Protect your skin from the sun with these expert-approved formulas. Dermatologists always talk about the importance of having the best sunscreen, but have you ever thought about how it protects you?
The first thing you should know is that there are two types of sunscreen: chemical sunscreen and physical (or mineral) sunscreen. The first method is to use chemical filters that “absorb UV rays and prevent them from penetrating
the skin
explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. On the other hand, “mineral sunscreens contain inorganic compounds like zinc
oxide or titanium dioxide to block UV rays,” he says.
Because of how mineral sunscreen works, you might associate it with thick, white plaster. But many of today’s formulas are nearly sheer, even if you have darker skin and it’s hard to blend your SPF.
Additionally, experts say mineral sunscreens are great for sensitive skin because they generally don’t cause irritation.
Angela Casey, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and skin cancer specialist at the Ohio Dermatological Surgery Center, says many experts believe mineral sunscreens are safer than chemical formulas.
Both types are approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but last year the FDA called for more research to examine the safety of certain chemical sunscreen ingredients once absorbed into the skin. Mineral
sunscreens don’t have the same burden.
That being said, there are a variety of mineral sunscreens on the market, but don’t worry: We’ve done all the hard work for you. After consulting with multiple dermatologists and sifting through countless online reviews, we
found the best mineral sunscreens for every skin type and complexion.
Are you looking for a safe, effective sunscreen that will need to be reapplied all summer long? Below, dermatologists list the best mineral sunscreens for face and body.
1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Liquid Broad Spectrum SPF 50: This liquid mineral sunscreen comes highly recommended by several dermatologists we spoke with and Emily Goldman, editor-in-chief of Prevention
magazine.
It has a lightweight formula that absorbs directly into the skin and blends seamlessly. It’s also non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, so it won’t clog pores or cause unnecessary irritation. Another advantage is the higher SPF
and water resistance.
Goldman calls it “ultralight” and stresses that it feels great on her skin. “My skin feels hydrated and perfect even in the colder months. This is effective year-round sun protection.”
2. CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50: This mineral sunscreen contains ceramides, which help skin retain moisture, which is why Meghan Feely, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey and New York City and a clinical
instructor at Mount Sinai, endorses it.
The oil-free, non-comedogenic, non-greasy formula also contains niacinamide to soothe redness, making it a great sunscreen for the face. Goldman is also a fan. “CeraVe is a must-have in my medicine cabinet. It’s super gentle on
my sensitive skin, yet super powerful with SPF 50, and it’s pretty affordable. I wear this every day.”
3. Eucerin Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50: If you are looking for a sunscreen that you can use anywhere and is also suitable for sensitive skin, this product from Eucerin is your best choice.
“This ultra-light sunscreen uses only mineral filters and can be used on face and body,” says Dr. Illustrator. “It spreads easily over large areas of the body and is completely absorbed into the skin, leaving no harsh white
residue. It also offers 80 minutes of water resistance.”
4. Coppertone Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50: Coppertone’s mineral sunscreen lotion has a high SPF and is relatively cheap. Perfect for your days spent by the pool.
The formula contains zinc oxide and skin-boosting botanicals including tea, seaweed, and lotus flower extracts to keep your face and body hydrated and happy, even under the harsh sun.
5. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Sensitive SPF 30+: Marisa Garshick, a dermatologist at MDCS in New York, says this mineral sunscreen “contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which have particle sizes that are too large to
penetrate the skin and therefore do not Can cause irritation.
” The us before. “It offers broad-spectrum coverage with SPF 30, and the bottle changes color when exposed to UV rays to remind you when to apply.”
6. EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Facial Sunscreen SPF 44 This option is ideal for everyday use SPF. “Its universal shade is perfect for most skin types and provides the greatest possible coverage to suit all skin tones,” says Dr.
Kathy. Plus, it contains skin-hydrating hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to provide extra protection against environmental influences. “EltaMD’s tinted sunscreen is great for those looking for an SPF and foundation combo,” says
Goldman. “I wear this product when I want to apply a fuller look and am out for longer than planned. Think daytime wedding.”
7. Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry Facial SPF 50 Neutrogena’s SheerZinc sunscreen uses the brand’s Dry Touch technology to prevent your face from looking and feeling oily. It’s waterproof, fragrance-free, and has a lightweight
finish. The oil-free, non-comedogenic, non-greasy formula gives you peace of mind when applying to oily or even acne-prone skin. “This is my go-to for serious beach time,” Goldman said. “Broad Spectrum SPF 50 protects me when
I’m at the beach, and it’s waterproof for up to 80 minutes, so when I swim in the ocean I’m protected. I’ve been using the Neutrogena variant since I was a kid, and it’s also No harm was done to me.”
8. Dr. Jart+ Every Sunday Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ Looking for a premium mineral sunscreen from a Korean beauty brand? This product from Dr. Jart is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and reviewers love its
absorbency, lightweight feel, and matte finish. “I finally found my perfect sunscreen,” one Sephora customer wrote. “The product is lightweight and blends into the skin easily. My skin is light brown and it doesn’t leave a white
cast…my face feels hydrated but doesn’t feel sticky or look greasy.” . ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultra-Light Emulsion Sunscreen SPF 50+ This zinc oxide sunscreen “is loved by both women and men because it applies beautifully
and doesn’t leave a white film on the skin,” says Dr. Shari Marchbein, a dermatologist in New York and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology. “It’s a physical sunscreen, so it’s great for people with sensitive skin,”
she adds. It also contains other ingredients, including DNA repair enzymes and vitamin E, for extra protection.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
