"It’s a rite of passage in womanhood to be taught the dos and don’ts of skin care in order to preserve our youthful skin. I’m lucky enough to have learned from the trials and errors of my mom and two older sisters. But I am here to remind you of the most important skincare rule of all: to wear sunscreen. This is something we know we should do, yet for some reason, put on the back burner. Sunscreen is a no-brainer when it comes to protecting our kiddos’ skin, but moms, your skin needs some loving, too. That’s why we’re breaking down the best sunscreen for moms. We’re also diving into everything you need to know about sun protection and SPF beauty products.
SPF products come in many different forms, and the endless options can seem overwhelming to sort through. Whether you use a moisturizer with SPF, a broad-spectrum sunscreen, powder, or even an SPF facial mist, all that matters is that you’re using beauty products that are helping preserve the health of your skin. Not sure where to start? Keep scrolling to learn more about the importance of SPF and how to choose the right product for you. Plus, shop our picks for the best sunscreen and SPF beauty products for moms.
The Importance of Sun Protection
Your skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation when you’re at the beach or pool, but also when you’re living your everyday life. Yes, even on days when it’s gloomy. The sun’s UV rays can still travel through the clouds and cause damage to our skin. And since we can’t stay indoors for eternity, we can take preventative measures to ensure our skin is treated with the utmost care.
Incorporating a daily sunscreen with a good level of SPF (sun protection factor) is the best way to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Using SPF every day will prevent UV rays from penetrating our skin. This means preventing sunburns, skin damage, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
We turned to The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) for everything we need to know about sun protection. According to the SCF, it’s important to know that UV rays—specifically, UVA and UVB—are forms of electromagnetic radiation that can cause serious harm to your skin’s health. The SCF states that UVA rays target the deeper layers of your skin. This can cause signs of aging and potentially develop skin cancer over time. And while UVB rays can still lead to significant skin damage, they affect the outermost layers of your skin, causing almost immediate skin irritation (AKA sunburns).
Think of SPF as a shield that helps protect your skin. Therefore, the higher the SPF level, the safer your skin is from sunburns, premature aging, and skin damage. The SCF recommends that you select products with a minimum of SPF 30 and are broad-spectrum. This means they target both UVA and UVB rays. Of course, you should also reapply throughout the day for maximum skin protection.
How To Choose the Right Sunscreen or SPF Product
Now that we’ve covered basic sun protection, let’s talk about choosing the right SPF product for you. As mentioned by the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), a good rule of thumb is to select options that align with what you value in skincare products in general. Here are some factors you can take into consideration when choosing the best sunscreen product for you:
Skin Type
The AAD suggests investing in a sunscreen that will complement your skin type. For instance, if you experience dry skin, opt for a thick and moisturizing product. Similarly, if you have oily skin, go for a sunscreen that is formulated to be non-pore-clogging and lightweight.
Activities
Consider what would work best for what you’re doing on any given day. Your everyday sunscreen product could be different than the one you use on days when you’re being exposed to the sun for long periods of time. If you will be in or near the water, the AAD recommends selecting a water-resistant sunscreen that provides long-lasting protection.
Multi-Functional Products
Multi-functional products are great for moms on the go. These can be sunscreens that can be applied to both your face and body or ones that you can use both under and over makeup. You might also consider an option that is safe for the whole family to use.
Personal Preferences and Needs
Whether you’re looking for a pregnancy-safe sunscreen or just favor specific formulas or types, you’ll be able to find a product that complements your lifestyle and personal preferences.
Difference Between Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen
Knowing the difference between mineral (or physical) and chemical sunscreen can help narrow your options. Both options protect your skin from UV rays. The one you choose is completely up to you and what will pair well with your skin. Below are the basics of each sunscreen type, as the AAD advises.
Mineral Sunscreen, also known as Physical Sunscreen:
- Known to be suitable for sensitive skin
- Provides immediate protection
- Acts as a skin barrier that reflects UV rays away from the skin
- It can leave a white cast on the skin due to active ingredients
- Active ingredients are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide
Chemical Sunscreen:
- Takes time to be absorbed into the skin before offering protection
- Penetrates into the skin rather than sitting on top of the skin
- Absorbs UV rays, turns them into heat, and then releases them from the skin
- Is lightweight, easy to apply, and leaves no visible white cast
- Active ingredients are avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone
The Best Face Sunscreen for Moms
Protect your skin from visible signs of aging, scarring, and further sun damage by applying an everyday face sunscreen. Finish your normal skincare routine with moisturizer and sunscreen (or a 2-in-1 moisturizer with the recommended SPF 30 or above). Trust us: It’s worth it to go through the trial and error of finding a face sunscreen that you can wear consistently without worrying about it irritating your skin. Consider a sunscreen that can be worn under makeup or a base layer that contains SPF if you wear makeup daily.
“I’ve been using this sunscreen for years and have never looked back. It’s formulated for acne-prone skin and makes me look effortlessly glowy and radiant.”
— Gianna Aldana, Commerce Editorial Assistant
This sunscreen is hard to beat with its low price and high-quality ingredients. The lightweight formula provides a dewy look without the white cast.
Specifically formulated for women of color, this sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UV rays while providing instant hydration. This is an editor and reader favorite for a reason!
“This sunscreen is one of the best products I’ve ever used. It’s the only face sunscreen that doesn’t break me out!”
— Kirra Wallace, Deputy Art Director
This 2-in-1 hydrating moisturizer and sunscreen aims to help with hyperpigmentation while protecting your skin. Ideal for melanin-rich skin, this product melts into the skin without leaving any white cast.
Best-selling for a reason, this sunscreen stick is great for all skin types. It can also be worn over or under makeup, and is perfect for when you’re on the go.
With countless five-star reviews, this sunscreen protects your skin from the UV rays, while also acting as a hydrating serum and makeup primer.
This one’s for my skincare junkies. Formulated with collagen peptide, this sunscreen serum protects your skin barrier while visibly correcting early signs of aging.
Another solid option for face sunscreen, this lightweight yet deeply hydrating product makes the top of our list—especially if you have sensitive skin!
The Best Body Sunscreen for Moms
We all love a good sun-kissed tan, but let’s remember that our skin’s health comes first. If you’ll be out and about, we highly encourage you to carry an all-over body sunscreen with you. We’re all about achieving that summer tan, but you can opt out of the sunburns by effectively applying sunscreen to parts of your body that are exposed to the sun’s rays. Remember: Even on overcast days, the sun can still cause damage to your skin. Lather up on sunscreen with our recommendations below.
“Bask always and forever! I had melanoma removed this year and got scared sunscreen straight and am now obsessed with this brand. Plus, it doesn’t stain swimsuits!”
— Ally Pagar-Wolf, Chief of Sales & Marketing
Supergoop is known for their best-selling SPF products, and it’s not hard to see why. This non-greasy, water- and sweat-resistant body sunscreen will keep your skin protected and hydrated all day long.
Not only does this TikTok viral sunscreen lotion smell incredible, but it’s formulated with a luxurious texture and hydrating ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, niacinamide, and vitamin E. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it looks insanely cute in our poolside pics as well.
If you experience dry skin, then you’ll want to add this product to your cart. It’s the perfect mix of a moisturizing lotion and a high SPF sunscreen.
Infused with sea moss and hyaluronic acid, this weightless allover body mist works wonders to hydrate the skin while providing long-lasting protection.
A tried and true brand, La Roche Posay’s sunscreen is reliable, great for the face and body, and is even recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
This broad spectrum body spray works as good as it smells! It’s crafted with nourishing ingredients like coconut water, niacinamide, and seed extract—leaving you with velvet-like skin.
Specifically catered towards dry skin, this non-aerosol spray is water-resistant, fast-absorbing, and can withstand long hours in the sun.
Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreens
If you’re a mom, it’s hard enough to choose an SPF product that is just right for your skin, but to find one that is also pregnancy-safe is another ordeal. During your pregnancy journey, your skin’s sensitivity may be heightened. So, we strongly recommend investing in quality sunscreen to prevent further skin irritation. That’s why we gathered a list of the best sunscreen for moms that you can use during your pregnancy and beyond. Plus, all of these picks have clean ingredients that are safe for you and your baby.
This sunscreen protects your skin from both burning and aging sun rays, while also enhancing your natural skin tone. Formulated to be lightweight, this product will effortlessly melt into your skin.
This kid and baby-friendly sunscreen provides UVA, UVB, and even blue light protection. With no harsh chemicals added, this product will keep your little one safe all summer long.
This clean mattifying tinted cream is ideal for my expecting mamas who want an everyday sunscreen that also has slight coverage. Plus, this products aims to prevent visible signs of aging!
A staple for you and the whole family, this mineral sunscreen is baby-friendly, non-sticky, and calms the skin with clean, plant-derived ingredients.
For my outdoorsy mamas, this organic sunscreen will become your new go-to for the crew. It consists of only four simple ingredients and is gentle on sensitive skin.
Say goodbye to white cast with this mineral-based sunscreen that is designed to protect and hydrate your body and face!
Sunscreens That Can Go Over Makeup
You might be hesitant to reapply your sunscreen over your makeup because you don’t want to mess it up. But because there are now so many products with SPF, reapplying sunscreen has never been easier. Whether you’re a fan of a facial mist or loose powder, you can keep your makeup looking flawless while protecting your skin.
Tinted Moisturizers & Skin Tints With SPF
Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds? Now, you can simplify your skincare and makeup routine by using a tinted moisturizer or skin tint with SPF. Shopping for products that serve multiple purposes will make your life easier and your wallet happier. For days that you want a clean, dewy makeup look, our selection of products will not disappoint. These tinted moisturizers and skin tints will help you achieve an effortless glow while also preventing skin damage.
Other Beauty Products With SPF
There’s no such thing as too much sun protection. Maximize the benefits of SPF on your lips, face, and body with these unique SPF products that make for a great addition to your sunscreen collection. These products are the perfect combination of skincare, sun protection, and makeup all wrapped in one.
Sun Protection and SPF Reminders
Sun protection is something that we need to actively integrate into our daily lives in order to keep our skin happy and healthy. Now that we’ve broken down the best sunscreen for moms based on what you’re looking for, you should be more than prepared to start implementing SPF into your daily skin and makeup routine. Even though figuring out what works best for you may require a bit more research, it is worth the investment in the long run—trust us, your future self will thank you.
While we always encourage layering some SPF during skincare prep, on exposed areas of your body, and throughout the day, you can also take additional sun-protective measures to provide extra defense against UV rays. This can be done by being in the shade when possible and wearing sunglasses, hats, and protective clothing. We always recommend consulting with a healthcare professional regarding what is safe for your skin and any concerns you may have. And remember: No matter what SPF product you’re using, always reapply.