Best Facial Sunscreens for Healthy Summer Skin

Last month, there was this story about a woman who shared with her Instagram followers a picture of herself after receiving skin cancer treatments on her face. This story made the rounds on all media outlets and was a real eye opener to just how damaging tanning beds and the Sun can be on your skin.

I know for me, this story hit me hard. Not that I've had skin cancer, but that I have in the past (11 years ago) used tanning beds unprotected. I also played water polo and swam in my high school days without applying sunscreen to my face (a major regret in my life).

When I was 19 and went to esthetician school, my whole {skincare} world changed. We were able, as esthetician students, to have our skin looked at under an ultraviolet light. Holy moly, did my skin look horrible under the light. I was still a teenager and my skin looked almost completely brown, like one giant sun spot. I remember my teacher saying that those spots could easily be cancerous if not addressed and taken care of. I had no idea just how bad our skin could get over time just from the sun/tanning.

From that moment on, I started treating my skin so much better and have made an effort in preventing further sun damage and erase the damage that was already done. 

Over the last decade, I have been able to see improvements in my skin thanks to daily application of sunscreen. Even in the cold, cloudy, winter months I apply a moisturizer with SPF or a second layer of sunscreen. Now, my first choice is always to go with a sunscreen that is made for faces. However, if I'm out, I will use regular sunscreen for protection, though not ideal. 

I have tried many facial SPFs over the years and have heard many recommendations. Here is a list of some sunscreens and moisturizers that I think work great at protecting skin from the sun's harsh rays, but can also help in other areas of protection, prevention and correction. 

Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 55

sold at most drugstores, $8-12

Supergoop Sun Defying Sunscreen Oil with Meadowfoam SPF 50  sold here for $12+

Mychelle Sun Shield Unscented SPF 28 

sold here for the best price

JERGENS BB Protect Perfecting Body Cream SPF 15 

sold at Target, Walmart and other drug stores for $9+

Philosophy, hope in a jar A to Z Complexion perfecting bb cream

sold at Macy's, $39

Coola Mineral Face Matte Finish SPF 30 

sold at Nordstrom, $36

Kiss My Face Face Factor Sunscreen SPF 50 for Face and Neck 

sold on Amazon, $9.50+

Clinique Sun Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Cream

sold at Sephora, $23

As a reminder, if you are planning on being in the sun for an extended period of time, you might need to reapply. Make sure to always read the label to know how long.