Ah, the beginning of warm-weather season: lightweight layers, longer days, drinks outside, open-toe sandals, and sun-kissed skin. Nature urges us to start fresh, which is why this time of year always inspires me to clean out my closets, and this extends to my beauty closet (with a heavy focus on my sunscreens). I’m half-Italian and tan easily, but the size of my sunscreen arsenal makes it seem like I have the complexion of Snow White. Sadly, this isn’t because I’m a diligent sunscreen applier, but rather because I haven’t been able to find a single sunscreen I actually like enough to wear every day. I keep purchasing new ones, deciding they’re too this or too that, and then banishing them to my own personal sunblock graveyard. In a mission to protect my skin once and for all and to Marie Kondo my bathroom cabinet for the first time ever, I reached out to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marguerite Germain for her expert recommendations on the best sunscreens out there. Here are the favorites she swears by.
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1. GermainRx Matte Perfection Sunscreen SPF 50+
“Matte Perfection is by far my favorite physical block sunscreen. This all-day oil control sunscreen also provides a tint that blends with all skin types due to its universal pigment technology. Its two key ingredients, coded zinc and powerful antioxidants, provide superior sunblock protection. Another unique feature of this sunscreen is that is protects your skin from heat with its built-in infrared technology. It’s a perfect product to help with age defense.”
2. GermainRx Super Sheer Physical Sunscreen SPF 50+
“Super Sheer is a pure physical protection sunscreen that is great for all patients, but is especially gentle on sensitive and acne prone skin. Patients love that it’s lightweight, because they don’t feel like they are wearing a sunscreen at all.”
“Elta MD UV Clear is a great oil-free sunscreen. It not only gives sun protection, but also calms the skin down when irritated. I would recommend this for patients with acne-prone skin, rosacea and with very sensitive skin. It comes in a tinted or un-tinted formula.”
4. Blu Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sensitive
“For a less expensive, but effective physical block sunscreen, I would recommend Blu Lizard sensitive. I love how Blu Lizard has a sensitive sunscreen option for the whole body. And because it is sensitive, it can be used on the face as well. A wonderful option for families who go through sunscreen very quickly in the summertime.”
5. Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
“Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush is a mineral sunscreen that is wonderful for on-the-go physical protection and reapplication. I know patients that keep one in their car and one in their purse. They are always reapplying over their makeup and I love hearing that. This brush makes sunscreen fun and so easy to use. Very kid-friendly as well.”
