“Doctor, which is the best Dermatologist recommended sunscreen? Should I use SPF 15 or SPF 30? What is the correct method of applying sunscreen?”

Sunscreen is an integral part of the skincare regime. It delays aging, prevents pigmentation, and protects sensitive skin. However, choosing the right sunscreen and the correct application method is paramount. At the end of this article, I have covered the basics of sunscreen in the FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions). 

If you are looking for a sunscreen that is completely safe for you and the environment, then go for physical sunscreen in lotion or cream base. EWG sunscreen safety data shows that most chemical sunscreen agents can be detected in blood or urine, indicating that they can be absorbed into your body on regular absorption. Still, other chemical sunscreens are unsafe for corals. Avoid spray sunscreen because they contain unsafe ingredients.

Scroll further for the best Dermatologist recommended sunscreen for oily, dry, and combination skin types available in India, the US, and the UK. 

Best Dermatologist recommended sunscreen

• Best sunscreen for acne-prone skin: Cetaphil Pro Pil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30

• Best sunscreen for oily skin: Bioderma Photoderm AKN Mat SPF 30 Sunscreen

• Best sunscreen for aging skin: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream With SPF 30

• Best Sunscreen for Sensitive skin: CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50

• Best Sunscreen for Pigmented skin: Bioderma Pigmentbio SPF 50+ Daily Care Cream

• Best sunscreen for babies and children: CeraVe Baby Sunscreen Lotion

• Best luxury sunscreen: La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral One SPF 50+

• Best sunscreen for outdoor activities: Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Family Size Sunscreen Lotion

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream SPF 30 

Skin type: Normal to dry

Skin concern: Ageing

Type: Chemical sunscreen

Overall score: 9/10

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream SPF 30 is the perfect pick for all skin types after age 25. It has the following benefits:

• Delay skin aging with peptide
• Lightens your skin with Carob seed extract, and niacinamide has
• Repair and soothe with Green tea 
• Broad spectrum sun protection with chemical sunscreen 

It has a mild fragrance, which should not be a problem unless you have fragrance allergies.

Cetaphil PRO Oil Control Moisturising Lotion

Skin type: Oily to combination

Skin concern: Acne, Open pores

Type: Chemical sunscreen

Overall rating: 9/10

Cetaphil PRO Oil Control Moisturising Lotion SPF 30 is a good option for acne-prone skin. It has the following benefits:

• anti-acne eagent(zinc gluconate),
• anti-oxidant (Vitamin E)
• anti-inflammatory agents(allantoin and panthenol).
• broad spectrum sun protection with chemical sunscreen 

While SPF 30 is enough for casual exposure, you should put two layers of this sunscreen spaced 15 minutes apart for severe or prolonged sun exposure.

Bioderma Pigmentbio SPF 50+ Cream

Skin type: Dry to Combination

Skin concern: freckles, dark patches, tanning or melasma

Type: Chemical sunscreen

Overall rating: 9/10

Bioderma Pigmentbio SPF 50+ Cream is the perfect pick for pigmented skin types because it has 

• Five skin-lightening agents: Azelaic acid, niacinamide, Vitamin c, Licorice extracts, and Salicylic acid.
• Four chemical-based sunscreen agents help in protecting your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
• Four soothing and skin-repairing agents like Seaweed, Gingko Biloba, Ectoin, and Vitamin E.
• Four moisturizing agents like Xylitol, Ramminose, Mannitol, Fructooligosaccharides

CeraVe Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Skin type: Dry to combination

Skin concern: Anyone can use it, especially sensitive skin

Type: Physical sunscreen

Overall rating: 9.5/10

It is mineral sunscreen worth trying for sensitive skin types. It has the following benefits:

• Repairs skin barrier with ceramides. 
• Hydration and soothing benefits of Hyaluronic acid
• Skin lightening due to niacinamide

Neutrogena Pure & Free Liquid Sunscreen

Skin type: Dry to Combination

Skin concern: Sensitive skin

Type: Physical sunscreen

Overall rating: 8.5/10

Neutrogena Pure & Free Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a physical sunscreen. It has zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients. It is a good choice for oily to combination skin prone to sensitivity or rosacea breakouts. 

La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral One SPF 50+

Skin type: Oily to combination

Skin concern: Any

Type: Physical sunscreen

Overall rating: 9.5/10

La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral One SPF 50+ is mineral sunscreen with SPF 50 with water resistance of up to 40 minutes. It has the following benefits:

• Anti-oxidant and skin-repairing action of Vitamin E
• Retains the skin moisture with Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate 
• Soothing and anti-microbial: Candle tree leaf extract
• Water resistant for 40 minutes

If you are looking for luxury sunscreen backed by science, La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral One SPF 50+ is your best pick.

Banana Boat Sport SPF 50

Skin type: Dry to combination

Skin concern: Tanning due to outdoor activities

Type: Physical sunscreen

Overall rating: 9/10

Banana Boat is a reputed brand when it comes to sunscreen. Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Family Size Sunscreen Lotion is an affordable and reliable sunscreen for outdoor activities. It is a lightweight and water-resistant formula that might not feel sticky or sweaty.

Paula’s Choice RESIST SPF 50

Skin type: Combination to Oily

Skin concern: Ageing, Pigmentation

Type: Chemical sunscreen

Overal rating: 9/10

Paula’s Choice RESIST Daily Hydrating Fluid Face Moisturizer SPF 50 is water based sunscreen with the following benefits:

• Skin repair with green tea
• skin lightening action of pomegranate,
• soothing action because of chamomile, 

Availability

INDIA Amazon.in

United States Amazon.com

United Kingdom Amazon.co.uk

FAQs

Why should I use sunscreen?

Sunlight has a spectrum of rays called Ultraviolet rays that are not beneficial for the skin. 

Studies show that UVA rays cause aging and pigmentation, while UVB rays cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. 

Therefore, you should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.  

The ozone layer absorbs 100% UVC, 90% UVB, and a minimal amount of UVA. Depletion of the ozone layer increases UV transmission. If you live in an ozone layer-depleted area, sunscreen is essential.

What is SPF? 

Sun protection factor (SPF) is the ability of a sunscreen to delay visible sun damage caused by UVB. Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, while SPF of 45 sunscreen blocks an additional 5% of UVB rays. Still, Dermatologists recommend SPF 30 or above because to achieve SPF displayed on sunscreen, you must use 2mg/cm2 of sunscreen. However, most of us apply only one-third. 

Should I use SPF 15 or SPF 30?

Here is your SPF guide:

• Indoors where sunlight does not come inside, and you need a source of light even during the day: SPF of 15 is enough
• Indoors where sunlight comes, regular outdoor exposure less than a few minutes when the sun is not bright: SPF of 30+
• Outdoors for more than a few minutes, like a beach, swimming pools, outdoor sports, traveling by car or bike: SPF 50+
• If you have fair skin, rosacea, sensitive skin, sun allergy, pigmentation, or are prone to skin cancers: SPF 50+ daily 

 Use a water-resistant brand if you sweat a lot or before going into the pool or sea.

What is broad-spectrum sunscreen?

UVA rays are responsible for sun allergies, aging, and dark patches, while UVB rays cause sunburn. 

Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. It has the following benefits:

• delay skin aging 
• prevent pigmentation
• safeguard from sunburn
• decrease the risk of skin cancers
• reduces sun allergies
• prevents flares of rosacea

SPF only gauges the ability of sunscreens to protect against UVB rays, and Boot star rating or PA+++ sign indicates good UVA coverage

Zinc oxide, titanium oxide, Avobenzone, Mexoryl, etc., provide UVA protection.

Which is the best sunscreen for oily skin?

Sunscreen for oily skin should be

• Non-sticky
• Non-comedogenic 
• Matt finish 
• Gel, liquid, or fluid base
• SPF 30 is best for your skin because sunscreen with higher SPF is sticky.
• Water should be the first ingredient
• Avoid dimethicone bases that can occlude pores leading to open pores, blackheads, and pimples. Avoid them. 

Which is the best sunscreen for sensitive skin?

“Physical or Mineral sunscreen” made of Zinc oxide is best for sensitive skin. 

Which sunscreen does not feel hot or sweaty?

Chemical sunscreens convert UV rays into heat on your skin. They feel hot and sweaty on application. Zinc or titanium-based physical sunscreen blocks UV rays and does not feel sweaty or hot. However, they might have a slight white hue on the application. Check out this list of a physical sunscreen.

What is the correct method of applying sunscreen?

The correct method of applying sunscreen is as follows:

• Shake the bottle before use.
• Put sunscreen 30 minutes before going in the sun.
• Apply sunscreen dots on the face and massage them thoroughly to form a uniform coat.
• Reapply after sweating, swimming, rubbing, or washing your face.
• Apply on all exposed parts, including the face, neck, and arms.
• Do apply sunscreen on the lips, under the eye, and ears.
• Around half a teaspoon or 3 ml of sunscreen is required to cover the face and neck for adequate protection.

Should I use sunscreen on a cloudy day?

You should apply sunscreens even on a cloudy or rainy day. Clouds do not block UVA rays. 

Do I need sunscreen in the car?

Car window glasses do not block UVA rays, so apply sunscreen before driving.

Should I use sunscreen on my lips?

Yes. It would be best if you used sunscreen on your lips while going out in the bright sun because of the following reasons:

• Lips lack protective melanin
• Lip skin is thin.
• The lower lip is prone to skin cancers. 

Why sunscreen irritates in under eye area?

Because of preservatives, additives, and chemical-based sunscreen ingredients, most sunscreens might irritate the eyes. Mineral sunscreens are less likely to irritate the eyes.

Should I apply sunscreen to my kids?

Sun-safe behavior and sunscreen at an early age prevent sunburn, reduces skin cancer risk, and delay skin aging in fair skin. 

However, regular use of sunscreen on colored skin is optional, but you use sunscreen before outdoor activities. 

Physical sunscreens that contain zinc or titanium oxide are best for children below 18 years of age. Avoid sunscreen below six months of age.

Is regular use of sunscreen harmful?

Following are the “ifs and buts” when it comes to the regular use of sunscreens:

• Regular use of sunscreens might reduce vitamin D levels. You could wear sunscreen on your face while exposing the rest of your body to the sun for a few minutes daily.
• A few chemical-based sunscreen ingredients might get absorbed into the blood and alter hormones level. Therefore, use Mineral based sunscreen and wash your hands after applying any skincare product. 

What are other sun protection methods?

Various methods of protecting your skin from the sun are:

• Avoid Sun: First and foremost is to schedule your outdoor activities either in the early morning or late night; thus, avoid going out especially when the sun is high between 10 am to 4 pm.
• Cover yourself: UVB rays are maximum when your shadow is shorter than your height. At all such times, cover your face with a thick cloth through which you cannot see the sun or take an umbrella.
• Wear sun-protective clothing: Get trendy! Wear a broad-brimmed (brim of at least 4 inches) hat and sunshades, but do prefer full sleeves. While choosing your attire, remember that dark coloured closely woven fabrics block UV rays more effectively. Also, seek shade whenever possible.
• Seek shade: Whenever possible, carry an umbrella with you or seek the shade of buildings, trees, etc.

I hope that you found the sunscreen that you were looking for. If not, try our regime finder tool.