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The best dermatologist-recommended sunscreens for 2024 (and the ones they use themselves!)

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After years of covering beauty and interviewing countless dermatologists, I've learned that sunscreen is the one step that the experts agree is non-negotiable in an anti-aging skin care routine. It is single-handedly the most important product in your beauty arsenal to protect against skin cancers, wrinkles, brown spots, textured skin and other types of skin damage that are caused by UV light. But even with all of this damning knowledge at our fingertips, many of us (myself included) only really begin to slather on the sunscreen in an effort to protect our skin when the temperatures start to heat up in the spring and summer. 

As for how often you should really be wearing sunscreen, well, the data is pretty clear. “I wear it every day, 365 days a year,” said Dr. Gary Goldenberg, assistant professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. "Even in winter, you still get some UV that can cause skin damage."

To be crystal clear: Sunscreen should be part of your skin care routine each and every morning, no matter the weather or time of year. What type of sunscreen you reach for, however, depends on loads of factors that will differ for everyone, since there's no one-size-fits-all for sun protection. Considerations like your age and skin type, the activities you'll be doing, active ingredients and even what type of applicator is easiest for you to remember to use daily — all of these factors will determine just exactly which type of sunscreen is best for you. The most important thing is that you're wearing it. "I'm happy if people just find a sunscreen that they enjoy to use and use it regularly," said Dr. Ashley Magovern of Manhattan Dermatology and Medical Advisor for Dermstore.

In all, we spoke with six dermatologists and skin care experts across the industry to get the scoop on all things sunscreen, going so far as to ask what products they themselves use each and every day. They explained everything from the keywords to scan for on the bottle when you're shopping for a new sunscreen, to the difference between mineral and chemical formulas (and who would benefit from each type). It's a lot to unpack, so we'll dive right into the world of sunscreen and the best ones that our experts recommend.

  • SPF: Every dermatologist we spoke with recommended using SPF 30 or higher for optimal protection, but it doesn't hurt to opt for a sunscreen with higher SPF since most people aren't applying enough to begin with. "Starting with a higher SPF to begin with acts like an insurance policy to give you the best level of protection possible," according to Dr. Joshua Zeichner of Zeichner Dermatology in New York City.

  • Broad spectrum: Broad spectrum means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays, giving you a full spectrum of protection in the sun. Dermatologists recommend looking for sunscreens that include these keywords for the highest level of protection.

  • Type of applicator: Sunscreens come with all types of applications, from lotions and sprays, to sticks and gels. Most dermatologists agree that the best type of sunscreen applicator is the one you'll actually use. "I'm a big believer in using what you like," said Dr. Elle de Moll of Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut. "I feel like patients hate to tell me that they use spray sunscreen, but honestly — you're way more likely to use what you like — and that counts for a whole lot more."

  • Water resistance: Dermatologists recommend looking for sunscreens that are water resistance, as this ensures it remains effective when you're sweating or swimming. Just remember to reapply after toweling off.

  • Mineral or chemical: Mineral sunscreens are what's called a "physical blocker" of the sun's rays, and work by physically blocking UV light. They're almost always made up of at least one of two ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Mineral sunscreens are preferable for babies, kids, and those with sensitive skin or acne as they're non-comedogenic (i.e. non pore-clogging) and are less likely to cause skin irritation. Chemical sunscreens are "chemical blockers," which work by absorbing UV rays by using ingredients such as avobenzone, octinoxate and octisalate. Dermatologist agree that both forms — physical and chemical blockers — are effective at preventing sunburn. For those who are concerned about using chemicals, experts recommend sticking to mineral sunscreens.

  • Active ingredients

    • Zinc oxide: physical blocker, works by blocking UV rays, preferable for kids, babies and those with sensitive skin

    • Titanium dioxide: physical blocker, works by blocking UV rays, preferable for kids, babies and those with sensitive skin

    • Avobenzone: chemical blocker, works by absorbing UV rays

    • Octinoxate: chemical blocker, works by absorbing UV rays

    • Octisalate: chemical blocker, works by absorbing UV rays

We spoke to several dermatologists and skin care experts about the sunscreens they use and recommend to their clients and patients, as well as what they recommend consumers look for when shopping for a bottle of sunscreen.

What keywords should you look for when picking one up at the drugstore? What ingredients should you consider? What’s the big deal about mineral sunscreens? What’s the difference between UVA and UVB and does it really matter in a sunscreen?

We then used their recommendations, as well as their guidance on shopping for sunscreens, to curate this list of top choices, narrowed down by specific consumer needs.

Every dermatologist we spoke with recommended using an SPF of 30 or higher for optimal protection, but it doesn't hurt to opt for a sunscreen with higher SPF since most people aren't applying enough to begin with. "Starting with a higher SPF to begin with acts like an insurance policy to give you the best level of protection possible," Dr. Zeichner said.

The general rule of thumb is to reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you're swimming or sweating. Always reapply after getting out of water.

Yes, and the effectiveness of ingredients could degrade over time leading to less sun protection. "I usually say that if the next summer comes around and you still have some [sunscreen], you probably aren't using enough and it's probably time to restock on some fresh bottles," Dr. Magovern said.

These days they're the same thing, but they used to refer to the difference in chemical vs. physical products. "In the old days, sunscreen used to refer to the chemical products and sunblocks referred to the physical/mineral products, however, now they seem to be used interchangeably," Dr. Magovern said.

This story contains additional reporting by Korin Miller