Looking for the best sunscreen to protect your tween’s skin? Check out my Top Skincare Products for Tweens: Best Face Wash, Moisturizer, and Sunscreen Picks! or keep reading if you’re a mom (or 40+) looking for a sunscreen that’s perfect for you!
As I approach the big 4-0, I’ve become much more conscious of the need to protect my skin—especially since I spend so much time working outdoors in the yard. But don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t always so diligent about sunscreen. In fact, back in my early twenties, I was downright obsessed with the idea of sun protection—after years of reckless behavior, that is. In my teenage years, I baked in the sun, slathering on everything from tanning oils to, yes, even Coca-Cola (don’t ask). The goal? A “desirable” tan, of course. But after a particularly brutal sunburn at age 20—one that left me with scaly skin for over a month (I’m talking snake-level shedding)—I quickly learned the hard way that sun exposure could have serious consequences. That’s when I realized just how crucial it was to start taking care of my skin—and that journey led me to understand the true importance of sunscreen.
It was also around that time that I learned from my dermatologist that one bad burn, usually in a person’s childhood, may be enough in some cases to contribute to the development of skin cancer or deep wrinkles later in life. Perhaps he was trying to scare me but I became invested in finding the right sunscreen. This search was not an easy process though. I tried many sunscreens over the years, mostly with negative effects: some left my skin with an undesirable white cast, others were too greasy and did not allow my makeup to sit well, and many others made me breakout. To add another layer of complexity to my search, I became conscious of chemical versus mineral sunscreens and soon made the connection between the chemical sunscreens I had been using and some of the symptoms I was experiencing in general with my health – could these chemical sunscreens really be absorbed in my body, wreaking havoc on my hormones?
So yes, I have spent the past two decades dedicating significant time and resources to the quest for the perfect product, preferably a mineral sunscreen. There was a lot of waste during this time as I abandoned product after product, in many cases only after just a few uses due to breakouts or very bad skin irritation. There were also periods of time when I stopped applying sunscreen altogether for weeks at a time because I thought the side effects were not worth it (sigh). Eventually, my dermatologist introduced me to EltaMd UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 and let me say that I’ve finally found the sunscreen that I trust and rely on every single day.
I’ll be transparent and share that I only use EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 on my face because it’s not a mineral sunscreen. Thankfully, applying it solely to my face doesn’t seem to affect my hormones, unlike other chemical sunscreens I’ve tried. I haven’t used it on my body, and honestly, the cost makes that experiment not worth it for me. For the rest of my body, I use Alba Botanica’s Mineral Sunscreen with no issues. Either way, here are the 5 reasons why EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen SPF 46 is my daily must-have for face protection
1. Broad Spectrum Protection
The number one reason I stick with EltaMd UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 is its reliable broad-spectrum SPF 46 protection. I’m outside a lot tending to my garden, mowing the lawn, and enjoying other outdoor activities like attending the tween’s various athletic events. There is a lot of information out there about the fact that UVA rays contribute to premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer, while UVB rays cause sunburns. Check out this link from the American Cancer Association. This sunscreen provides a solid SPF that shields me from both UVA and UVB rays, offering the protection I need!
2. Gentle on My Skin
I’ve always had very sensitive skin. I can’t just use any sunscreen; it has to be non-irritating. EltaMd UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 is perfect for me as it is actually geared towards acne and rosacea (I don’t have rosacea and don’t know much about it but I do have acne-prone skin). It is fragrance free, paraben-free and non-comedogenic. When I look at the ingredients list, I don’t see any type of moisturizer (perhaps I’m missing it…not a chemist!) but when I apply this sunscreen, let me tell you that my skin feels deeply moisturized which is a HUGE plus for me. This is the case even after long hours outside, in the sun. The single factor that has had the most impact on my decision to stick to EltaMd UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 is that I don’t have to worry about breakouts. My sunscreen should be something I am able to wear confidently everyday, and since breakouts, irritation, and an oily face were the main reasons I did not apply sunscreen consistently over the years, this one is a winner!
3. Non-Greasy Finish
After a long day in the office or working in the yard, the last thing I want is a greasy, sticky feeling on my skin. Fortunately, EltaMd UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 is advertised as being lightweight and boy does it deliver! My observation is that it absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feeling fresh and smooth. I don’t have to worry about looking shiny or feeling uncomfortable. I actually have to make an effort to remember to apply my moisturizer as sometimes, if I get distracted after applying my sunscreen, it’s hard to tell if I already applied it since my skin feels so good. Also, they advertise that the niacinamide in the product helps improve skin tone and discoloration and I strongly believe this works. I don’t wear foundation anymore on most days over my sunscreen, just a simple powder since the finish is smooth and even.
4. Dermatologist Recommended
I first learned about EltaMd UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 in my dermatologist’s office. It’s important for me to choose products that are recommended by dermatologists, especially as I approach my 40s. As my skin ages, I need to make sure I’m using products that are safe and effective. The EltaMd brand has earned the trust of professionals, and that gives me peace of mind.
5. Convenient
I wear sunscreen every day on my face so I need a sunscreen that’s easy to access. Thankfully, this brand is available on Amazon online, so I never have trouble restocking. I wouldn’t say it is reasonably priced for the average person though.
Final Thoughts on EltaMd UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
As I near 40 and continue spending time working outside in the yard, sun protection has become more important than ever. EltaMd UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 checks all the boxes:
- Broad-spectrum protection
- SPF 46 (American Cancer Society recommends SPF 30 or more)
- No breakouts in my personal experience
- A non-greasy finish
- No apparent issues with my hormones
It keeps me safe from the sun while also supporting my skin’s health as I age. Protecting my skin is one of the best decisions I make each day I stick to the plan, and with this sunscreen, I can confidently enjoy the outdoors while taking care of my skin for years to come.
Looking for the best sunscreen to protect your tween’s skin? Check out my Top Skincare Products for Tweens: Best Face Wash, Moisturizer, and Sunscreen Picks! From lightweight formulas to non-greasy finishes, these picks keep their skin safe and happy without the hassle. Make sun protection part of their routine, because healthy skin starts early!