A Skin Expert Reveals the One Product She Can't Live Without

“Picking the one product I can’t live without is tough, but I would say a moisturizing sunscreen,” Engelman says. “Sunscreen is the most affordable anti-ager, capable of reversing sun damage.” That said, not all sunscreens are created equal. You want to still be picky when choosing one, going the extra mile to ensure it offers broad spectrum protection, is water resistant, and boasts an SPF of 15 or higher.

DOES SUNSCREEN CAUSE BREAKOUTS? 

One of the biggest fears surrounding sunscreen use is acne. According to Dr. Engelman, sunscreen can actually cause breakouts, so it’s important to check the ingredients before you purchase. “Mineral sunscreens, which sit on the top of the skin and deflect UV/UB rays, can be thick and trap gunk and bacteria on the skin,” she says. “Chemical sunscreens, which work to absorb UV/UB rays, can have irritating ingredients that inflame the skin. To ensure the formulation of your choice doesn’t clog pores or cause breakouts, scan the label to see that they state ‘non-comedogenic’ or ‘non-acnegenic.’” 

If you have acne-prone skin, Dr. Engelman recommends applying a serum before your sunscreen. “This will [help] penetrate the [surface layers of] skin with ingredients that can target anything from acne to anti-aging,” she says. “In addition, it will provide a layer between the skin and sunscreen, limiting any reaction.” She also recommends applying a light moisturizer with sunscreen, as it can serve as a barrier on the skin while also protecting it. “Using an antioxidant vitamin C serum will help to neutralize free radicals, further protecting the skin from the sun.” 

OUR FAVORITE SUNSCREENS THAT WON’T MAKE YOU BREAK OUT

LA ROCHE-POSAY ANTHELIOS AOX DAILY ANTIOXIDANT SERUM WITH SUNSCREEN 

Enjoy the benefits of an antioxidant serum and sunscreen combined with La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Serum with Sunscreen for Face – SPF 50. It contains advanced protection against signs of photoaging, as well as improves skin radiance. Formulated with baicalin, vitamin Cg, and Vitamin E, this non-comedogenic sunscreen is suitable for those with sensitive skin, too.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Serum With Sunscreen, $42 MSRP

VICHY IDEAL CAPITAL SOLEIL SPF 50 

Dive into a bottle of this non-greasy, ultra-lightweight sunscreen before applying makeup. It’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, oil-free, and non-comedogenic, so you don’t have to worry about it clogging your pores. The formula combines UVA and UVB filters for broad-spectrum defense against UV rays, as well as powerful antioxidants of Vitamin E and white grape extract. What’s more, this sunscreen absorbs quickly and does not leave the skin feeling sticky or greasy.

Vichy Ideal Capital Soleil SPF 50, $25.50

SKINCEUTICALS PHYSICAL UV DEFENSE SPF 30

Physical UV Defense SPF 30 is a daily physical sunscreen that can help protect your skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure. Formulated with dry, sensitive skin types in mind, this chemical-free and paraben-free formula can provide the skin with hydration and broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection.  

SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense SPF 30, $34

Editor’s note: There is currently no sunscreen on the market that can fully protect your skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays. As such, it’s important to take additional sun protection measures as well, such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours—from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—when the rays are strongest.