Wait, You're Still Not Wearing Face Sunscreen Every Day?
There’s a reason that we grow up constantly hearing, “It’s never too early to start wearing sunscreen every day!” SPF is the ultimate armor in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, wrinkles, and skin cancer. I’m a firm believer in the importance of SPF, especially with the weather heating up as we approach summer. Sunscreen is arguably one of the most important products to include in your skincare routine, but often one of the most neglected products because of the headache that is finding a formula that works without complications for your specific skin type.
The FDA recommends that you wear approximately ½ a teaspoon of sunscreen at an SPF of at least 15 on your face and neck, even on cloudy days, and an SPF of 30 or higher for optimal protection and benefits. You may be thinking “But my makeup has some sunscreen in it, isn’t that enough?” Not usually. While foundation with sunscreen does offer some protection, no one is really using ½ a teaspoon of it (that would be A LOT of foundation), so it still allows some UV rays to get through. The best solution is to layer facial moisturizer, sunscreen, then makeup.
Sometimes when we hear the word “sunscreen,” we think of getting oily skin, having that annoying white residue, and even getting break-outs. Also, a high-quality face sunscreen can sometimes be expensive for a college student budget, we’ve all been there. However, there is a different product out there in the vast market of face sunscreens to suit everyone, and every need, it just takes some digging and trial-and-error to find. We’ve done our homework to find the best-of-the-best sunscreens for every skin type, so you don’t have to.
To avoid looking greasy if you have naturally oily skin, try out the clean screen mattifying sunscreen by Ren Clean Skincare: A mattifying, all-clean, mineral sunscreen that helps reflect the sun's rays. This one features rice starch which absorbs oil, controls shine, and minimizes pore appearance while soothing irritation.
If you have mega-dry skin, try this one by Supergoop: combines an ultra-hydrating face moisturizer with SPF 40, leaving skin extra dewy and glowy but never patchy or dry. This one is also vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free!
Acne-prone/ sensitive: EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
This ultra-lightweight formula works wonders for acne-prone and sensitive skin. The consistency dries down nearly weightless on your skin, making it feel like you have nothing on your face. This one features hyaluronic acid, which works wonders to keep the face hydrated and plump without the heaviness of oils.
vegan/ all-natural: Drunk Elephant Umbra™ Sheer Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30
Drunk Elephant has dozens of highly-rated skincare-products, so it is no surprise that we are recommending their sunscreen as well. Free of essential oils, silicones, and fragrance, Drunk Elephant Umbra is an amazing all-natural option sunscreen with a light formula that works for most skin types.
Best all-around for on a budget: Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Daily Sunscreen
This drugstore mineral sunscreen is a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula free of fragrance, parabens, phthalates, and dyes and is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores. This product is infused with zinc oxide, vitamin E, and calming oats, making it extremely gentle on your skin, and your wallet!
