We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why Trust Us? If there’s one thing you should never skip before heading out for the day, it’s sunscreen—no matter what the forecast is outside. Year-round, the best sunscreens will help protect your skin from the sun’s powerful UV rays—minimizing your risk of painful sunburns, skin cancer, and even premature signs of aging, such as dark spots and wrinkles. The two main types of sunscreen are physical (mineral) and chemical. “A physical sunscreen typically acts like a shield, deflecting and/or scattering ultraviolet (UV) rays and once applied, sit on the surface of the skin,” explains Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA. “Chemical sunscreens act like a sponge, absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat which is then released from the skin.” Meet the Experts: Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA; Lauren Ploch, M.D., fellow of the Am...
