Summer is to dermatologists what winter is to skiiers and snowboarders: busy season. While all year, they’ll prophesies on the benefits of adding an SPF to your daily regimen, it becomes particularly important in the summer when, as the UV indexes soar, vacation plans call for beach days and sun-dappled picnics outdoors. That makes sunburns a real threat to your plans and while the easiest way to prevent and guard yourself from over-exposure is to practice mindfulness and not soak up the rays for too long, a sunscreen is non-negotiable.
Even knowing that, it’s hard not to have a love-hate relationship with sunscreen. On one hand, it’s the number one anti-aging product, keeping skin protected, youthful, and radiant. On the other, it leaves you feeling icky, sticky, and your pores completely clogged up. But you don’t have to feel like you’re compromising because you want to stay protected this summer.
Sunscreen has gotten a little smarter (and silkier, and more like skin care) too. These new-school SPFs are all derm-approved and go on like buttah. Some have skin-care benefits (think antioxidants and hyaluronic acid) and others double as makeup. Either way, we highly suggest stocking up on a few of these favorites before hitting the beach this the rest of the year.
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Shereene Idriss, MD: Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36, $55
“This elegant matte formula contains age-defying antioxidants that protect against pollution-induced damage, which is a must when living in a bustling city,” explains Dr. Idriss. “It also has a subtle enhancing tint, which evens out my complexion and allows me to start my day makeup-free. It’s like a moisturizer, sunscreen, and foundation all-in-one.”
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I recently attended QVC's Master Beauty Class, and one thing immediately caught my attention: Nearly every skincare brand was spotlighting a cleansing balm. From luxe, spa-like formulas to minimalist, skin-first options, these oil-based cleansers are clearly having a moment. As someone who’s tested my fair share of face washes (gel, foam, cream, et al), I wanted to understand why cleansing balms, in particular, are surging in popularity right now.
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Naturally, I turned to board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, FAAD, for the scoop. According to Dr. King, cleansing balms aren’t just a trendy alternative to your standard face wash—they’re an effective, skin-loving way to cleanse, especially for those dealing with skin concerns (read: me, especially this winter).
While some traditional cleansers contain ingredients that can strip the skin, cleansing balms take a gentler approach, dissolving makeup and impurities, she says. Rooted in the principle of "like dissolves like," their oil-based formulas bind to excess sebum, sunscreen, and long-wear makeup, melting everything away without compromising hydration.
Opening a cleansing balm jar for the first time can feel a little intimidating—I know I was confused by the solid texture at first, but they’re surprisingly easy to use. "Apply a small amount of balm to dry skin," Dr. King says. "Massage gently in circular motions all over the face, then add warm water to emulsify and continue to massage. Rinse with cool water and pat dry."
And while cleansing balms have long been a staple in double-cleansing skincare routines (hello, Korean beauty enthusiasts), they’re now earning their place as standalone cleansers, thanks to innovative formulas that rinse clean without any greasy residue left behind. Whether you have sensitive skin, love a good makeup melt moment, or simply want a more nourishing way to cleanse, there’s a balm with your name on it. If you’re ready to hop on the cleansing balm bandwagon, these three standout picks from QVC belong in your cart ASAP.
If your skin throws a fit every time the weather changes (or, you know, seemingly just to annoy you), this soothing cleansing balm is the one to reach for, according to Dr. King. Packed with antioxidant powerhouses like ginger and turmeric, it can help temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while melting away makeup and excess oil. Plus, it’s spiked with nourishing avocado and jojoba oils to leave skin feeling soft and balanced—not tight or stripped—and smells *amazing*. “I also like that this formulation contains lactic acid and azelaic acid to gently exfoliate the skin,” Dr. King says. Consider this your new skin-soothing security blanket.
For those whose skin has, ahem, seen things (think: stress, over-exfoliation, winter winds), this non-irritating balm is here to save the day. Formulated with Japanese indigo extract, which Dr. King says is known for its calming properties, it works to soothe redness and improve the skin barrier while effortlessly washing away whatever your skin faced that day. Bonus: The silky texture melts in like butter but rinses off clean—no greasy residue left behind, just happy, hydrated skin.
A spa day in a jar (and a travel-friendly mini to match), this fan-favorite balm is beloved for a reason. Infused with a blend of nine essential oils—including lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus—it transforms your nightly cleanse into a full-on aromatherapy experience. ”The formulation contains multiple humectants like glycerin and hydrolyzed collagen to hydrate the skin, as well as emollients like sweet almond oil, triglycerides, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil to [help] support the skin barrier, and occlusives like beeswax and coconut oil to lock in moisture,” Dr. King says. It starts as a rich balm, melts into an oil, then emulsifies into a milky cleanse that lifts away impurities like a dream. Whether you’re at home or on the go, this duo keeps your skin feeling fresh, plump, and oh-so-glowy.
Note: Prices taken at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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