One of the biggest causes of skin aging is sun exposure. Both UVA and UVB radiation from the sun lead to premature signs of aging including wrinkles, loose skin and thinning skin.
Your face is especially vulnerable to aging because it is the most exposed part of your body. The best way to protect your face is to prepare your skin for sun by applying sunscreen whenever you plan to be outdoors for more than 20 minutes.
In this buying guide, we review the best anti-aging sunscreens for the face. All our picks are broad-spectrum sunscreens, meaning they shield your skin against both UVA and UVB rays.
What To Consider When Choosing Anti-aging Sunscreen For Your Face
a. SPF and UVA star rating
The first thing you should check when shopping for sunscreen is whether it is broad spectrum. Broad spectrum means it provides protection from UVA and UVB radiation.
While UVA is the major cause of wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity, UVB is also linked to aging. Wearing sunscreen that provides all-round protection keeps your skin youthful.
It also greatly reduces the risk of cancer.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen has two types of ratings you should focus on.
The first is SPF or sun protection factor. The British Association of Dermatologists recommends getting sunscreen with SPF of at least 30. SPF 50 is even better.
The second is the UVA star rating, which ranges from 0 to 5 stars. According to the aforementioned British Association of Dermatologists, the minimum UVA protection rating you should get is 4 stars.
b. Moisturising
The best facial sunscreens do more than just shield your skin from UV radiation; they also hydrate your skin.
Skin moisturization helps a lot with anti-aging. It keeps your skin tight, smooth and wrinkle-free. It also lowers the risk of acne breakouts and keeps your skin from appearing chalky and dull.
But it’s okay if the sunscreen you’ve selected doesn’t have moisturising ingredients. You can apply a moisturising cream underneath the sunscreen.
c. Skin type
Even the best sunscreen can affect your skin if it’s not meant for your skin type.
If you have oily skin, look for oil-free sunscreens with a non-greasy texture and a matte finish. If you have dry skin, a hydrating sunscreen will be better for your skin.
For sensitive skin, look for sunscreen specifically designed for sensitive skin types.
d. Light and non-greasy with no residue
Heavy and greasy sunscreen feels awful on your skin, no matter your skin type. The best sunscreen is light and easy to apply on your skin. It shouldn’t leave your face looking shiny or greasy.
Also, avoid sunscreens that leave white residue on your face. Look for light formulations that absorb easily into the skin.
e. Scent-free
This is subjective but most people prefer a fragrance-free sunscreen. You don’t have to worry about the sunscreen scent interfering with your perfume.
A fragrance-free sunscreen is also safer for people with sensitive skin.
How to apply sunscreen on your face
Sunscreen goes on your face after your moisturiser and serum but before makeup.
Cleanse your face first and then apply your usual face cream. Even if the sunscreen has a moisturiser, you should still apply a hydrating cream for extra protection from dryness.
After the sunscreen, you can apply your makeup as usual.
Carry the sunscreen with you. Most sunscreens are only good for two hours, after which you need to re-apply. If you are sweating a lot or swimming, re-apply every hour.
Best Anti-aging Sunscreens for Face: Reviews
1. Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF50 Sunscreen, 50ml
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The Heliocare 360 sunscreen has an SPF of 50 and a UVA protection rating of PA++++. It is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that will protect you from skin aging as well as cancer.
But that’s not the only way Heliocare protects your skin. It also contains a powerful antioxidant called Fernblock, that is proven to protect the skin from UV damage.
In addition to Fernblock, the Heliocare sunscreen also contains additional antioxidants, namely ferulic and caffeic acid. They protect your cells from oxidative damage, which slows down skin aging and lowers your risk of cancer.
The Heliocare 360 sunscreen is oil-free and has a matte finish, making it a great choice for people with oily skin. It will not clog your pores or cause a breakout.
It is also alcohol and paraben-free, making it safe for sensitive skin.
What we like about it:
- Light and non-greasy.
- No residue.
- Vegan.
- Broad-spectrum formulation with antioxidants for extra protection.
2. Neutrogena Age Shield SPF 110 Face Lotion Sunscreen, 88ml
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Most dermatologists recommend an SPF 30 or SPF 50 sunscreen. Beyond that, the added protection is marginal.
Over time however, that marginal protection adds up to significant protection from aging and cancer.
That’s why we think the Neutrogena Age Shield SPF 110 is a great sunscreen for most people.
Another benefit of going with a higher SPF sunscreen like Neutrogena Age Shield is that it provides slightly better protection from sunburn especially for those with paler skin.
Neutrogena Age Shield is a broad-spectrum sunscreen – it shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays from the sun.
The formulation is oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it’s safe if you have oily skin. It is also non-greasy and spreads easily on the skin without leaving a residue.
Neutrogena Age Shield is highly water-resistant but only for about 80 minutes. So check the time, and remember to re-apply it every one and a half hours.
What we like about it:
- Good for oily skin.
- Light formulation with no residue.
- Extra-high SPF protection.
3. ultrasun Face Anti-Ageing Sun Protection SPF30, 50 ml
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The ultrasun face sun protection cream is formulated specifically for sensitive skin. It is hypoallergenic and free off preservatives, silicones and emulsifiers.
The light, non-greasy formulation also makes ultrasun a good choice for people with oily skin and those prone to acne breakouts.
The SPF 30 protection is good enough for most people. It’s the minimum dermatologists recommend.
For extra skin protection, ultrasun contains two additional ingredients: vitamin E and GSP-T.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects your skin from UV damage. GSP-T is also an antioxidant that prevents cell damage and reverses any damage that’s already been done by the sun.
Thanks to these two antioxidants, ultrasun can reverse some mild signs of aging such as fine wrinkles and loose skin.
The manufacturer recommends applying the sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside. As with any sunscreen, remember to re-apply it every two hours.
What we like about it:
- Safe for sensitive skin.
- Broad spectrum protection.
- Non-greasy.
- Antioxidant protection.
4. Riemann P20 Face Sun cream SPF30, 50g
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If you are looking for a cheaper broad-spectrum sunscreen, we recommend the Riemann P20 face cream.
It has a UVB protection rating of SPF 30 and a UVA protection rating of 5 stars, the highest possible. It is highly effective at slowing down UV-caused aging and reducing the risk of cancer.
Riemann P20 is formulated to be highly resistant to water. That means it lasts longer on your skin than other sunscreens.
According to the manufacturer, a single application lasts 10 hours. This makes Riemann P20 a great choice for cyclists, runners, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts who spend a lot of time in the sun.
Despite the 10-hour advice from the manufacturer, we recommend re-applying every 2-3 hours if you are sweating a lot or swimming – just to be safe.
If you are doing a light activity that doesn’t make you sweat that much, you can wait longer before re-applying.
The Riemann P20 sunscreen is non-greasy and super light. It spreads easily on the skin without leaving residue.
What we like about it:
- Requires less frequent applications.
- Non-greasy – great for oily skin.
- Broad-spectrum protection.
5. FREZYDERM Sun Screen SPF 50+
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FREZYDERM touts their sunscreen’s Second Skin technology, a protective layer that shields your skin from UVB and UVA rays while giving your skin a soft velvety feel.
It is light, non-greasy and has a matte finish, making it a good choice for oily skin. The matte appearance lasts for up to 6 hours, though the sunscreen itself is good for only two hours.
It comes in a compact bottle that you can carry in your pocket or handbag for easy re-application wherever you are.
FREZYDERM’s UVB protection rating is SPF 50+ while the UVA protection rating is 5 stars. You skin is well protected on all fronts including wrinkles, collagen damage and cancer.
What we like about it:
- Light and non-greasy
- High UVA ad UVB protection.
- No residue.
- Fragrance-free.
