As a beauty editor, I’d estimate that more than 80 percent of my job involves talking to dermatologists about skin care. Over the years, with approximately a gazillion conversations about sunscreen under my belt, there is only one product that has come up time and time again whenever I ask a pro for a product recommendation: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 ($35).
Seriously: I’d actually be hard-pressed to find a derm in my rolodex who hasn’t called out the product as his or her fave, and the rest of the Well+Good beauty team has had the exact same experience. The lightweight, mineral-based sunscreen offers the prefect amount of protection for daily wear, and is great for wearing underneath makeup or all on its own. It’s made with zinc-oxide, which serves as a physical barrier to block UV rays, but doesn’t go on white or goop-y the way some physical sunscreens tend to.
But don’t just take my word for it: Like I said, there are plenty of derms out there who are more than willing to sing the product’s praises. “It fulfills all of the criteria I prefer in a sunscreen,” says Dr. Charisse Dolitsky from Schweiger Dermatology Group in NewYork. “It has broad spectrum, mineral-based coverage with high SPF, it’s formulated with zinc, which offers the widest spectrum of protection against both UVA and UVB rays, it’s low in chemicals. Elta provides more physical, rather than chemical protection, which is safer, and well tolerated by those with sensitive skin and it doesn’t clog pores.”
Connecticut-based dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara wholeheartedly agrees. “I like this brand because it’s cosmetically elegant, easy to layer, and effective,” she says. “Half the battle is finding products that fit into your everyday routine, and this is a slam dunk.” And Dr. Joshua Zeichner loves it for its smooth texture, and ability to rub fully into your face without leaving behind a residue like most of its competitors tend to.
In case you aren’t quite convinced yet, Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, notes that he has personally been wearing this stuff for years. “I love it,” he tells me. “The UV Clear is perfect for daily use on the face. Even neck and hands too. It’s light, elegant, and provides great protection. It goes on just like a moisturizer, which my patients—and I—love.”
Derms aren’t the only ones who are deeply obsessed with this stuff. On Dermstore’s website, Elta’s sunscreen has a perfect 5-out-of-5 star review, with fans of all different skin types. And, for what it’s worth, it happens to be one of my favorites too, because it doesn’t leave a creepy white cast on my face and is great for layering on under makeup. So go ahead and give it a try for yourself now that the sun is officially out for spring. Doctor’s orders.
Here are 9 other mineral sunscreens we love. Plus, this is why you should be slathering on SPF every day (yes, even when it’s cloudy).
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