Summer is to dermatologists what winter is to skiiers and snowboarders: busy season. While all year, they’ll prophesies on the benefits of adding an SPF to your daily regimen, it becomes particularly important in the summer when, as the UV indexes soar, vacation plans call for beach days and sun-dappled picnics outdoors. That makes sunburns a real threat to your plans and while the easiest way to prevent and guard yourself from over-exposure is to practice mindfulness and not soak up the rays for too long, a sunscreen is non-negotiable.
Even knowing that, it’s hard not to have a love-hate relationship with sunscreen. On one hand, it’s the number one anti-aging product, keeping skin protected, youthful, and radiant. On the other, it leaves you feeling icky, sticky, and your pores completely clogged up. But you don’t have to feel like you’re compromising because you want to stay protected this summer.
Sunscreen has gotten a little smarter (and silkier, and more like skin care) too. These new-school SPFs are all derm-approved and go on like buttah. Some have skin-care benefits (think antioxidants and hyaluronic acid) and others double as makeup. Either way, we highly suggest stocking up on a few of these favorites before hitting the beach this the rest of the year.
“This elegant matte formula contains age-defying antioxidants that protect against pollution-induced damage, which is a must when living in a bustling city,” explains Dr. Idriss. “It also has a subtle enhancing tint, which evens out my complexion and allows me to start my day makeup-free. It’s like a moisturizer, sunscreen, and foundation all-in-one.”