No Matter Your Skin Concern, EltaMD's Sunscreens Got You Covered

Summer is just around the corner, which means it's time to stock up on your favorite sunscreen for the hot, sunny months ahead. Not that you shouldn't already be applying sunscreen every day, sunny or not, but having a well-rounded collection of fragrance-free tubes and bottles to choose from makes it that much easier to apply SPF, no matter the season and occasion.

My summer vacation is often spent back at home, on the coast of California, laying out on the sandy beaches and dipping my toes in the big, blue Pacific Ocean. Needless to say, sunscreen application—and reapplication—is an extremely important process I don’t take (or apply) lightly. Thankfully, growing up on the coastline, I was introduced toEltaMDand the brand's range of sun protectors, for every skin type and concern at a young age.

While my skin type is sensitive-to-dry, it’s my olive-toned complexion that craves a lightweight, creamy sunscreen that can absorb within seconds of application, without leaving any signs of a white cast. At first, this seemed like a hard-to-impossible ask. But EltaMD exceeded my expectations and needs, making the sunscreen purchase and application enjoyable and easy. These are some of my personal favorite EltaMD facial sunscreens that get me through the hot summer months, along with New York City’s cold, dry winter.

When I want light coverage...

If I were to describe my everyday makeup look, it would be dewy and natural, with a hint of bronze. Reaching forEltaMD UV Restore Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40to protect my skin from sun damage for days I'm running errands, I don’t need much more than a touch of bronzer to add some extra dimension to my cheekbones before walking out the door. What I enjoy most about this slightly-tinted, mineral sunscreen is that it subtlety camouflages my imperfections, blending out those small (but noticeable) areas of discoloration around my jawline, while toning down my extremely sensitive, red-toned laugh lines and cheeks.

The formula plays an important role in smoothing out dark spots and imperfections, according toMuneeb Shah, M.D., a Dermatology Resident Physician at Campbell University in North Carolina, crediting iron oxides "that help block visible light to aid in preventing hyperpigmentation." Other active ingredients recognized byRobert Finney, a board-certified Cosmetic Dermatologist at Entière Dermatology, are ginger root and saccharide isomerate to help minimize dark spots.UV Restore Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40doesn't only target hyperpigmentation and dark spots, but also helps with hydration. Another one of its key ingredients, squalane, plays a crucial role as it naturally seals in moisture without disrupting my skin's sensitive skin barrier, perfect for sensitive skin like mine.

When the temperature starts to rise...

For those humid days in New York City, I reach forEltaMD UV Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+if only because of how lightweight it feels as I apply a generous coat across my skin. "When properly applied, this sunscreen blocks 98% of UVB Rays," says Shah. This means I'm both worry- and breakout-free, the latter of which is due to its noncomedogenic formula—meaning it won't clog my pores.

The application process for the entire EltaMD line is always two finger-lengthed lines of product for me, but for this sheer, glossy texture, the risk of going overboard simply doesn't exist. It's as if the sunscreen melts into my complexion, fully absorbing after application. I'll sometimes add an extra quarter-sized dollop onto the high points of my face and hairline when I'm at the beach for extra-sun-protected coverage.

Did I also mention it's water and sweat-resistant? It won't come off after a dip in the ocean or a beach-trail run, which makes my sunshine-adjacent activities even more enjoyable, knowing I'm protected both on land and water. Even after the recommended reapplication time of 80 minutes, I can confidently apply a generous coat all over again, without any hesitancy. The lightweight, silky formula never feels sticky, and you get an added layer of sun protection—no white-cast included.

When I'm getting a lot of breakouts...

While hyperpigmentation is my biggest skin-care concern, dry, red patches around my laugh lines and cheeks (caused by a lack of moisture) also pose a challenge. But after incorporatingEltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46into my wintertime skin-care routine, I've seen a drastic difference in not only my skin's overall appearance, but brightness, too.

For this, Finney highlights two key ingredients in UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, which, he says, help calm and protect skin from inflammation. He also suggestsUV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46as a great choice for anyone dealing with acne, rosacea, and in my case, hyperpigmentation. Since my complexion can run extremely dry, especially in certain spots around the face, I rely on this sunscreen to act as a three-in-one, protecting my face against UVB rays, adding moisture back into my skin, and of course, evening out unwanted discoloration. It works as a perfect base for days I want to add a touch of makeup during the week or for a weekend brunch with the girls. I've never once experienced the product pilling or leaving patchy spots, which I've found to often be a result of layering sunscreen with a full face of makeup. And for those days I chose to go without concealer, adding an extra few dabs on my chin's cystic acne makes for a perfect sun-protected concealer substitute. There really isn't anything this sunscreen can't do.

When my skin is as dry as the desert...

Now, there's no denying this past year has taken a toll on all of our bodies. Readjusting to new norms and safety protocols, I've witnessed a drastic shift in my skin's ability to hold and retain moisture, even indoors. This can be blamed on my apartment's air conditioning, set on full blast, or simply the abundant time spent inside this year. Whatever the causes may be,EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44saved my skin in more ways than one.

Shah explains why someone like me — someone with dry irritated skin — may benefit from wearing this sun-protector, even without leaving the house: Applying this sunscreen, daily, can result in visibly plumper, hydrated skin. "UV Elements contains hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate), which is a humectant, meaning it can hold 1,000-times its weight in water." Shah also highlights an additional moisturizing ingredient, dimethicone, which holds moisture in the skin and in turn "further protects and moisturizes."UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44has brought a whole new meaning (and standard) to my now-supple skin. I couldn't be more impressed with the results, seen with each application.

To shop the EltaMD sunscreens that have made their way to the front of my medicine cabinet and into my vacation travel bag, go toEltaMD.comwhere you can find detailed descriptions and skin-type recommendations for my favorites mentioned above, as well as for additional sun protectors made with every skin concern in mind. No matter your skin type or color, EltaMD's wide range of dermatologist recommended and approved sun-protectors have you covered, rain or shine.