The 5 Best Sunscreens – for Every Purpose

With spring just around the corner and safe sun awareness at an all-time high, the demand for a high-quality, effective sunscreen as never been greater.  To make your shopping easier, here is a list of the best sunscreens, for every purpose:

1.  Best all-around protection:  Neutrogena Age Shield SPF 90 with Helioplex ($10.99, Amazon.com).  First, the UVB protection here is incredible, with SPF 90 blocking approximately 99.89% of the sun’s rays (computation courtesy of Dr. Rachel Herschenfeld).  Next, the UVA protection is arguably the best on the market with the addition of Helioplex.  According to Johnson & Johnson, the parent company of Neutrogena, Helioplex is a stabilized, patented combination of oxybenzone and avobenzone that has been demonstrated in clinical tests to provide longer-lasting UVA protection than most other sunscreens. In fact, it has been documented (and cited here) that Helioplex is more photostable than even Mexoryl, another leading UVA absorber found in a competitor’s (L’Oréal’s) products.  Hence, if you are looking for the ultimate in sun protection, it’s safe to say that Neutrogena Age Shield SPF 90 with Helioplex is amongst the very best in 2009.  Product rating: 10/10 (High concentration of proven ingredients: 3/3.  New technology or unique formulation: 3/3.  Value for the money: 3/3.  Sunscreen: 0/1).

2.  Best antioxidant protection:  Topix Replenix CF Advance Anti-Photoaging Complex SPF 45 ($31.50, Amazon.com).  Replete with the active components of green tea (EGCG’s) and caffeine, which has been reported in The Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences to increase the absorption of green tea into the skin of mice, this product not only delivers superior antioxidant benefits, but also a not-too-shabby SPF of 45.    Add in the fact that you not only get chemical sunscreen to diffuse UV rays (Avobenzone 3.0%, Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5.0%, Oxybenzone 5.0%), but also physical sunscreen to shield your skin from UV rays (Zinc Oxide 5.0%), and I think we have a winner in the category.  In three words:  I. Love. It.   Product rating: 9.5/10.  (High concentration of proven ingredients: 3/3.  New technology or unique formulation: 3/3.  Value for the money: 2.5/3.  Sunscreen: 1/1).   
 

3.  Best under make-up:  Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face SPF 30 ($40.99, Amazon.com).   Every once in a while, I come across a product that I love not only for its ingredients or delivery system, but for the way the chemicals synergistically combine to leave my skin feeling incredible.  That’s the case here:  sure, the chemical sunscreen is nice, hyaluronic acid is hydrating, and the sound of the ”microscopic sponge encapsulation system” is impressive to many, but when it’s on my skin, that’s when the formulation really proves itself, leaving my skin soft to the touch, and never greasy or oily.   It works better than any sunscreen I’ve ever tried under make-up (and believe me, I’ve tried many).  I know this sounds more like a friend-to-friend recommendation than a scientific review, but honestly, pal, I just can’t stop gushing…  Product Rating:  9.5/10.  (High concentration of proven effective ingredients: 3/3.  New technology or unique formulation: 3/3.  Value for the money: 2.5/3.  Sunscreen: 1/1).     

4.  Best for sensitive skin:  Clinique Sun SPF 50 Body Cream ($20.00, Clinique.com).   A new formulation for 2009, Clinique Sun SPF 50 Body Cream is a typical Clinique product in that it is repeatedly dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, non-hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic.  But what I really like about this new body sunscreen is that it contains a fairly substantial concentration of antioxidants…and the fact that, for just $20, you are getting 5.0 oz of a typically ”face”-quality sunscreen.  (You didn’t hear it from me, but you can also try to save some money by using this body sunscreen on your face.  However, as always, talk to your dermatologist to verify that this is a good strategy for you and your skin.) 

Also, until March 31, 2009, you can receive a free trial-size mascara with your purchase of $35 or more when you click through here to place your order!  Product Rating:  8.5/10.  (High concentration of proven effective ingredients: 2.5/3.  New technology or unique formulation: 2.5/3.  Value for the money: 2.5/3.  Sunscreen: 1/1).    

5.  Best for organic/natural product devotees:  DDF Daily Organic SPF 30 ($23.80, Amazon.com).  With 3.2% titanium dioxide and 6% zinc oxide, this organic sunscreen delivers a better physical block than most organic sunscreens on the market, effectively shielding the skin from approximately 97% of the sun’s rays (of course, that is only with proper application, as with all sunscreens).  My only reservation about this product is the fact that I cannot find the percentage of organic ingredients in which it contains.  While the company maintains that the product is free of chemical sunscreens, DDF Daily Organic SPF 30 does contain quite a few silicone-based ingredients (cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone) and thus may be sub-optimal for the true-blue organic skin care enthusiast.  Nevertheless, I still love this product.  Product Rating:  8.0/10.  (High concentration of proven effective ingredients: 2/3.  New technology or unique formulation: 2.5/3.  Value for the money: 2.5/3.  Sunscreen: 1/1)..

As always, check with your dermatologist before beginning a new skin regimen or trying a new skin care product.  Let me know your favorite sunscreen(s) in comments below, and don’t forget to enter the FutureDerm and Sustainable Youth Technologies Giveaway before midnight EST on Monday, April 20, 2009!