The 10 Best Dermatologist-Approved Sunscreens for Summer

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Photographed by Peter Lindbergh, Vogue, June 2011

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Summer is finally here. And while it's synonymous with rosé-filled weekends spent poolside for some, or riding waves for others, it also recalls the task of applying (and reapplying) layers of thick sunscreen. With the weekend in reach and plenty of new foolproof formulas on the market—antioxidant-packed products that repair skin while fighting harmful rays, lightweight options that won’t mess with an already applied makeup look, affordable choices so there is no need to keep tabs on ill-prepared friends—there’s no time like the present to stock up for the sunny days ahead.

And who better to ask for SPF advice than a dermatologist? After all, with skin always on their minds, they are the first ones—along with mothers—to lecture on safe sun practices. Here, ten experts share their favorite hardworking sunscreens for protecting skin all summer and beyond.

ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica® Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+, $50,
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“I always prefer lightweight physical blockers to chemical sunscreens, plus this one contains DNA Repairsomes that help to reverse harmful effects caused by UV rays while also protecting skin from future damage.” —Dendy Engelman, M.D.


Photo: Courtesy of completeskinmd.com

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 45, $11,
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“My top choice is easy to apply, noncomedogenic, and utilizes Helioplex technology, which provides stable broad spectrum UV activity for a fraction of the price of the other products.” —Shari Marchbein, M.D.


Photo: Courtesy of ulta.com

Elta MD UV Daily Broad Spectrum SPF 40, $27,
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“This is effective and layers beautifully over my makeup—perfect for every day or the beach.” —Dr. Francesca Fusco, M.D.


Photo: Courtesy of dermstore.com

Revision Skincare Intellishade Original SPF 45, $56,
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“I recommend this tinted sunscreen to my patients because it provides great protection and has antiaging ingredients—great for a hot summer day on the go.” —Jennifer Levine, M.D.


Photo: Courtesy of revisionskincare.com

SkinMedica Total Defense and Repair SPF 50, $68,
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“My favorite sunscreen has a high percentage of zinc oxide, in addition to chemical absorbers that block broad spectrum UVA, UVB, and infrared waves. It also has antioxidants that help combat free radicals and repair skin damage.” —Mary Stevenson, M.D.


Photo: Courtesy of skinmedica.com

La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 60 Melt In Sunscreen Milk, $36,
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“I love this sunscreen, which was ranked No. 1 in [the 2017] Consumer Reports Study, because it’s creamy without being greasy. I never doubt that I'm protected.”—Whitney Bowe, M.D.


Photo: Courtesy of laroche-posay.us

Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36, $55,
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"Its matte formula provides a powerful yet lightweight UVA/UVB protection, as well as skin hydrating ingredients. It also has age defying antioxidants such as green tea extract and vitamin E that protect against pollution-induced damage. With its subtle tint that evens out my complexion, it allows me to start my day without any makeup on!"—Shereene Idriss, M.D.


Photo: Courtesy of Alastin

Coppertone Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30, $7,
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“While I am a big fan of multitasking sunscreens that function as moisturizers and provide SPF, my all-around favorite, tried and true, is Coppertone Sport. I love going to the beach on summer weekends and training for my eighth marathon; this spray is easy to apply, effective and sweat-proof.” –Elizabeth Hale M.D.


Photo: Courtesy of jet.com

Supergoop Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil SPF 50, $34,
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“I love sunscreen oils and dewy summer skin! They’re so easy to apply and my patients don’t complain of chalkiness.” –Michelle Henry M.D.


Photo: Courtesy of supergoop.com

Colorescience All Calm Clinical Redness Corrector SPF 50, $125
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"All Calm by Colorescience is AMAZING--super calming, total mineral, complete coverage, stays on during exercise in hot sun, doesn't sting. Truly trustworthy solution for sun protection." —Ellen Marmur, M.D.


Photo: Courtesy of dermstore.com