The 2 Ingredients Derms Say Are ‘Non-Negotiable’ for Spring Skin—Plus, Their Must-Have Products That Contain Them

Spring means we’re getting more and more sunshine… which is great for our moods, but not so much for our skin. As UV rays get stronger and we spend more time outside, our complexions are at a higher risk of sun damage—which can lead to issues like discoloration, dark spots, and wrinkles.

With that in mind, there are two non-negotiable ingredients you should be using this time of year: SPF and antioxidants.  “Antioxidants, like vitamin C, are a great addition to sunscreen, as they are known to prevent further UV damage by pairing with free radical scavengers in search of a missing electron, thus neutralizing the damage,” Dendy Engleman, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in New York City, previously told Well+Good. ”This is especially important as we move into warmer, sunnier months, and expose our skin to the sun’s damaging rays.”

Derms are constantly touting the importance of adding these components to your spring and summer routines, so it’s no surprise that they’re very much a part of their routines, too. Scroll through to see the products they depend on to get their fix from April through October.

SPF

Epionce Daily Shield Lotion Tinted SPF 50 — $40.00

“My favorite product is Epionce Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50 Sunscreen,” says Rebecca Kazin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Maryland. “It is an all-in-one product that allows me to shorten my morning skincare routine. It combines a sheer universal tint, hypoallergenic moisturizer, and excellent mineral sunscreen to protect against UV exposure, but also visible, and blue light.”

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50 — $16.00

“For spring, it’s all about the sunscreen,” says Sharleen St. Surin-Lord, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Washington DC. “I tend to like moisturizing sunscreens like the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sunscreen. It’s an SPF 50 and I love it.”

Skin by Anthos Advanced Brightening C Serum — $157.00

Shirley Chi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist from Southern California, loves this serum from her skin-care line, Skin by Anthos. “I love the Advanced Brightening C Serum, especially on the neck and chest because we’re getting so much more sun,” and antioxidants can help protect us from UV damage, says Dr. Chi. “I love that as a first step because I think it moisturizes and works as an anti-aging active.”

Supergoop! Body Butter SPF 40 — $38.00

Since her body gets more sun exposure during the warmer months, Dr. Hooper is careful to apply a body sunscreen daily. “I very much like Supergoop Body Butter to lightly moisturize and keep me protected,” she says.

Eleven by Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35 — $50.00

Dr. Hirsch also loves this sun serum from Eleven by Venus Williams. “It’s a beautiful sunscreen plus antioxidant combination that works for skin of many melanin levels without a leaving behind a cast.”

Rejuvenate Facial Serum — $120.00

“My favorite is a little-known magic serum that combines C E ferulic acid hyaluronic acid and the power of plant terpenes to brighten skin, decrease redness and boost up the antioxidant levels in anticipation of more UV light exposure,” says Lisa Donofrio, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut. “A true gem!”

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