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Face Sunscreen For Every Season

Face Sunscreen For Every Season

34 min

It’s easy to forget to wear sunscreen in the fall and winter, but the sun’s rays can still cause skin damage–like aging and skin cancer–even on cold and cloudy days. That’s why it’s important to find a sunscreen you’ll happily wear year-round. 

 

Wirecutter health writer Nancy Redd joins us to explain what to look for in a face sunscreen and how to find one that feels good on your skin. She breaks down mineral versus chemical formulas, how to layer sunscreen with makeup, and when you can get away wearing body sunscreen on your face. 
 

Plus, we discuss Nancy’s early testing of two sunscreens that include an ingredient newly approved by the FDA.
 

This episode covers: 

  • The difference between UVB and UVA rays: These two types of ultraviolet rays damage the skin in different ways. UVB causes the skin to burn, while UVA rays play a bigger role in aging skin. Nancy reminds us to think of B for burning and A for aging.
  • Why you need a  minimum of SPF 30. SPF 30 should shield 97% of the sun’s UVB rays, and is the minimum the American Academy of Dermatology recommends for daily wear.
  • Look for “broad spectrum” on labels: This means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply according to the label, generally every two hours.
  • The best sunscreen is the one you’ll use consistently. Mineral and chemical sunscreens can both protect your skin effectively, but their textures, finishes, and ingredients feel different from person to person.
  • Sunscreen should go underneath makeup. Apply moisturizer first, then sunscreen, and let it absorb before adding makeup or tinted moisturizer. Makeup with SPF is a useful extra layer, but it shouldn’t replace your primary sunscreen.
  • Give sunscreen time to settle before judging it. A formula that initially feels greasy or looks shiny may change as it dries down. Testing how it wears with your skin and skincare routine can help you find a better fit.
  • A new ingredient: The FDA approved a new chemical sunscreen ingredient (bemotrizinol or BEMT) for the first time in 25 years. Wirecutter is currently testing the two brands with versions on the market so far. 

 

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