How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for Your Skin

Written by Evan Starkman
Medically Reviewed by Stephanie S. Gardner, MD on July 03, 2025
10 min read

Sunscreen is a great way to help protect your skin from signs of early aging and skin cancer. But with so many sunscreen options on store shelves, maybe you've wondered, "Which one's best for me?"

The best sunscreen for you is the one you're willing to use time and again. That's the short answer. You can narrow down your choices even more by choosing one based on things like your skin type and the body parts you want to protect.

So get to know your options. Here's a look at the different kinds of sunscreen, how to use them, what the lingo on labels means, and more.

It's a product that you put on your skin to help protect yourself from the sun's damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. When you use sunscreen regularly, it can lower your chances of getting:

  • Skin cancer
  • Growths that can turn into skin cancer
  • Signs of early aging of the skin, like age spots, wrinkles, and leathery skin
  • Sunburns
  • Melasma, a condition that causes patches and spots that are darker than your skin tone and often show up on the face
  • Dark spots that can show up when acne, psoriasis, or another skin condition gets better

Sunscreen comes in lots of forms, including lotions, creams, and sprays. Whichever kind you choose, make sure that its label says SPF 30 (or a higher number), broad spectrum, and water resistant.

Sunscreen vs. sunblock

Lots of people use sunblock as just another word for a common type of sunscreen called mineral sunscreen.

There's no actual product in the United States called sunblock. The FDA banned sunscreen makers from labeling any product sunblock, since no screen totally blocks the sun's rays.

SPF stands for sun protection factor. It's a number that describes the level of protection your sunscreen gives you from ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, the main cause of sunburns.

Many skin doctors called dermatologists recommend that you use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. An SPF 30 screen shields you from about 97% of UVB rays. Screens with higher SPFs protect you from slightly more of the rays. But no sunscreen, even one with an SPF of 100, shields you from all UVB rays. 

Also, be aware that a sunscreen with a higher SPF keeps you safe for the same length of time as one with a lower SPF. In general, that's about two hours, unless you sweat, towel off, or go swimming.  

What’s the difference between UVA and UVB?

The sun gives off two types of damaging rays that travel all the way to Earth: ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet V (UVB) rays. Getting too much of either type can raise your risk of skin cancer. But they have other effects that differ.

UVA rays, which can pass through glass windows, also can cause your skin to age early. For instance, they might bring on wrinkles and age spots. UVB rays are the main cause of sunburns.

When you buy sunscreen, look for the term "broad spectrum" on the label. That means it helps protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. It's extra important to wear sunscreen if you spend time outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are often at their strongest.

Everybody 6 months and older needs sunscreen. With babies under 6 months, it's better to keep them in the shade and dress them in sun-protective clothes, hats, and sunglasses.

Everyone else should use sunscreen every day, year-round, even if you go outside for only a short time. UV rays can start damaging skin in as few as 15 minutes.

It's key to use sunscreen no matter the weather, season, or your location. That's because UV rays can pierce through cloudy skies and reflect off water, sand, concrete, and snow.

Sunscreen also makes you less likely to get skin cancer, whether your skin is lighter or darker. The cancer risk is higher for people with lighter skin. But if your skin is brown or Black, you can still get sunburns, wrinkles, dark spots, and skin cancer, too. Just know that sunburns can be tougher to see on darker skin, unless the burns peel or form blisters.

Follow these simple steps to slather on sunscreen correctly:

  • Put on sunscreen about 15 minutes before you go outdoors.
  • Use a generous amount. If you're an adult, you could aim to use around 1 ounce. That's enough to fill a shot glass.
  • Apply it to any skin that's exposed to the sun or not covered by clothes. That could include your face, scalp, ears, neck, torso, limbs, and the tops of your feet. You can even use lip balm or lipstick that has SPF 30 sunscreen.
  • When you're outside, put on more sunscreen around every two hours. Do it sooner if you sweat or go swimming. And set alarm if you need a reminder.
  • If you also use bug spray or makeup, put on sunscreen first.
  • If you use sunscreen that comes in stick form, gently swipe it over each area of exposed skin four times back and forth. Rub it in afterward to evenly cover your skin. Stick screens are ideal for use around the eyes.
  • If you use spray sunscreen, place the nozzle close to your skin and spray until your skin glistens. Then rub it in well to cover your skin evenly. Don't breathe in the spray, and never use it around the face or mouth. Spray it on your hands first, and then rub it into the face.

Also, be aware that aerosol spray can catch fire. So never put on spray sunscreen near heat, fire sources of any kind (like an open flame, grill, or candles), or while you smoke. Make sure you rub it in before you get near any open flames.

Along with using sunscreen, cover up in clothes and a hat whenever possible too. "Sunscreen is not as good as fabric at protecting your skin. The more skin you cover with clothing, the less you need to cover with sunscreen," says Jennifer Stein, MD, PhD, a melanoma dermatologist at NYU Langone Health.

There are two main types of sunscreen: mineral and chemical. They have different active ingredients, which you can find on the product label.

Mineral sunscreen

You also might hear this called physical sunscreen. That's because it acts like a physical barrier to prevent UV rays from reaching your skin, Stein says.

Doctors often recommend mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin, especially on infants 6 months and older and toddlers. Its active ingredient is titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or both.

Chemical sunscreen

This type changes the chemical structure of sun rays and absorbs them. It doesn't have the active ingredients titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Chemical sunscreen might be easier to rub in and less likely to leave a white film on your skin than mineral sunscreen.

But a chemical sunscreen may take longer to start working after you put it on, and it may be more likely to cause an allergic reaction or irritate your eyes. The FDA also wants more safety testing done on chemical sunscreens.

"The FDA removed the label 'generally recognized as safe and effective' from chemical sunscreens after they performed a study that showed that chemical sunscreens can be absorbed into the blood when repeatedly applied to over 75% of the body," Stein says. "The FDA has asked sunscreen manufacturers to do more testing to show that chemical sunscreens are safe."

As it happens, many topical products that go on skin – chemical sunscreen or otherwise – are absorbed, says Sungat K. Grewal, MD, an assistant professor of clinical dermatology and co-director of laser surgery and aesthetic medicine at the University of California, San Francisco’s Dermatologic Surgery and Laser Center.

"So the real question is: How much is absorbed, and is the level that's absorbed dangerous?" Grewal says. To learn those answers about chemical sunscreens, more research is needed, she says. For now, mineral sunscreen remains a "fantastic option" if you have concerns about chemical screens, she adds.

What's a hybrid sunscreen?

It's a type of sunscreen that has one or more active ingredients used in chemical and mineral sunscreens.

When you read a sunscreen label, certain buzzwords or lingo might catch your eye. Here's what some of those terms mean:

Water resistant. This is how long the sunscreen will stay on wet skin. Some types last up to 40 minutes. Others last up to 80 minutes.   

Sports. This term often just means the sunscreen is water resistant. Check the label to find out for sure, though.

Baby. This term generally means that the product is a mineral (also called a physical) sunscreen. So it should only include active ingredients that won't irritate a baby's skin, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Check the label to be sure. And avoid using sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months old whenever you can.

Sensitive skin. In general, this term usually means that the product is a mineral sunscreen. And it shouldn't have ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin, like fragrance, oils, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), and active ingredients used in chemical sunscreens. It also should be hypoallergic, meaning made with few ingredients that cause allergies.

Insect repelling. Avoid screens that say they contain ingredients that ward off insects. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you buy sunscreen and bug spray separately.

You can narrow down your sunscreen options even more based on your skin type or other things. Find out what ingredients to look for when you choose.

What’s the best sunscreen for sensitive skin?

Choose one that says "sensitive skin" on the label. Stay away from products with fragrance, parabens, or oxybenzone and related ingredients (like benzophenone-2, benzophenone-3, dioxybenzone, mexenone, sulisobenzone, or sulisobenzone sodium).

What’s the best sunscreen for oily or acne-prone skin?

Choose one that says "non-comedogenic" or "won’t clog pores" on the label. Gel sunscreens tend to be good for oily skin and hairy body parts.

What’s the best sunscreen for dry skin?

Make sure the label says "moisturizing" or "dry skin." A sunscreen that comes in cream form might be your best bet.

What's the best sunscreen for Black or brown skin?

There is no "best" sunscreen for people of color. But if you have a darker skin tone and you notice a white residue after you apply one, you could try a tinted sunscreen that's a close match for your skin tone. It could help prevent the white film from appearing.

Tinted sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection can actually be a great option for all people, regardless of skin type, Grewal says. These not only help protect skin from UVA and UVB rays, but they also contain specific ingredients that help block visible light, she says.

"Visible light contributes to the darkening and persistence of certain types of pigmentation, such as melasma and even sun spots. A broad-spectrum tinted sunscreen offers the added benefit of blocking visible light, in addition to UVA and UVB protection. As a result, it not only helps prevent skin cancer and slow visible signs of aging, but also supports a more even complexion by minimizing hyperpigmentation," Grewal says.

How to choose the best sunscreen for kids

Choose a mineral sunscreen for kids 6 months and older. Make sure the label lists titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or both under the active ingredients list. Stay away from using sunscreen on babies under 6 months whenever possible. Instead, keep them in the shade and dress them in lightweight sun-protective clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.

Sunscreen helps protect your skin from signs of early aging and skin cancer. Choose a sunscreen that's at least SPF 30, broad spectrum, and water resistant. Ideally, use it every day.

Does sunscreen expire?

Yes. Check your sunscreen bottle for an expiration date. If you see a date and it has already passed, throw out the sunscreen. If you don't see a date listed, you can write down on the bottle the date that you bought it. Throw it out after about three years, which is when sunscreen might start to lose its original strength. Or toss it out if its color or consistency changes. 

Does sunscreen prevent tanning?

Tanning could still happen while you wear sunscreen. That's because no sunscreen blocks all UV rays, regardless of how high the SPF number is. Just be aware that there's no such thing as a safe tan – it's always a sign of skin damage.

Is there such a thing as natural sunscreen?

Natural sunscreen is not a standard term, Stein says. Grewal adds that when people talk about natural sunscreen, they're likely just referring to mineral sunscreen.

How often do I need to reapply sunscreen?

Put on more sunscreen every two hours while you're outside. Use it sooner than that if you sweat, towel off, or go swimming.