By now, you’ve probably heard the American Academy of Dermatology’s (AAD) unwavering message: Everyone needs sunscreen—no exceptions. Daily use of sunscreen plays a vital role in reducing the risk of skin cancer by shielding the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. And it’s important to remember—skin cancer doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or skin tone.
The statistics are sobering: According to the AAD, one in five Americans is expected to develop skin cancer at some point in their lifetime. That’s why sun protection isn’t optional—it’s essential. “SPF should be 30 or higher and reapplied regularly,” says Montclair, NJ dermatologist Jeanine B. Downie, MD. “I even reapply when I’m indoors all day.”
So, what else makes the derm-approved list when it comes to layering? Here’s what you should be reaching for.
Finishing Touch
Dallas dermatologist Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, MD say no matter what kind of SPF you apply, order is crucial: “Sunscreen should always be applied as the final step in your skin-care routine, after cleansing and any other skin-care products, but before applying makeup. It’s crucial to allow the sunscreen to fully absorb into the skin for a few minutes before proceeding with any makeup application to ensure maximum efficacy and an even finish.”
Her routine of choice: “I cleanse with a gentle hydrating cleanser, apply vitamin C and then sunscreen in the morning,” she says. “Overall, I like a dewy, natural look and love to layer my sunscreens. There are so many cosmetically elegant combinations available. I love EltaMD UV Clear ($44) because it never breaks me out. It’s been a go-to for years. It’s noncomedogenic, fragrance-free, actually helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and discoloration on your skin and has micronized zinc oxide to protect your skin from UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. On top of that, I like to layer the sunscreen powder from Colorescience ($69) throughout the day. It comes in an easy-to-apply wand so you can really take it anywhere.”
Office Hours
For daily-use sunscreen when she’s working in her office, Dr. Downie says she prefers a powder SPF over a lotion. “I like to layer the ZO SPF Daily Sheer sunscreen ($53) or the SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair sunscreen ($70) with the ZO powder sunscreen ($49),” she says. “That’s the way I reapply and reapply and reapply it to my face and neck.”
Touching Grass
When running outside, biking, hiking and everything else on the weekends, Dr. Downie says she has a specific routine for her face. “I typically put on both Total Defense + Repair, layered with the ZO and possibly even add the ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica ($73).”
Body Moves
“For my body, I like the La Roche-Posay spray sunscreen ($15),” Dr Downie says. “And, when I’m out running, I will reapply that. I tend to keep that one in the car and throw it away after each month is over because I don’t want it losing efficacy. Neutrogena Beach Defense ($13) and Sun Bum ($18) are also my body SPF sunblock spray favorites.”
Glow Getter
Dr. Houshmand also likes to mix and layer sunscreens to get a “glowy” look. “I have been mixing the EltaMD Skin Recovery ($67). It is both sunscreen and skin care. The green tint acts as a color corrector for redness, and it actually calms sensitive skin. I layer this with Innbeauty Project Mineral Sun Glow Broad Spectrum SPF 43 Pa+++ ($35). I don’t wear foundation with this mix.”
Hydration Station
It’s not an SPF and it won’t offer your skin sun protection, but Phoenix, AZ dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal “loves” using hyaluronic acid serums as a base before SPF application. “It’s kind of like using a primer,” he says. “Some sunscreens can be oily or have a thick texture. Using HA beforehand can make it easier to apply sunscreen.”
Primary School
“For me, liquid SPF is the best for primary application,” says Dr. Lal, who adds that he likes starting with Colorescience Flex Tinted SPF ($58). “Then, for reapplication, I love the Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF 50 by Kopari ($34). It’s really unique. The formula makes it easy and sexy to reapply sunscreen and set the SPF you used!”
Compact + Control
Dr. Lal also likes the Avene Compact SPF ($42) for “people who want a drier SPF that’s more matte and feels” more like makeup. “On top of this, you can use a mineral brush for reapplication to maintain that dry texture and matte appearance,” he says.
On Set
A little insider-Hollywood, derm-approved tip from Dr. Lal: “My celebrity patients love the Colorscience SPF brush for reapplication, because it doesn’t appear shiny on the screen.”
