Another similar dermatologist-approved Neutrogena sunscreen is the Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Face Serum SPF 60+. Caroline Robinson, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist, previously noted that it’s a lightweight, comfortable option for year-round wear and blends into all skin tones. Bonus: Ginger extract soothes irritation in a pitch. (Like the one before, it’s also sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.)
Sunscreen Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), homosalate (13.5%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (10%), vitamin E | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Frequently Asked Questions
How does sunscreen benefit mature skin?
On top of preventing issues like skin cancer and sunburn, Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey, says applying (and reapplying) a broad-spectrum sunscreen will minimize the appearance of concerns like fine lines, sun spots, and decreased skin laxity. “Unprotected sun exposure drastically accelerates the appearance of aging skin,” Dr. Lolis explains. “While mature skin is already experiencing these effects absent sun exposure, not protecting your skin with sunscreen daily only sends the aging process into hyperdrive,” she adds. Message heard loud and clear.
What sunscreen ingredients are good for mature skin?
The usual golden ingredient of maturing skin-care routines is, usually, retinol, but you won’t find that ingredient in your sunscreen. That’s because retinol actually sensitizes skin in UV light, making it more susceptible to damage and irritation. Instead, you’ll want to look for a sunscreen formulated with antioxidants, the top-tier one being a stabilized form of vitamin C. This is because antioxidants neutralize environmental aggressors, including pollution, infrared rays, and visible light, therefore they boost the efficacy of your sunscreen’s protective measures. On top of that, studies have shown that when vitamin C is used topically, it can help accelerate the skin’s production of collagen and elastin, the protein fibers that help keep skin plump and firm. So, in helping to promote collagen production, topical vitamin C can help prevent signs of aging of the skin, including fine lines and lack of elasticity.
Another antioxidant known for its skin-boosting benefits is niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3. Like its counterpart, vitamin C, niacinamide has a myriad of benefits, including evening tone, brightening your complexion, and minimizing the appearance of pores. Dr. Garshick previously told Allure that this antioxidant can also diminish fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to its collagen-boosting properties. Most of the formulas above are also spiked with other plumping additives, like hydrating hyaluronic acid.
Meet the experts
- James Y. Wang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles
- Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Manhattan, New York, and Englewood, New Jersey
- Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey
- Caroline Robinson, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best sunscreens for mature skin, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
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