What Sunscreen Should I Use?

Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is important year-round, but when it comes to deciding on which sunscreen to use, the choices can feel overwhelming. Learn what factors to consider when choosing a sunscreen, and how to find the best sunscreen for your skin’s unique needs.

Sunscreens come in varying levels of protection marked by their SPF number. Learn what SPF stands for and what the different SPF numbers mean below.

SPF stands for sun protection factor. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays. In general, the SPF number indicates how much longer you can stay exposed to the sun before getting sunburned when wearing sunscreen, as opposed to without sunscreen. For example, if your skin would normally burn after 10 minutes in the sun, applying an SPF 15 sunscreen would allow you to stay in the sun without burning for 150 minutes (SPF factor 15 x 10 minutes). Regardless of the SPF number, sunscreen should be reapplied at least every 2 hours and used as directed.

Knowing which SPF you should use is dependent on a number of factors, including your skin type, intensity of sunlight, and the amount of sunscreen you use. Use about an ounce to fully cover yourself.

The SPF is a relative measure of the protection provided by a sunscreen to prevent sunburn. When used properly, An SPF of 30 protects the skin from 97% of UVB rays. With an SPF 50, the protection is 98%. No sunscreen provides 100% protection from sunburn.

The difference in protection between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is minor (helping to stop 97% vs. 98% of the sun’s UVB rays, respectively), so SPF 50 will protect your face slightly better than SPF 30. However, to maximize the effectiveness of your sunscreen, it’s important to be aware of the amount you use and how often you reapply.

Applying too little sunscreen or uneven coverage will not provide you with the full effectiveness of the SPF. Failure to reapply sunscreen throughout the day will also leave you vulnerable to the sun.

While using any sunscreen is better than nothing, it is not recommended to use a sunscreen below SPF 15. The FDA recommends using a minimum of SPF 15¹, but most dermatologists recommend using SPF 30 or higher.

There is a common misconception that the higher concentration of melanin (which produces skin pigment) in people with darker skin protects them from sun damage. Science shows that people of color can get sunburned, have pigment changes, and get skin cancer, and that skin cancer is often diagnosed later in people of color when it’s harder to treat². No matter the color of your skin, all skin needs broad-spectrum sun protection.

Mineral sunscreen, also known as physical sunscreen, creates a physical barrier on the skin’s surface and protects the skin by deflecting the sun’s UV rays. Chemical sunscreen layers onto the skin and helps to protect the skin by absorbing UV rays as opposed to deflecting them. Chemical sunscreen is the most popular form of sunscreen.

Both mineral and chemical sunscreens are effective at protecting skin from the sun. Here are some unique qualities to each that may influence which you’d prefer for your skin’s needs:

Often considered more suitable for sensitive skin. Mineral filters are also not very reactive and are less likely to cause discomfort.

Easy to apply and blend – chemical sunscreens often have a lighter formula that won’t leave a white film on the skin, as opposed to some thicker mineral sunscreens.

Your skin is unique to you, so why use a generic sunscreen when it’s possible to choose a sunscreen that directly addresses your skin’s needs?

Whether you have skin showing signs of aging, acne-prone skin, or dry skin, Eucerin Sun has a specific formulation that provides broad-spectrum sun protection for all skin tones while addressing your specific skin type. All Eucerin sunscreens feature UVA/UVB sun protection plus an Advanced Antioxidant Complex, 5 AOX Shield™, that goes beyond neutralizing to also guard from free radicals and help support skin health.

Enjoy the moisturizing benefits of Eucerin’s Advanced Hydration SPF 50 sunscreen formulated in an ultra-light fluid specifically designed for use on the face. Easy to apply and easy to blend in quickly, this face sunscreen formula contains Hyaluronic Acid and humectants to attract and replenish skin’s natural moisture while offering the sun protection of SPF 50, leaving a non-greasy, silky feel.

While all Eucerin® Sun sunscreens are appropriate for all skin types including sensitive skin, if you have particularly sensitive skin, you may want to consider a mineral sunscreen such as Eucerin® Sun Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen. Formulated with 100% naturally sourced Zinc Oxide mineral filter, this mineral sunscreen provides a lightweight feel with no heavy residue.

Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), this mineral sunscreen provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 UVA/UVB sun protection in a gentle, mild formula that’s suitable for sensitive skin. Free of fragrance, dyes, parabens, PABA, phthalates, oxybenzone and octinoxate, this mineral sunscreen has a gentle, hypo-allergenic formula that is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Eucerin® Sun Sensitive Tinted Mineral SPF 35 Face Sunscreen combines daily mineral sun protection on the face with a sheer tint that blends seamlessly into all skin tones. This tinted face sunscreen provides Broad Spectrum SPF 35 UVA/UVB sun protection based on a mineral filter (100% Naturally Sourced Zinc Oxide, and dries clear, leaving a matte finish and no visible residue.

This lightweight sunscreen comes in a unique, premium pump dispenser and provides a gentle formula that does not irritate sensitive or delicate facial skin. Plus it is non-comedogenic, so it does not clog pores and is suitable for daily use under makeup. Developed with Dermatologists, this face sunscreen is hypoallergenic and free of fragrance, dyes, parabens, PABA, phthalates, oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Exposure to the sun can cause premature signs of aging. Eucerin® Sun Age Defense Face Sunscreen SPF 50 provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 sun protection in a Hyaluronic Acid-enriched formula that helps to visibly reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.*

With a hypoallergenic formula suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin, this face sunscreen provides an invisible finish for use under makeup, leaving skin feeling smooth and hydrated. Eucerin® Sun Age Defense SPF 50 Face Sunscreen is free of dyes, fragrances, parabens, PABA, phthalates, oxybenzone, and octinoxate.

*With continuous use after 1 week. Use as directed with other Sun Protection Measures (See Drug Facts Box)

Enjoy all of the benefits of Eucerin® Sun Age Defense sunscreen in a formula with a blendable tint that blends seamlessly into all skin tones for more even-looking, radiant skin with Eucerin® Sun Tinted Age Defense SPF 50 Face Sunscreen. This tinted facial sunscreen formulated with Hyaluronic Acid helps to visibly reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles*, and can be used on its own or under makeup.

Developed with dermatologists and suitable for sensitive skin, this facial sunscreen SPF 50 is gentle on the skin, hypoallergenic, and free of fragrance, dyes, parabens, PABA, phthalates, oxybenzone and octinoxate.

*With continuous use after 1 week. Use as directed with other Sun Protection Measures (See Drug Facts Box)

If you have oily, acne-prone skin, all Eucerin sunscreens, both chemical and mineral, are specially formulated to be non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), but for oily skin, Eucerin® Clear Skin SPF 50 Face Sunscreen provides broad spectrum SPF 50 UVA/UVB sun protection in a formula that leaves a dry touch and invisible finish.

Made for those with oily, acne-prone skin, this daily face sunscreen is formulated with 5 antioxidants and oil absorbing minerals and comes in a convenient premium pump dispenser. Easy to apply, easily spreadable and easy to blend in, this facial sunscreen dries clear, leaves a dry matte finish on the skin, and is suitable for daily use under makeup.

Eucerin® Sun Advanced Hydration SPF 50 Sunscreen is a lightweight sunscreen lotion formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and humectants to attract and replenish skin’s natural moisture, for an immediate and long lasting (8 hour) effect* with a non-sticky feel. This broad-spectrum sunscreen easily rubs into the skin with an invisible finish, is hypoallergenic, and won’t clog pores.

Suitable for sensitive skin and for daily use on both the face and the body, Eucerin® Advanced Hydration SPF 50 sunscreen is free of dyes, fragrances, parabens, PABA, phthalates, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. Also available as a SPF 50 spray, SPF 30 spray, and broad-spectrum SPF 30 lotion.

*For sun protection, use and reapply as directed.

Broad spectrum sunscreen means that sunscreen helps to protect the skin against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. SPF often refers to protection from UVB rays which are associated with causing a visible sunburn, whereas UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are linked to tanning and sun-induced signs of premature aging (but can also lead to skin cancer). It was once common for sunscreens to only protect against UVB rays, but further research has shown how dangerous UVA rays are. When choosing a sunscreen, be sure to choose one that specifies broad spectrum coverage.

Dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen every day throughout the year, even throughout winter or on cloudy days. UV Rays can still reach the skin in colder weather and on overcast days. Apply sunscreen to any exposed areas of skin when spending time outdoors, and incorporate a facial sunscreen into your skincare routine , as your face is exposed to the elements year-round.

Using an ultra-lightweight facial sunscreen like Eucerin® Sun Advanced Hydration Ultra-Light SPF 50 Face Sunscreen with broad-spectrum sun protection is easy to apply to the skin for layering under makeup or an invisible finish as-is. This face sunscreen is formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and humectants for clinically tested, all-day hydration* that leaves skin glowing.

*For sun protection, use and reapply as directed.

It’s important to reapply sunscreen, regardless of SPF, at least once every two hours, and more often if swimming or sweating. Always be sure to follow directions for use on the label.

After a day of fun in the sun, it’s important to care for your skin and ensure that you keep skin moisturized. Eucerin® Advanced Hydration After Sun Lotion instantly hydrates upon application and provides long-lasting moisturization to sun-stressed skin for 24 hours. The ultra-lightweight lotion formula leaves a fresh and cool feeling without being greasy or sticky, and its antioxidant-rich formula goes beyond moisturization to soothe and hydrate sun-stressed skin.

Eucerin Advanced Hydration After Sun Lotion is non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) and is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. Also hypoallergenic, this face and body lotion for dry skin is free of parabens, dyes and phthalates. To use, smooth this after sun body moisturizer over your skin generously after sun exposure and reapply as needed whenever your skin feels dehydrated for the ultimate after sun skin care routine.

Eucerin® Sun is the only dermatological sun care enriched with 5 antioxidants (Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Licochalcone A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and Oxynex® ST) to help defend against long-term sun damage*.This sun care line’s formula with 5 antioxidants and 3 modes of defense neutralizes free radicals, helps guard against formation of free radicals, and helps defend against natural antioxidant breakdown.

Browse the full collection of Eucerin® Sun products to find the right sunscreen for you.

*Use and reapply with other sun protection measures (see Drug Facts Box).

The information provided herein is not intended to be medical advice. Nor is it intended to treat an underlying skin disease or condition. The information is provided for educational purposes only on the benefits of sunscreen usage.