It is midsummer, and if you’re applying the proper amount of sunscreen, you should have used a few tubes by now. I am often asked about sunscreen recommendations, and yes, I do have some favorites. They vary from time to time, as manufacturers often change their ingredients.
While I respect those of you who want to choose your own sunscreens, here are options for adults, teens, babies, and full body use for those who prefer fewer decisions.
Please note that I do not have any conflicts of interest and I do not have any financial relationships with any of the brands I recommend. The links below direct you to each brand’s website, but most are also available on Amazon.
Favorite Everyday Tinted Sunscreen
My favorite daily use facial sunscreen is Suntegrity’s tinted foundation option. Counterintuitively, I actually find their sunscreen foundation to be lighter, thinner, and providing less coverage than their tinted (non-foundation) sunblock. Choose their tinted sunblock if you’re looking for better coverage. I love all these ingredients for protection from UV rays, moisturization, and also for maintenance of aging skin. Bonus– they nailed the tint selection: they offer samples and “muse” references to help you pick the perfect tint. Is your skin more like Jennifer Anniston, Lucy Liu or Lupita Nyong’o? They have in-between options, as well. I buy directly from their website because the “Salma Hayek, Priyanka Chopra” shade (thank you very much. You see why I love them) is not always available elsewhere.
Favorite Teen Sunscreen
My tween and teen kids use Solara brand. I like this because, of course, the ingredients are kid-friendly and I also find it to be easy to use since it comes in a pump. Asking your kids to do one more thing before getting out the door is not easy. A simple pump makes a big difference– grab the perfect amount in their fingers and rub it in while running out the door. It is easy to find on their website or amazon.
Favorite Baby Sunscreen
I use all the Thinksun options, including Thinkbaby for babies. I do not use their sensitive formulation for my kids, because I do not find the ingredients to be superior to their regular options. There is a higher concentration of zinc oxide (the active ingredient), but the regular formulation offers sufficient protection.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and most dermatologists recommend using sunscreen after age 6 months. If you are planning a sun-heavy day out, your baby can wear sunscreen if physical shade and thin, long clothing is not an option. Just test out a little area on the back of the lower leg a few days prior to rubbing it all over your little one.
Keep in mind that babies and young children are highly sensitive to UV exposure. Avoiding the sun, especially between 10 am and 4 pm, and using barrier protection (umbrellas, broad-brimmed hats, sun-protective clothing) are superior to sunscreen.
Favorite Full Body Sunscreen
Once again, Thinksun is the winner here. It goes on smoothly, and while there may be a touch of white sheen, I am willing to live with it for the reliable ingredient list. My family is accustomed to it. For my kids, it is the only sunscreen they’ve ever known—if it doesn’t have a little white sheen, it must not be working!
Final Thoughts
Thanks for reading! And remember:
- Hats, sunglasses and shade are superior to sunscreen.
- Pre-apply 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours.
- Use about a teaspoon of sunscreen for each arm, leg, and face (about one ounce per person). I invest in family size sunscreens.
- I recommend hand and face protection with sunscreen and hats everyday, even in the winter.
- Avoid peak sun hours: 10 am – 4pm.
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