There have been many people with misconceptions when it comes to applying sunscreen. As an Esthetician I’ve heard people say they’re too young for sun damage, or they have darker skin and don’t need to apply any or those that feel that sunscreens will only cause irritation and breakouts. They are wrong. Everyone regardless your age, skin color, skin type or even those that go outside in the cloudy cold weather ALL need to protect their skin from premature aging, UVA/UVB rays and skin cancer risks. Not all sunscreens are created equal and I’m here to help you in choosing the perfect sunscreen and share with you the Top 8 that have proven they’re not only good with key ingredients but leave your skin feeling lightweight without a greasy and sticky feel.
1. LA ROCHE POSAY MINERALE SPF 50. 
Throughout the web, dermatologist after dermatologist show this SPF 50 sunscreen getting highly rated reviews. La Roche Posay Minerale is a smooth and lightweight sunscreen that gives you not only protection from the sun’s rays but also an appearance of a bright and healthy glow with its tinted formula. Those that are prone to breakout will find that this light formula is safe as it doesn’t appear to clog pores allowing skin to breath. (Health.com)
2. COLORSCIENCE SUNFORGETTABLE LOOSE MINERAL SUNSCREEN BRUSH BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30.
Even with its long name and slightly hefty price tag Colorscience Sunforgettable Loose Mineral Sunscreen is in its own category…not just a sunscreen and not just a mineral powder but with its soft feel and ability to make skin appear healthier. “Couldn’t live without this product! I use it multiple times a day like a pressed powder because it sets makeup and is an amazing SPF, too” -Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi MD. Department of Dermatology at George Washington University Medical Center. (Health.com)
3. GLOSSIER INVISIBLE SHIELD SPF 35. 
When it comes to most sunscreens especially those anti-aging ones, they tend to look heavy and greasy on the skin. Many of these sunscreens aren’t the best for people of color although protecting the skin, it leaves a residue that no one wants. “I realized the market wasn't great for people of color. Everything left a white residue or tinted my skin an inhuman color….thanks to Glossier's Invisible Shield. It doesn't leave a residue and I don't smell like it's my first day at summer camp” -Chloe Hall, Special Project Editor and Producer (Elle.com)
4. IT COSMETICS YOUR SKIN BUT BETTER CC+ CREAM SPF 50+. 
I have always been a fan of CC creams and tinted sunscreens and ‘Your Skin But Better’ didn’t disappoint. I purchased this product a while back due to the fact it works on sensitive skin and those with allergies like myself don’t have to worry about an overpowering scent. “It doubles as an anti-aging serum, provides medium coverage without feeling heavy, and is literally called 'Your Skin But Better.' Facts." — Justine Carreon, Market Editor (Elle.com)
5. ELTA MD UV CLEAR BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 46.
Those of us with sensitive skin or those regardless their age prone to breakouts including those frustrating hormonal ones will find their skin appearing soft and smooth without skin aggravation and redness. As a lightweight and oil free sunscreen, it is made with quality ingredients including Vitamin B3 and Niacinamide act with your skin as an anti-inflammatory while appearing to fight breakouts. (NYMag.com)
6. SKINCEUTICALS ULTIMATE UV DEFENSE SPF 30.
Unlike many sunscreens, the word ‘luxurious’ isn’t really used to describe them, but upon review after review it’s a word you see frequently describing this product. This nourishing sunscreen appears to leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated without leaving a trace of residue. Perfect for those of all skin types including those that suffer from discoloration and many just looking for anti-aging protection find Skinceuticals Ultimate UV Defense to do the job. Trademarked with Z-Cote by BASF it protects from those UVA and burning UVB rays and damaging effects your skin comes across. (NYMag.com)
7. SUPERGOOP! EVERYDAY SUNSCREEN BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50. 
Another one of my favorite sunscreens that I’ve purchased to their quality ingredients, the reviews and the fact it not only works for everyone, but it appears to help with dryness especially those who need it the most in the colder months. Water resistant and oil free, this SuperGoop! Suncreen is working on both face and body providing broad spectrum protection, appears to defend the skin and protects from harmful rays. (sephora.com)
8. TART TARTEGUARD 30 VEGAN SUNSCREEN LOTION BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30.
When it comes to Tart, their quality makeup products had me curious about trying this one after reading all the wonderful reviews everywhere. Would the Tarteguard 30 live up to the Tart brand name? It surely did. First off not many products provide Vegans with many options but this vegan sunscreen was different. This broad spectrum sunscreen glides on the skin smoothly with a nice smell and no heavy white residue left on the skin. Created to work on all skin types this product is fit for everyone. (sephora.com)
Finding the perfect sunscreen takes some research, some recommendations and some trial runs before finding which is the best fit. Some makeup/beauty stores such as my favorite Sephora allow customers to ask for samples of these products to try them out for themselves before spending the $30 on a product you don’t even know will work well on your skin (this is how I try products myself). Write down a list of ingredients you’d like or what skin care needs besides protection for UVA/UVB rays you need the most (Sensitive skin? Breakouts? Anti-aging?) and go to your local store and ask a skin care professional to help you find the best products to protect and nourish your skin, lower your skin cancer risks and leave your skin feeling healthy and hydrated.
About the Author:
Stephanie Ivonne is a freelance writer and Licensed Esthetician and mother of 2. She spends majority of her free time with her family and friends. When she is not learning about Beauty and Wellness, Stephanie is a Florida girl and loves spending time doing Yoga, running 10ks, Snorkeling and her absolute favorite, Disney!
Learn more about Stephanie here: