By Krissy Brady, Prevention
The best
way to protect your skin against premature signs of aging is to wear
sunscreen: That much we already know. But there comes a time when your
go-to sunscreen doesn't cut it anymore—whether using it causes you to
break out more than you did in high school or the ingredients suddenly
start to irritate your skin. Whatever the reason your usual sunscreen
stops being effective, finding a new formula that makes your (aging)
skin happy is a must.
"Sun damage is the number one cause of premature aging, and our skin
has already begun its own natural aging process by the time we reach our
40s," says Massachusetts-based licensed aesthetician Carolee Brown.
"Our body is now breaking down collagen faster than it's producing it,
which means the skin doesn't heal itself as quickly and sun damage takes
a greater toll than when we were younger." Plus, past sun damage starts
to wreak havoc, making the appearance of dehydration, fine lines, and
age spots more obvious than they used to be.
[post_ads](To get rid of age spots on your hands, try these three dermatologist-recommended treatments.)
"The best sunscreens for aging skin provide broad spectrum protection
against UVA and UVB rays, while also correcting signs of aging using
powerful antioxidant ingredients," says Joel Schlessinger, MD,
board-certified dermatologist and RealSelf contributor.
(It's also important to keep your brain young! Cut your risk for Alzheimer's with the natural plan in Prevention's Ageless Brain.)
We turned to experts to find the best sunscreens for mature skin.
Their nine recommendations below will protect your skin and keep it
looking youthful:
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
This lotion contains zinc oxide and
octinoxate, which protects skin from pesky UV rays and prevents future
signs of photoaging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. It
also contains niacinamide, an ingredient that helps minimize redness.
"This makes it especially wonderful for acne irritation and
post-procedure care," says Schlessinger. Bonus: It's oil-free,
fragrance-free, paraben-free, and transparent, making it suitable for
any skin type.
Buy now: $26-35, lovelyskin.com; amazon.com; dermstore.com
MORE: 10 Best Foundations For Every Age And Skin Type
Buy now: $26-35, lovelyskin.com; amazon.com; dermstore.com
MORE: 10 Best Foundations For Every Age And Skin Type
SkinMedica Total Defense Plus Repair SPF 34
SkinMedica Total Defense protects skin
against UVA, UVB, and infrared rays using titanium dioxide, zinc oxide,
and other sun filters, says Schlessinger. It also helps reduce the
appearance of fine lines and sun damage with powerful antioxidants.
Niacinamide calms the appearance of redness, while green tea extract and
vitamin E help protect skin against damaging free radicals that cause
premature signs of aging. (Make sure you follow these five new sunscreen rules, researched by Prevention Premium.)
Buy now: $39-65, amazon.com; lovelyskin.com
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Buy now: $39-65, amazon.com; lovelyskin.com
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The best sunscreens protect you from further
UV damage (and, you know, skin cancer), while also stimulating
production of new elastin to help restore youthful elastic recoil, says Joshua Zeichner,
MD, director of clinical research in the Department of Dermatology at
Mount Sinai in New York. The combination of blackberry and dill extract
found in Aveeno's Absolutely Ageless Moisturizer has been shown to rev
up skin's elastin production, he says, helping your skin bounce back to
its original shape when stretched.
Buy now: $16-22, amazon.com; ulta.com; target.com
MORE: 12 Things Dermatologists Who've Had Skin Cancer Want You To Know
Resist Super Light Wrinkle Defense by Paula's Choice is mineral-based and provides superior sun protection without chemical additives or irritating ingredients like alcohol, essential oils, or fragrance, says Florida-based holistic skincare expert K.D. Gates. This particular formula is overflowing with age-fighting antioxidants and leaves a silky matte finish. (If you're over 40, try adding these eight natural beauty recipes to your skincare routine.)
Buy now: $32, amazon.com; nordstrom.com; dermstore.com
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"Neutrogena's Clear Face Liquid-Lotion Sunblock is a lightweight liquid formula that glides smoothly over skin without tugging," says Gates. "Not to mention, it's one of the few choices for women of color—it doesn't leave a white cast." (When applying sunscreen, don't skip these three commonly overlooked spots.)
Buy now: $11-17, ulta.com; amazon.com
Buy now: $16-22, amazon.com; ulta.com; target.com
MORE: 12 Things Dermatologists Who've Had Skin Cancer Want You To Know
Resist Super Light Wrinkle Defense by Paula's Choice is mineral-based and provides superior sun protection without chemical additives or irritating ingredients like alcohol, essential oils, or fragrance, says Florida-based holistic skincare expert K.D. Gates. This particular formula is overflowing with age-fighting antioxidants and leaves a silky matte finish. (If you're over 40, try adding these eight natural beauty recipes to your skincare routine.)
Buy now: $32, amazon.com; nordstrom.com; dermstore.com
[post_ads_2]
"Neutrogena's Clear Face Liquid-Lotion Sunblock is a lightweight liquid formula that glides smoothly over skin without tugging," says Gates. "Not to mention, it's one of the few choices for women of color—it doesn't leave a white cast." (When applying sunscreen, don't skip these three commonly overlooked spots.)
Buy now: $11-17, ulta.com; amazon.com
