Skincare products with SPF should be part of your daily skincare routine
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. It’s so common, in fact, that it’s estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetimes — and nearly 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.
We all know that you’re supposed to wear sunscreen on those hot summer days at the beach or the pool. But did you know that you should actually wear SPF daily? Yes, you read that right. To protect yourself from harmful UV rays, you should use SPF every single day; even on the days where your only time in the sun is during your commute or a 15-minute walk outside. It doesn’t matter if it’s a rainy day, those UV rays are still reaching your skin.
Early detection is key to fighting skin cancer. You should perform self-exams on your skin on a regular basis. Here’s what to look for, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association:
Skin cancer warning signs include changes in size, shape, or color of a mole or other skin lesion, the appearance of a new growth on the skin, or a sore that doesn’t heal. If you notice any spots on your skin that are different from the others, or anything changing, itching or bleeding, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist.
Skin cancer isn’t the only potential ill effect for unprotected skin. Sun damage prematurely ages the skin, leading to wrinkles, discoloration and even changes in the skin’s texture. Sun damaged skin can lose elasticity, leading to sagging skin. It can also cause skin to get paper thin, or have the complete opposite effect and lead to thick, leathery skin.
Other common signs of sun damage include:
- Spider veins
- Red, rough scaly spots
- Lip lesions
- Age spots and other pigment changes to the skin
- Uneven skin tone
- Deep lines and wrinkles
Beyond using SPF daily, you can help protect your skin by wearing long sleeves and pants when possible, wearing hats and sunglasses outdoors, using an umbrella or otherwise finding shade, and limiting your time in the sun during the heat of the day (mid-to-late afternoon hours).
What are the best skincare product options with SPF?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that your daily skincare routine includes using a product with SPF 30 or higher. The SPF product should also be water-resistant and offer broad-spectrum protection.
You should apply sunscreen or another product that contains SPF to any area of skin that isn’t covered by clothing — especially your face. But don’t forget the commonly missed places: ears, back of your neck, tops of feet/ankles depending on footwear, and your hands!
There are many types of products that you can use. These include moisturizers with SPF, both specifically formulated for your face and for the rest of your body; lipsticks and chapsticks with SPF to protect your lips; and even tinted moisturizers, foundation and other makeup products with SPF. Sunscreens also come in many different forms these days, including sprays, gels, wax sticks and even a brushable powder that can be applied on top of makeup.
For your body, the type of sunscreen you use depends on your skin type — whether it’s super sensitive, dry or oily. To see which sunscreens people are loving for each skin type, check out this list from Allure and this list from health.com.
Here are some of our favorite SPF products for your face:
LUMEN UV Protect:
If you’re looking for a face sunscreen with foundation-like coverage, try LUMEN UV Protect. Developed by LUX co-owners board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Frederick G. Weniger and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Carmen A. Traywick, LUMEN provides medical-grade skincare that is chemical, paraben and fragrance-free. This product provides natural, foundation-like coverage due to iron oxide — which provides a mineral tint that aids in masking redness and imperfections. It also contains minerals, antioxidants and other ingredients that help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, moisturize the skin, reduce heat damage and photoaging, and overall protect and nourish your skin. Buy it here.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46:
This facial sunscreen is a #1 seller for those with acne-prone skin. It also works great for people with rosacea and hyperpigmentation due to its tinted formula that helps even out the skin tone. Unlike many greasy sunscreen products, this sunscreen is a lightweight, silky lotion with hyaluronic and lactic acid to unclog pores and control shine while still hydrating the skin. It also contains vitamins to help reduce the signs of aging. Buy it here.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50:
If you’re looking for an SPF product that you can easily reapply throughout the day OVER your makeup, we recommend this brush-on powder formula by Colorscience. This self-dispensing mineral powder sunscreen provides dry, convenient, broad-spectrum sun protection that reapplies easily over makeup and fits into your purse or pocket. It includes healthy ingredients to form a protective barrier on your skin without irritation, and also protects against pollution, blue light and infrared radiation. In addition, the hyaluronic acid helps moisturize your skin and it’s sweat and water resistant. Buy it here.
Jane Iredale LipDrink Lip Balm:
This tinted lip balm adds a splash of color to your lips while providing hydration and SPF 15. It contains a variety of waxes and oils to provide an antioxidant-rich protective shield that leaves your lips feeling moisturized, protected and refreshingly scented. Buy it here.
Neocutis Journée:
This powerful day cream is an all-in-one, anti-aging skincare product. On top of providing SPF 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, it also includes growth factors to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Sodium Hyaluronate and Glycerin to provide lasting hydration and moisture retention, and a blend of antioxidants to fight against daily environmental stressors. Buy it here.