No matter what the season or how much time is spent outdoors, protecting ourselves from harmful UV rays with one of the best sunscreens for your body is non-negotiable. Just a reminder, practicing proper sun protection techniques, like head-to-toe SPF protection on a year-round basis, prevents UV-related skin issues in the long run. In case you need a refresher, ditching your sunscreen could lead to skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, inflammation, fine lines, and — worst-case scenario — skin cancer. Therefore, finding a good sunscreen is a must — and there are several factors that go into what makes a good sunscreen.
First, you’ll want it to be at least SPF 30. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist David Colbert, MD, previously told Allure that this is what the American Academy of Dermatology recommends because it is clinically proven to be a sufficient amount of protection to reduce the adverse effects of sunlight.
You’ll also want to consider a mineral or “physical” sunscreen. Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder and director of Capital Laser & Skin Care in Chevy Chase, Maryland, has previously told Allure that these sit on the surface of the skin to deflect the sun’s harmful rays. Regardless of whether the formula is physical- or chemical-based, Tanzi recommends applying about a shot glass’s worth of sunscreen for the entire body and a dime-sized dollop for the face, which should be reapplied every two hours.
Yes, we’re aware of the issues some sunscreens come cause, like leaving behind a white cast, greasy feel, or clogged pores. With that being said, the days of subpar sun-protection products are long gone. The next generation of sunscreens not only solves these common annoyances, but some next-level formulas even impart additional benefits: luminosity, moisture, and a faux glow, to name a few.
So whether you choose a formula with bells and whistles or stick to an improvement on the classics, one thing is for certain: There’s no excuse not to give your skin the protection it needs. Read on for our tried-and-true, favorite body sunscreens. (We’d go so far as to say that these could actually make you look forward to applying SPF.)