Ask any dermatologist, and they will tell you that the best way to fight aging skin is to apply SPF daily. Unfortunately, sometimes that’s easier said than done.
As HEALTH magazine reports, that’s where moisturizers with SPF come in. Rather than having to apply a moisturizer and then sunscreen, there are many products on the market that are two-in-one to make life (and your morning skincare routine) easier. A moisturizer with SPF can also be used during a day at the beach. The important thing to remember is to use it like regular sunscreen—that means reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or heavy sweating.
“UV light exposure from the sun is the single biggest contributing factor to premature aging, including the development of fine lines, wrinkles, and brown spots,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, Director of Clinical and Cosmetic Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
To find the best moisturizers with SPF, HEALTH tested moisturizers in their lab and at home. Twenty-six of the magazine’s editors tried 15 moisturizers (with each editor trying more than one so they could compare products against each other). They tested moisturizers with different SPF levels, various textures and consistencies, and different prices, and editors had a range of skin tones and skin types—oily, dry, combination, and sensitive. After using each moisturizer for a two-week period and a minimum of three times per week, the sunscreens were evaluated based on consistency, feel, absorption, and hydration. HEALTH also had a dermatologist on their Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy.
The Experts
- Kim Nichols, MD, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and founder of NicholsMD of Greenwich, CT
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, Director of Clinical and Cosmetic Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, and medical advisor for JORI Skincare.
What to Look For in Moisturizers with SPF
- SPF Level: Aim for SPF 30 or higher
- Broad Spectrum Protection: These products help to block both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
- Ingredients: Look for ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as both help to deflect the sun’s harmful rays. When it comes to moisturizing ingredients, opt for hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide.
Editor’s Top Picks
BEST OVERALL:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizer at Amazon ($27)
BEST DRUGSTORE:
Eucerin Daily Protection Face Lotion SPF 30 at Amazon ($10)
BEST SUN PROTECTION:
MDSolar Sciences Daily Perfecting Moisturizer at Dermstore ($76)
BEST FOR WINTER:
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream at Amazon ($39)
BEST FOR DAILY USE:
Oars + Alps Everyday Face Moisturizer at Amazon ($22)
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN:
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV at Amazon ($25)
BEST FOR DRY SKIN:
Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40 at Amazon ($44)
BEST FOR OILY SKIN:
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Moisturizer at Sephora ($36)
BEST FOR COMBINATION SKIN:
Origins A Perfect World Age-Defense Moisturizer at Target ($56)
BEST FOR ECZEMA:
CeraVe AM Facial Lotion SPF 30 at Amazon ($20)
A Note About Skin Type and SPF
“I always tell my patients that what is best for one person’s skin is not necessarily ideal for another,” says Kim Nichols, MD, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and founder of NicholsMD of Greenwich, CT. “For example, those that struggle with sensitive skin and rosacea can benefit from using a physical SPF as opposed to a chemical SPF, as chemical sunscreens can irritate sensitive skin.”
In addition, it is important to note that skin of color is at a higher risk of hyperpigmentation. It’s best to look for a physical SPF with tint, which helps to protect the skin from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
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