Picture yourself wearing a summer hat and your favorite shades. You are wearing floral prints or pastels, and the warmth in the air feels like bliss. You got your music on your headphones, and the season just feels right for new beginnings.
Summer is always a time for new adventures in the outdoors, basking at the beach, or taking a vacation. However, in all these indulgences, you need a good sunscreen that is well-supplied in your makeup kit. To be precise, going out without sunscreen is a strict no-no! That said, with so many options in the market, finding that one perfect product can take some time.
Fret not! Just so you know, your search for perfection has been answered! Here, we have sorted out the best sunscreens for summer in all categories. Whether you have pale skin at the risk of sun damage or oily skin that needs extra care, there’s always the right product just for you. We recommend keeping this list handy for your online shopping expedition to find the best sunscreen lotion and cream.
Let’s get on with it!
Your Unique Skin Type Explained in Terms of Sunscreens
- OILY SKIN
Oily skins have to suffer the extra duress of sweating in summer. You would need specialized products that help deal with sweating and sunblocking simultaneously. So, to begin with, you need to avoid gel-based or water-based products, as these will make the skin oilier. The ideal choice should be a product with a matte finish that reduces shine.
Certain special ingredients, such as tea tree oil, green tea, and niacinamide, can have a distinct benevolent effect on oily skin. Also, you should target ‘broad-spectrum’ products that offer protection from UVA and UVB rays. As for SPF count, you should go for products labeled SPF 30 or slightly higher than that. Finally, and most importantly, you need to make sure that the product does not clog the skin pores.
Oily Skin Sunscreen recommendations:
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors Daily Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
- Paula’s Choice Non-Greasy Extra Care Sunscreen SPF 50 – $49 Only, buy now at 10% Off – Click Here
- DRY SKIN
Dry skin is the opposite of oily. So, here, your priority should be to find a sunscreen that hydrates the skin along with the customary sun protection. You should prioritize ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, niacinamide, and ceramide. These compounds help retain water in the skin and add that extra touch of moisture that your skin craves! Also, you should avoid fragrant products. While a fragrant sunscreen cream for summer may be appealing, the perfumery compounds can act as allergens and increase skin irritation. Some experts also suggest you be careful of herbal ingredients. Unless you are sure that the botanical ingredient will not cause skin allergy, avoid it!
In addition, even for dry screens, you would need a ‘broad spectrum’ product that protects against UVA and UVB rays. This is best achieved in mineral sunscreens consisting of ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Dry Skin Sunscreen recommendations:
- EleVen by Venus Williams (Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 40) – Buy Now
- BB Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 Broad Spectrum (Tarte Amazonian Clay) – Buy Now
- AGING SKIN
Aging skin has its own set of priorities. The product should include antioxidants such as Vitamin C, which play an active role in combating free radical damage. Also, check out products that contain ingredients that offer active collagen protection. Certain products have advertised anti-aging benefits such as reduction of wrinkles and fine lines. Beware of added fragrances and dyes, as these ingredients may be allergic.
Also, the above rules still apply! Those with oily skin types should avoid products that clog the pores. If the skin is dry, you should also insist on adequate hydration. Broad-spectrum sunscreen products are the best, as these protect from both UVA (causes photoaging) and UVB (causes burning) rays.
Aging Skin Sunscreen recommendations:
- City Smart SPF 50 Hydrating Shield (Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE) – Buy Now
- Eyfotona Actinica SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide (ISDIN) – Buy Now
- SENSITIVE SKIN
Women with sensitive skin must take extra care when choosing sunscreens for summer. Since you never know which of the typical ingredients will trigger an allergenic reaction, it’s better to avoid the common products altogether. Instead, choose products that are exclusively labeled ‘hypoallergenic’ or ‘fragrance-free.’
Look out for ingredients such as avobenzone and oxybenzone, as these could be harsh on your skin. Your best bet would be to select mineral-based sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
Sensitive Skin Sunscreen recommendations:
- Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen from Neutrogena – 28% Off Buy Now
- Complete Moisturizer with SPF 15, Ideal for Sensitive Skin by Olay – $4 Off Buy Now
- ACNE-PRONE SKIN
If you have to deal with acne problems, get a sunscreen that does not clog your pores. Also, avoid products that may cause an irritating reaction to the skin.
Acne Prone Skin Sunscreen recommendations:
- Protect & Perfect SPF 30 Intense Advanced Day Cream from No. 7
- Non-Tinted SPF 40 Facial Mineral Sunscreen from Tizo 2
Do You Really Need a High SPF Product?
Many women are unsure whether they need a high SPF sunblock for summer. Typically, you would think that a higher SPF count will provide better protection, but this is not necessarily true. The SPF count does not reflect the degree of sensitivity that your skin needs. Higher SPF counts can irritate people because of harsh chemicals. A gentler product is easier on the skin, and SPF 30 should be sufficient when applied correctly. Women with sensitive skin should especially avoid higher SPF products.
However, if you still think that a high SPF count is ideal for your skin, here are the best sunscreens for summer.
- Anthelios Melt-n-Milk SPF 100 Body and Face Sunscreen Lotion by La Roche-Posay
- Ultra Sheer Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 100 by Neutrogena
Try these Alternates to the Typical Sunscreen Products
Alternatively, you can use a makeup product with SPF in it. In that case, you don’t have to use an extra sunscreen for face protection. Certain foundation products have enough SPF to sustain your skin protection all day long.
These include:
- 100% Mineral SPF 50 CC Cream by Supergoop!
- Umbra Tinte SPF 30 Physical Daily Defense by Drunk Elephant
- SPF 15 Foundation by Bobbi Brown
You can also try a spray product, as it is easy to apply. These are particularly suitable when you are at the beach and don’t want a missed spot on your body.
These spray products can do the trick for you:
- PLAY Antioxidant Body Mist with Vitamin C SPF 50 by Supergoop!
- Hawaiian Coconut Sunscreen Spray from Alba Botanica
- Advanced Suncare SPF 50 Quick Dry Sheer Finish Spray by L’Oreal Paris
If your priority is to get a tan without skin damage, check out tanning oils with SPF. Here are two of the best products in this category.
- Glow Oil SPF 50 by Supergoop!
- Body n Bleach Oil SPF 15 by COCOOIL
Many women prefer to use a sunscreen lotion for summer as it absorbs better on the skin. They are also ideal when you want to prevent those embarrassing sunscreen patterns on the skin.
Check these out if you are into SPF lotions:
- Daily Hydration SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Broad Spectrum Body Cream from Eucerin
- Ultra Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50 Broad Spectrum + WetForce by Shisheido
Athletes have special requirements in the hot weather. You would need an extra strong product if you are hitting the pool or running a sprint. A long-lasting, waterproof product should suffice.
Here are our recommendations.
- Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
- Active Australian Sunscreen SPF 30 from Blue Lizard
The scalp is often neglected when you apply sunscreen. So, you might want to buy a product for scalp protection against sunburns.
Try these:
- Scalp and Hair Mist SPF 30 from Sun Bum
- Poof 100% Mineral Part SPF 35 Powder by Supergoop!
Finally, you should do something for lip protection in the hot weather. Sunburns on the lips are real, and you would want to avoid it!
Look up these products on the go:
- Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm
- Balm Dotcom Universal Skin Salve from Glossier
The Top 3 Products for Sun Protection
Here are the top three sunscreens for summer that are personal recommendations. These are extremely useful, given the tested formulations they offer. Adding these to your cosmetics arsenal can be a real lifesaver when you go out to face the heavy sun.
- The Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
Loaded with SPF 40, this Suupergoop! The product might be just ideal for your skin. You can use it as a primer under the makeup. The product can effectively minimize the pores while protecting the skin from harmful UVB rays. It’s smooth, and it’s effective.
- The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch
This sunscreen lotion is loaded with SPF 55 and is definitely one of the best sunscreens for summer. It’s a great option when you need something for on-the-go.
- Kiehl’s Super Fluid Daily UV Defense
This SPF 50 sunscreen deserves all the praise for being such an awesome product! It has a super-lightweight formula protecting the skin from environmental aggressors. It contains fragrant ingredients, though, and may not be ideal for sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions : Sunscreens for Summer
Do I need a high SPF sunscreen?
It depends on your preferences. Although studies show high SPF sunscreens to be effective, repeated application of low SPF products can achieve the same results.
Can I get discounts on sunscreens?
You would have to use the promo codes available on ReeDiscount for specific brands.
Is there any ongoing sale?
You need to check out the store website for information on ongoing sales.
How do I know about the latest sale offers?
It is a good idea to subscribe to newsletters from the store. In this way, you can stay updated on the latest offers.
What is a chemical sunscreen?
These products absorb the UV rays, converting them to heat.
Do I need sunscreen for scalp application?
The scalp is often neglected when you apply sunscreen to the rest of the body. However, the risk of scalp sunburns is real. You should consider getting a specific product for scalp application.
How do I redeem the coupon codes?
Simply click on the code at ReeDiscount, and it will automatically apply to your purchase from the store.
What is a physical sunscreen?
These products create a barrier between the sun’s rays and the skin.
Final Words
Broadly, sunscreens are of two types. Take the time to identify a product that will accompany you in the sun, acting like an invisible shield (a physical sunscreen). The other type, a chemical sunscreen, absorbs the UV rays and converts them into heat.
Get summer-ready with this extensive arsenal of sunscreens in all categories, creams, lotions, tanning oils, and more! A good sunscreen feels natural to the skin, being perfectly suitable for your skin type. Before choosing the ideal product, you should be certain of the necessities of your skin. Identify your quirks, such as allergic reactions, adaptability, and preference for fragrances.
Let’s welcome the happy summer!