“UV rays can harm our skin during any season and any type of weather,” says Sourab Choudhury, DO, a board-certified dermatologist and the chief medical officer at Dermatology Specialists in New York City. “The temperature outside doesn’t matter from a UV perspective. The sun’s rays can shine just as powerfully on a cold day as they might during the summer.” Dr. Choudhury says that even short and intense exposure to sun, such on a walk down the street or during a car ride on a sunny day, can cause sun damage. “Apply sunscreen generously and apply it often, even when it’s cloudy,” he says. And if possible, give yourself at least half an hour after applying your sunscreen before you leave your home — this will help give your sunscreen time to “bind” to your skin before you’re exposed to the sun, per the Skin Cancer Foundation. Sure, it adds an extra step to your day, but it’s worth it. Studies show that sunscreen can help protect against three common skin cancers — squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma — according to Harvard Health Publishing. The American Cancer Society notes that if you protect your skin from UV radiation, you can help prevent most skin cancers diagnosed in the United States (which number over five million annually). Plus, shielding your skin from the sun can help slow the signs of aging, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Your arsenal of sun-protection products isn’t limited to traditional sunscreens, though. Today, the market is filled with other types of skin-care products with built-in SPF, sunscreens that are lighter and less greasy than those of yesteryear, and clothing with sun protection woven into the fabric. Here are 10 sun-care products that the pros recommend. EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44, Dermstore.com
2. Coolibar UPF Clothing
Clothes with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) provide full coverage against the sun and can be especially useful for those who have trouble remembering to reapply sunscreen, as well as those who tend to miss a spot when applying. It’s true that all clothing protects your skin from the sun to a certain degree, but UPF clothing takes it a step further, says Todd Minars, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Minars Dermatology in Hollywood, Florida. “UPF clothing works by being very tightly woven together so that the sun’s UV rays can’t penetrate to reach the skin,” he says. “What’s nice about UPF clothing is that it’s all day and doesn’t need to be reapplied, as long as you keep your clothing on.” He likes items from the brand Coolibar, which has sizes and styles for the whole family. For an outdoor walk or hike, try its short-sleeve fitness T-shirt, which has UPF 50 plus, for instance. Women’s Devi Short-Sleeve Fitness T-Shirt UPF 50 Plus, Coolibar.com
3. C’est Moi Gentle Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Gentle Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30, CestMoi.com
4. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, Dermstore.com
5. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60
Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60, LaRoche-Posay.us
6. Blue Lizard Kids Mineral-Based Sunscreen SPF 50 Plus
7. A Big, Floppy Hat of Your Choice
Scrunchie Women’s Sun Protection Hat, WallarooHats.com RELATED: 6 Home Remedies to Soothe a Sunburn
8. Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 50
Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50, Colorescience.com
9. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 30
Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 30, Neutrogena.com
