Summer is finally here and what it means is not just fun in the sun, but sun protection. Sunscreens protect the skin by preventing and minimizing the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. These damaging effects can cause not only sunburns but skin cancer, pigmented spots, premature aging, and wrinkles.

There are two different types of sunscreens: chemical and physical.

Chemical sunscreens become “invisible” on your skin after application. These contain organic compounds that absorb the high energy UV rays and convert them to heat energy that is released from the skin.

Physical sunscreens have mineral or inorganic compounds that reflect of block the skin from UV light. Common examples of mineral sunscreens include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These are not absorbed in the skin, so there is low potential for systemic absorption. They also do not cause allergic or irritant reactions in the skin. This is my go-to type of sunscreen because of their safety record. These are also considered “reef-safe”, which is very important for me and my patients because we live so close to the ocean here in Miami.

So here are my favorite mineral-based sunscreens:

PCA SKIN SHEER TINT BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 45: This sunscreen is my favorite to use every day. It is a mineral-only sunscreen and has the antioxidant, Ubiquinone. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and it has a universal tint that looks good on everyone. It looks like you’re wearing make-up and it even gives you a bit of a glow.

REVISION SKINCARE TRUPHYSICAL INTELLISHADE SPF 45: This incredible tinted sunscreen has over 20 anti-aging ingredients including: green tea extract, white birch extract, vitamin E, radish root extract, iron oxides which further protect skin from visible light, and Thermus thermophilus, which is known for its powerful free radical scavenging activity and helps replace the skin’s glycoproteins---leaving your skin with a healthy-looking glow and texture. It has a thicker feel and feels full coverage.

MDSOLARSCIENCES MINERAL SHEER TINTED SUNSCREEN STICK SPF 30: I love this unique product. Not only a mineral-only sunscreen, it is tinted, AND it comes in the super convenient stick application. It also has the incredible antioxidant Vitamin C, and it is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Safe even for babies 6 months and older!

SENTE INVISIBLE SHIELD FULL PHYSICAL SPF 52 TINTED: I am obsessed with this sunscreen! It has the most luxurious feel on your skin on application. Though fragrance-free, it’s blend of natural ingredients such as rejuvenating Ashwaganda, skin-firming Chicory root extract, and detoxifying Candida Saoitoana gives it the most incredible scent. It protects from environmental pollution and blue light.

COLORESCIENCE SUNFORGETTABLE BRUSH ON SUNSCREEN SPF 30: The best brush-on sunscreen powder out there, this provides all-mineral broad-spectrum sun protection in a convenient, on-the-go applicator. I apply this on top of my tinted SPF or on top of my VMV make-up for added coverage. It is also sweat and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

BLUE LIZARD AUSTRALIAN SUNSCREEN SENSITIVE FACE MINERAL SUNSCREEN SPF 30: This mineral sunscreen has a lightweight formula that won’t clog your pores. Rich with antioxidants green tea and caffeine, this product contains hydrating hyaluronic acid. Plus, it is fragrance-free and paraben-free which is perfect for sensitive skin.

SKINCEUTICALS PHYSICAL FUSION UV DEFENSE SPF 50: This elegant, lightweight, universally tinted sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. It also contains Artemia salina, a plankton extract that helps boost our skin's natural defenses and resistance to UV and heat-induced stress. It is free of parabens and is non-comedogenic.

Hope you love these as much as I do. If you have any skincare or aesthetic-related questions, you may engage with me at https://www.instagram.com/paulasperfectpout/

You can get these and more products at Exclusive Beauty Club!