10 Best Clean Screens to Add to Your Summer Itinerary

First, a confession: for a long time, I didn’t wear sunscreen. For a skin care devotee, this is close to blasphemy, I know. Turns out, not wearing sunscreen made my whole routine ineffective – especially since I struggled with hyperpigmentation. Now, I can’t start my day without it. And neither should you.

Fortunately, sunscreen has recently been reformulated. Pure sunscreen – which used to resemble a white streaky imitation – is finally something you can enjoy adding to your summer skincare routine. Whether you’re switching to cleansing sunscreen or looking for a new favorite, this roundup of all the best cleansing creams will point you in the right direction.

Photo by Michelle Nash.

Why choose pure sunscreen?

Did you know that any type of tanning is a sign of skin damage? Fortunately, the tanner has received a chic makeover. But what about the skin underneath?

Wearing sunscreen is your best defense against skin cancer and other types of skin damage. It also helps prevent fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage by protecting you from UV rays and carcinogens, either physically or chemically.

So how do you find a good one? With so many “clean” sunscreen options on the shelves, I spoke with Dr. Michelle Henry, a dermatologist in New York City, for clarification on what to look for in your sunscreens. These are the best pure sunscreens according to a dermatologist.

Michelle Henry, MD

Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Harvard-trained Mohs surgeon at Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan.

What is pure sunscreen?

The biggest concern with unsanitary sunscreens is that we still don’t know exactly what some of the ingredients do, or if they have dangerous long-term side effects.

“Cleaning is not an FDA-regulated term,” Dr. Henry told me. “Typically, if a company calls itself a pure sunscreen, it’s a sunscreen that doesn’t contain oxybenzone or octinoxate.”

According to recent research, some ingredients commonly found in sunscreens can be hormone disruptors or cause skin allergies. Many are toxic to coral reefs and marine environments.

Avoid ingredients such as:

• Oxybenzone
• He’s pretty
• Padimate O
• Octinoxate
• Homosalate

Instead, pure sunscreens use zinc oxide, a broad-spectrum filter that protects the skin from UVA rays, creating a physical barrier that provides a barrier between your skin and the sun without nanoparticles or toxins.

What is the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens?

According to Dr. Henry, “Chemical sunscreens are made with synthetic ingredients, while mineral sunscreens are made with natural ingredients such as zinc and titanium dioxide.”

Here is the breakdown:

• Mineral sunscreens (sometimes called physical sunscreens) sit on top of your skin to reflect the sun’s UV rays.
• Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and the sun.

How to choose between chemical and mineral sunscreens?

Both physical and chemical sunscreens can be effective and clean. But others may react differently to your skin. “Ask your dermatologist,” said Dr. Henry. However, physical sunscreens are often better for those with sensitive skin.

Benefits of chemical sunscreens

• Less risk for white actors
• You are less likely to sweat or rub yourself
• It takes 20 minutes or more to start working

Benefits of mineral sunscreen

• It starts working immediately
• Best for sensitive skin
• Few sensitive ingredients

How to choose the best pure sunscreen

When shopping for sunscreen, consider where sunscreen fits into your daily routine. Do you wear makeup over it? Is it the last step on your morning list?

Look for ingredients like these:

• Moisturizing ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid
• Antioxidant Rich Oils: Squalane, jojoba oil, shea butter, Vitamin E
• Soothing ingredients: Niacinamide, aloe

And choose at least SPF 30, says Dr. Henry.

“I, along with the American Academy of Dermatology, recommend SPF 30 for daily use and SPF 50 if you’re outside for more than an hour,” said Dr. Henry. “Don’t forget to reapply every two hours.”

The Best Clean Mineral Sunscreens

When shopping for mineral sunscreens, choose light, natural ingredients that will carry zinc oxide without being too heavy or leaving a film on your skin.

Products with moisturizing properties such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or other moisturizers also help reduce the chance of white spots.

The Best Clean Chemical Sunscreens

When purchasing chemical sunscreens, it is important to make sure that the only chemicals in them are those that block UV rays. And look for soothing ingredients to prevent irritation.

The Best Clean Screens for the Body

For your body, it is important to choose a pure sunscreen that can withstand the elements as well as water and sweat. Bonus points if it gives you a full glow.

Best Clear Sunscreens

Bright-colored sunscreens can work just as well as their counterparts, says Dr. Henry. “You can trust the SPF rating on a light sunscreen. Tinted sunscreens often contain iron oxide and can help protect against blue light.”