The term “UV” or “UF Safety” is always mentioned when talking about sun safety and sunscreen products, but what does it actually mean? Ignorance is certainly not bliss when it comes to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and the ultraviolet factor (UF). While pollution and seasonal changes do have major effects on your skin, they are nothing compared to the serious and long-term damage UV exposure can have. Even just a 15-minute exposure to UV rays, outdoor or indoor, can cause irreparable skin damage and dangerous health issues such as the development of skin cancer.
There are 3 types of UV rays:
UVA
– the most dangerous type reaches the deepest layers of the skin and can penetrate through glass. It is a wrinkle and sun spot-causing culprit at its worst, also causing a range of other skin damage including loss of elasticity and firmness.
UVB
– these rays reach the top layer of the skin, causing surface damage, including hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and dullness. These rays cannot penetrate glass.
UVC
– do not reach the Earth. However, artificial sources we often use such as lasers or welding torches do emit these rays to some extent.
In some cases, sun damage can be seen shortly after it occurs, as:
- Changes in color tone (such as tan, pink, or red)
- Inflamed skin hot to the touch
- Skin that’s painful, swollen, and tender
- Skin that has fluid-filled blisters
But even when your skin doesn’t show visible signs of sun exposure, the UV rays can cause underlying DNA skin damage, including a gradual accumulation of free radical damage that causes premature aging signs such as wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Sun-damaged skin changes texture, becoming leathery and brittle.
Sun damage can be reversed to a point, but not entirely. That’s why it’s important to take your skincare seriously, the sooner the better. Stay in the shade while outside, wear protective clothing and accessories, and always include sunscreen with broad-spectrum UV protection as part of your everyday skincare routine. Best sunblock for face contains both UVA and UVB protection; UV filters protect the skin while delivering a wide range of additional skincare benefits.
But how do you choose the best sunscreen products for your skin? We’ve all been there before – standing wide-eyed in front of a myriad of sunscreen products, asking yourself ‘What is the best sunscreen for face’? Or ‘What is the best sunscreen for sensitive skin’? ‘What would be the best sunscreen for everyday use’? Or ‘What would be the best sunblock with moisturizer’? So many questions, so many self-proclaimed best sunscreen products, so little time. No worries – we’re here for you!
We’ve scoured the beauty world and rounded up the top 10 sunscreen products, so you don’t have to. Read below to pick your UV and UF safety weapon below. After all, the best sunscreen protection is the one you’ll actually wear, right?
Top 10 UV Safety sunscreen products
1. Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 50
Powered by EnviroScreen® Technology, Colorescience Sunforgettable ™ brushes offer a powerful, all-mineral skin shield with complete protection in one convenient, on-the-go application—this sunblock SPF 50 can be worn alone or over makeup. Available in 4 shades.
Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 50, www.colorescience.com, 6g, $69
2. Truffoire Truffle Brightening Cream + SPF30
The lightweight formula provides a broad spectrum shield against prolonged sun exposure and comes with a correcting complex to brighten and even skin tone. Boasting antioxidants like Green Tea, soothing Aloe Vera and nourishing White Truffles, it diminishes fine lines and illuminates. By far the best sunblock with moisturizer!
Truffle Brightening Cream +SPF30, www.truffoire.com, 50g, $500
3. Coolibar Women’s Devi Short Sleeve T-Shirt UPF 50+
Fitted and shaped without being tight, our Devi Short Sleeve Fitness T-Shirt is constructed from the most comfortable, breathable, lightweight fabric, you’ll forget it’s armed with premium ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) 50+. Has great UF safety protection.
Devi Short Sleeve T-Shirt, www.coolibar.com, $59
4. SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
A tinted sunscreen fluid with 100% mineral filters provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection while promoting natural radiance and a more even skin tone.
Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, www.skinceuticals.com, 125ml, $72
5. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF25
This hydrating lip balm is enriched with superior skin conditioners and antioxidants to heal cracked and chapped lips. Grapefruit and ginger refresh and soothe, while shea butter and avocado oil soften and condition lips. Vitamin E, green tea extract, and antioxidants help protect lips from damage caused by free radicals. Comes in 5 scents!
Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF25, www.sephora.com, $10
6. Supergoop! Handscreen Sunscreen SPF40
This luxurious, fast-absorbing formula protects one of the most sun-sensitive spots on your body (your hands) with broad-spectrum SPF 40, all while delivering support with antioxidants and natural oils.
Handscreen Sunscreen SPF40, www.sephora.com, 200ml, $38
7. Pearl de Flore Orchidee Double Defense Skin Shield SPF30
The best sunblock SPF 30 for face, this rich double defense formula is infused with Orchid, Rosemary, and Green Tea extracts packed with soothing and anti-aging antioxidants that help improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin and prevent free radical formation.
Orchidee Double Defense Skin Shield SPF30, www.pearldeflore.com, 50g, $500
8. Soleil Toujours Clean Conscious Body Sunscreen Mist with Vitamin C SPF 50
This weightless mist is free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene and is infused with a proprietary, antioxidant-rich EcoSun Complex®. It is formulated to protect all skin types and tones; sun protection in the form of sunblock SPF 50 has never been cleaner.
Clean Conscious Body Sunscreen mist with Vitamin C SPF 50, www.sephora.com, 177ml, $36
9. IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum with SPF 40 and Niacinamide
This medium-coverage, buildable SPF40 foundation comes in 22 shades and delivers an immediate, healthy glow. This foundation is formulated with two percent niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and green tea extract, clinically tested to visibly brighten and improve skin texture, softness, and uneven skin tone.
CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow serum SPF 40 and Niacinamide, www.sephora.com, 32ml, $47
10. Marni Wide Brim Hat
Shade is the best sunblock for sensitive skin and this Marni logo-embroidered wide-brim hat is perfect for giving shade! Lightweight and classic, it protects you from UV rays, while keeping you oh-so-trendy!
Wide brim hat, www.farfetch.com, $367
Soaking up the sun sounds divine but do it safely. UV rays are a silent stalker that is not to be underestimated. Protecting yourself from UV rays and wearing sunscreen daily is a nonnegotiable, year-round thing and a must-do for keeping your skin healthy and young-looking for longer.
We hope we’ve helped you choose the best sunscreen for face or body. Slather it on and enjoy the summer!
