Sunscreen is probably the most important part of your skincare routine. Damage from the sun will age you and harm your skin barrier more than anything else. More people than ever are realizing how important sunscreen is for skin cancer prevention and also for fighting signs of aging.
Daily sunscreen use has grown in popularity in the last few years, with more and more people wearing it every day, and even applying it multiple times per day. The following guide covers some of the best and most popular kinds of sunscreens people are turning to in 2022.
High SPF Sunscreens
Sunscreens with higher SPF have been popular for years now, and with good reason. Higher SPF levels offer better protection from UVA and UVB rays than lower levels. These are the best sunscreens for outdoor activities. Unfortunately, some people tend to think that because they are using a higher level of SPF they don’t need to reapply as often, which isn’t the case.
If you want the kind of coverage and skin cancer prevention that high SPF sunscreens can bring, look for one that is broad spectrum with an SPF level of 30 or higher. Be sure to reapply every two hours if outdoors. Look for “waterproof”, “sport”, or “sweat-proof” on the label for the most protection.
Mineral Sunscreens
The popularity of mineral sunscreens is on the rise, mainly due to concerns over potentially harmful ingredients in conventional sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens use less harsh ingredients and are believed to be better for the skin and the environment. They usually don’t offer the same levels of protection from the sun, so be aware that you may need to reapply more often when using these sunscreens.
Moisturizers with SPF
Moisturizers with SPF have become part of the morning skincare routine for many in recent years. You need to apply moisturizer and sunscreen, so why not combine the steps? While these products can simplify your morning routine, they often have lower levels of SPF. It is best to combine these with other SPF products, like BB cream or an SPF setting spray.
Tinted Sunscreens
Many people want a minimal makeup look while also being protected from the sun. That’s where tinted sunscreens come in. These wonderful products offer some of the benefits of wearing makeup, like an evening out of your skin tone while providing the same UV protection as conventional sunscreen. Pair this product with a tinted UV protective chapstick, and you can head out the door looking great while being fully protected from sun damage.
SPF Setting Spray
Experts recommend reapplying sunscreen every 4-6 hours if indoors, and every 2 hours if outdoors. Do you ever wonder how in the world you are supposed to do that if you are wearing makeup? SPF setting sprays provide a solution to this common dilemma.
These ingenious products allow you to spritz yourself with an extra layer of UV protection before leaving the house and can be reapplied multiple times throughout the day, all while leaving your makeup intact. More and more brands are making SPF setting sprays now, so there are many affordable brands to choose from.
For our preferred sunscreen, check out our AE Antioxidant Moisturizer Sunscreen, available for purchase on our Shop Page. Our SPF 50 antioxidant moisturizer delivers intense moisture while shielding your skin from the sun’s rays. Extracts of bisabolol and squalane hydrate and nourish your skin while repairing environmental damage. Caffeine increases blood flow while zinc, ectoin and green tea polyphenols neutralize free radicals.
