Top Performing Chemical Sunscreens for Skin, Effectively Shielding Against UV Rays
Go in Sunshine, Not a Stain: Navigating the Best Chemical Body Sunscreens
Has sunscreen application ever turned into a battle, leaving you with arms covered in a stubborn, tacky residue? If so, you might be a fan of chemical body sunscreens. These popular lotions are raved about for their quick absorption, smoothly nixing unwelcome side effects like clinging to body hair or that pesky white cast. But what exactly sets chemical sunscreens apart? We dug deep to uncover the secrets behind these must-have summer essentials.
To arm you with the knowledge to find the perfect fit, we enlisted the expertise of two dermatological powerhouses: Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY, and Purvisha Patel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Memphis, TN. They filled us in on the merits of chemical sunscreens, who benefits most, how often to refresh your sunscreen, and what to steer clear of if you've got a sensitive complexion.
Ready to find your go-to chemical sunscreen? Whether you're after something that hydrates, glides on fast, stands up against sweat, or offers an undetectable finish even on deeper skin tones, there's a formula designed just for you.
Top Sunscreens to Savor
- Best All-Rounder: Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 Face & Body Sunscreen, $36
- Best Scentsation: Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 30, $16
- Best Aerosol: Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray, $32
- Best Dual Purpose: Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence Lavender, $14
- Most Waterproof: Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen SPF 70, $12
- Most Hydrating: Sun Bum Daily 50 Body Lotion, $24
- Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60, $26
What makes chemical sunscreens shine:
- Light as a feather: Chemical sunscreens typically boast a lightweight texture, making them easy to spread and glide over the skin effortlessly.
- A clear winner: Chemical sunscreens sink in, leaving no visible trace on the skin, making it a favorable choice for those with deeper skin tones.
- Positively photogenic: Their sheer, shimmer-free effect makes chemical sunscreens a dream under makeup, leaving skin photograph-ready.
- Broad-spectrum defender and sweat resistance: Many chemical sunscreens deliver broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays, combined with water-resistant formulations, ensuring protection during active lifestyles.
- Instantaneous effectiveness: Unlike mineral sunscreens, most chemical sunscreens become effective after a brief wait of 15-20 minutes post-application.
Who benefits most:
- People with normal to oily skin looking for a lightweight, virtually imperceptible sunscreen.
- Those prioritizing a sunscreen that blends well under makeup, enhancing their overall look.
- Anyone seeking a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection and stands up to sweat and water, perfect for outdoor activities.
Frequency of reapplication:
- Wait 15-20 minutes before sun exposure for chemical sunscreens to become effective.
- Reapply every two hours during prolonged sun exposure.
- Instant reapplication is advised after swimming, sweating, or towel drying to maintain protection.
Steer clear of:
- Sensitive suspects: Chemical sunscreens contain various active ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, and more that can irritate and trigger allergic reactions or photodermatitis in sensitive individuals.
- Potentially problematic ingredients: Chemical sunscreens may not be the best option for sensitive skin due to the potential risk of skin irritation from their active components. Mineral sunscreens, which contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are generally a better choice for those with sensitive skin since they work without penetrating into the skin's layers.
- Chemical sunscreens, like the ones listed in the Top Sunscreens to Savor, are popular due to their lightweight texture and quick absorption, which makes them ideal for skin-care enthusiasts interested in health-and-wellness and science.
- These sunscreens, such as Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 Face & Body Sunscreen, offer benefits like broad-spectrum defense, sweat resistance, and quick effectiveness, making them suitable for individuals who value skin-care products that cater to their active lifestyles and deeper skin tones.
