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Sunscreen type: chemical | Key ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (5%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (7%), ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, thermal spring water | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Sweat-Resistant Sunscreen: Colorescience Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Why it’s worth it: If you’re looking for an intensive formula that’ll go above and beyond sun protection, Dr. Lolis loves Colorescience’s Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, which boasts conditioning and hyperpigmentation-reducing properties. As it guards your skin against UVA and UVB rays, a combination of moisturizing bisabolol, hydrating mushroom extract, and dark spot-diminishing antioxidants whip your skin into better shape. This sweat-resistant sunscreen won’t smear or begin to sweat off as you’re relaxing in the sunshine, either (but, as with all sunscreen, you still need to reapply every two hours!). Anyone can use this formula, but people with oily or acne-prone skin should especially consider this oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen.
Sunscreen type: mineral | Key ingredients: zinc oxide (10%), bisabolol, mushroom extract | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Moisturizer With SPF: Philosophy Hope In A Jar Smooth-Glow Multi-Tasking Moisturizer SPF 30
Why it’s worth it: Though the Philosophy Hope In A Jar Smooth-Glow Multi-Tasking Moisturizer SPF 30 is a sunscreen, it also works hard as a fine line-plumping moisturizer. This formula combines hydrating hyaluronic acid with glycolic acid, an AHA that’s beloved by dermatologists for tightening the look of sagging skin and wrinkles. “I love that this moisturizer is so hydrating and blends seamlessly into the skin,” says Mina Amin, MD, a Los Angeles–based dermatologist.
Sunscreen type: chemical | Key ingredients: avobenzone (2.7%), homosalate (8%), octisalate (4.5%), octocrylene (9%), hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid | Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
How does sunscreen benefit mature skin?
On top of preventing issues like skin cancer and sunburn, Dr. Lolis says applying (and reapplying) a broad-spectrum sunscreen will minimize the appearance of concerns like fine lines, sun spots, and decreased skin laxity. “Unprotected sun exposure drastically accelerates the appearance of aging skin,” Dr. Lolis explains. “While mature skin is already experiencing these effects absent sun exposure, not protecting your skin with sunscreen daily only sends the aging process into hyperdrive,” she adds. Message heard loud and clear.
What ingredients should I look for in sunscreen for mature skin?
The usual golden ingredient of maturing skin-care routines is, usually, retinol, but sunscreens usually don’t contain that ingredient (mainly due to the misconception that retinol can increase skin photosensitivity, but that’s actually a myth). So, you’ll want to look for a sunscreen formulated with antioxidants, the top-tier one being a stabilized form of vitamin C. This is because antioxidants neutralize environmental aggressors, including pollution, infrared rays, and visible light, therefore they boost the efficacy of your sunscreen’s protective measures. On top of that, studies have shown that when vitamin C is used topically, it can help accelerate the skin’s production of collagen and elastin, the protein fibers that help keep skin plump and firm. So, in helping to promote collagen production, topical vitamin C can help prevent signs of aging of the skin, including fine lines and lack of elasticity.
