinger says. “You can check for an expiration date on the bottle, but typically sunscreen is good for about a year after opening.” The start of summer is as good a time as any to replenish your supply of sunscreen to make sure you’re well-stocked for outdoor activities throughout the season.
More on sunscreen: NewBeauty Magazine recently interviewed Drs. Joel and Daniel Schlessinger for their thoughts on the differences between physical (mineral) sunscreens and chemical sunscreens, reef-safe sunscreens and more.
2. Seek the shade whenever possible.
Pair your high-quality sunscreen with common-sense shade-seeking. “Whether or not you get a sunburn can come down to your choice of where you sit or how much shade you have at the pool or beach,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says. “Choose the shadiest location you can and don’t hesitate to pick up and move to follow that shade as the sun shifts throughout the day.” The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., so limiting your time in the sun during those peak times can also help reduce your exposure.
“If you know you’ll be somewhere with little shade, like on the sidelines of an all-day sports tournament or a wide-open beach, take the time to plan and bring a beach umbrella, pop-up tent or a camp chair with a built-in sunshade,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says. “Taking your sun safety into your own hands with these kinds of physical barriers can make a difference in places where there’s not much shade around. It’s not worth it to risk skin cancer over one day’s activities.”
3. Outfit yourself with protective clothing and accessories.
Another way to protect your skin is to wear sun-protective clothing with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) noted on the label. Popular options include long-sleeve rashguards for swimming or UPF polos for the golf course.
Round out your summer outfit by adding sunglasses with a 100% UV protection rating and a hat. “A baseball cap is better than nothing, but a wide-brimmed hat is a better choice because it helps protect not only your face but your ears and neck as well,” Dr. Daniel Schlessinger says.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger’s best sunscreens of 2024
To help you in your quest to find your new favorite sunscreens, Dr. Joel Schlessinger shares some of his top picks for face, body and lips from trusted brands, such as SkinCeuticals, EltaMD, ISDIN, Colorescience and more.
The best face sunscreens of 2024
Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
This sunscreen is at the top of Dr. Joel Schlessinger’s best face sunscreens of 2024 because it features an all-mineral formula with 10% zinc oxide, ensuring effective sun protection. Also elegant, the formula leaves no white cast on most skin tones, making it a versatile choice for all. Additionally, it incorporates EnviroScreen Technology, which provides additional protection against a wide range of environmental factors like pollution.
ISDIN Photo Eryfotona Actinica Daily Lightweight Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen
This versatile, water-resistant sunscreen can be used on both the face and body, containing 11% zinc oxide to shield skin against sun exposure. It also helps repair existing sun damage with Photolyase, an enzyme derived from plankton, promoting a more even skin tone.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
This sunscreen is a favorite among the LovelySkin staff, featuring 12% zinc oxide for excellent mineral sunscreen protection. It’s uniquely formulated with tone-adapting pigments that naturally blend into any skin tone, ensuring a seamless match for a wide range of complexions. Many of our staff have been substituting this sunscreen for their daily foundation makeup.
SkinCeuticals Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense SPF 50
This newly launched hybrid face sunscreen, introduced in May 2024, combines both physical and chemical sunscreen filters for effective protection. The formula includes 7% zinc oxide as well as 8% homosalate, 5% octisalate and 5% octocrylene. It’s infused with peptides and bisabolol, which help soothe redness and calm irritated skin, making it a comprehensive solution for daily sun protection and skin care for sensitive skin types.
Revision Skincare Intellishade TruPhysical Clear SPF 50
This 4-in-1 anti-aging moisturizer doubles as a mineral sunscreen (2.5% titanium dioxide and 15.2% zinc oxide) and is formulated to not only protect your skin from the sun but also to enhance your anti-aging regimen. It contains three peptides, botanical extracts and antioxidants, which work together to soften the look of wrinkles. Additionally, the formula leaves no white cast and ensures a transparent finish.
The best tinted sunscreens of 2024
ALASTIN Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36
This tinted sunscreen formula is one of the best tinted sunscreens of 2024 because it combines 8.9% titanium dioxide and 3.4% zinc oxide, providing optimal mineral-based sun protection. Additionally, it’s enriched with antioxidants, offering enhanced defense against environmental damage and promoting healthier skin.
EltaMD AOX Tinted Eye Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Thiseye sunscreen features a 100% mineral formula that is gentle enough to be used all around the eye area, including the eyelid. Its specially designed formulation with 15% zinc oxide offers effective protection and a hint of tint to conceal dark circles, puffiness or crow’s feet.
Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy
This sunscreen for the eyes features an all-mineral sunscreen formula (7.9% titanium dioxide and 6.7% zinc oxide) and is available in four tinted shades, offering variety for many skin tones. It is particularly effective for protecting the sensitive skin around the eyes, especially following cosmetic treatments, or it can be used for everyday use, doubling as a makeup concealer.
The best body sunscreens of 2024
TiZO Ultra Zinc Mineral Sunscreen for Face and Body SPF 40
This sunscreen contains 20% zinc oxide and is available in both tinted and untinted formulas, catering to various preferences. Its cream formula is perfect for normal to dry skin types, offering much-needed moisture while providing strong sun protection.
EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Lotion
This body sunscreen is ideal for active lifestyles or sports like golf or tennis, offering robust protection that stays in place. It protects with both mineral (9% zinc oxide) and chemical sunscreen ingredients (7.5% octinoxate and 5% octisalate). It’s water-resistant for up to eighty minutes, ensuring that it won’t run into your eyes when swimming or sweating.
Heliocare Ultra Antioxidant Supplements
While not a sunscreen, this daily dietary supplement is the perfect complement to our list of best sunscreens of 2024. It is made with antioxidants extracted from a Central American fern and designed to build your body’s natural defense against the sun. It acts as a supplement to your regular sunscreen regimen, enhancing overall sun protection.
The best sunscreens of 2024 for the lips
EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 36
This tint-free sunscreen for the lips features a refreshing mint flavor and uses hybrid sunscreens (7% zinc oxide and 7.5% octinoxate) to provide effective protection against UV rays. Its unique formulation ensures you get broad-spectrum coverage without any added color, making it suitable for all skin tones.
This lip sunscreen features an all-mineral formula (4% titanium dioxide and 5.5% zinc oxide) and comes with a sheer, invisible tint that blends effortlessly with any skin tone. It is flavored with kiwi, lime and ginger, offering a refreshing experience alongside reliable sun protection for the thin skin on the lips.
Looking for more dermatologist-recommended sunscreen picks? Check out Dr. Joel Schlessinger’s list of the best sunscreens of 2023.