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Skin savants know you should really be wearing sunscreen all year long, but it's also important to step up your game a bit when the hot and sunny days of summer arrive. While you're stocking up on some SPF for the beach and other outdoor activities, it's also the perfect time to incorporate sunscreen into your daily routine if you haven't already done so.
A facial moisturizer with SPF is a great way to ease your way into prioritizing sun protection as part of your skincare routine. Dermatologists always know best, so Parade consulted several of them to curate a list of the 12 best moisturizers with SPF to keep your skin hydrated and protected this summer.
If you've never used one before, you probably have a few questions on your mind. For starters, do they work as well as sunscreen? How often do you need to reapply them? And how do you find one that works well for your skin type?
The skincare pros we chatted with have plenty of practical tips for protecting your skin from the sun's harsh rays, and they're more than happy to share the knowledge. After a few weeks of following their advice, your skin will thank you for it.
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Best Moisturizer With SPF for Dry Skin: CeraVe AM Face Moisturizer with SPF 30, for Oily to Dry SkinBest Moisturizer With SPF for Oily Skin:Neutrogena Hydro Boost SPF 50 Hyaluronic Acid MoisturizerBest Moisturizer With SPF for Sensitive Skin:Avène Hydrance+ Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30Best Moisturizer With SPF for Mature Skin:Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Day Cream SPF 23Best Moisturizer With SPF for Acne-Prone Skin:EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46Best Lightweight Moisturizer With SPF:ISDIN Fusion Water Magic SPF 40 Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin EBest Tinted Moisturizer With SPF:Bareminerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer Mineral SPF 30Best Drugstore Moisturizer With SPF:La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV Broad Spectrum SPF 30Best Moisturizer With SPF Under Makeup:Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50Best Mineral Moisturizer With SPF:Biossance Daily Hydration Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50 + SqualaneBest Fragrance-Free Moisturizer With SPF:Vanicream Facial Moisturizer SPF 30Best Moisturizer With SPF for Redness:Cetaphil Redness Relieving Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 40Do Moisturizers With SPF Work as Well as Sunscreen?
Whether or not you wear a daily SPF or a moisturizer with SPF in it really comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. But it certainly helps to know the difference between the two products.
"Face moisturizer that contains SPF is primarily a hydrating product first and foremost that happens to have SPF as an ingredient," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alicia Zalka, MD FAAD, tells Parade. "This product type makes a daily application of sun protection, which is ultra paramount for skin health and beauty, an easier daily commitment."
However, Zalka notes that moisturizers with SPF aren't necessarily as strong as products that are specifically formulated to be sunscreen.
"These moisturizers with sunscreen are not tested or designed to live up to the same rigorous testing as dedicated sunscreens. Nor are they intended to be used anywhere but the face, neck and perhaps décolleté," Zalka, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine, says.
Dr. Jodi Logerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, DCNP, notes that moisturizers with SPF "provide less UV protection than true sunscreens."
"They should not be relied upon as your primary sun protection," Logerfo, who specializes in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, says.
The bottom line? Face moisturizers with SPF can offer sun protection and are a useful product to have in your skincare collection. But they don't replace sunscreen.
"A moisturizer with SPF is meant to hydrate the skin, with UV protection as a secondary benefit; whereas, a sunscreen is specifically formulated and tested to provide dedicated, reliable UV protection," Sejal K. Shah, M.D, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Smarter Skin Dermatology, agrees.
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The SPF you use for a day at the beach isn't necessarily the same one you should use on a daily basis.
"For an average day of commuting to work, being indoors all day and returning home to an indoor environment, an SPF of 30-40 would be sufficient," Zalka says.
Logerfo recommends looking for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
For days when you're going to be more exposed to the sun, you should consider using a stronger SPF.
"If you’ll be spending extended time outdoors such as at the beach, hiking, golfing, sightseeing or attending outdoor events, I recommend a broad spectrum SPF 50 or higher," Shah explains.
Related: The 12 Best Face Masks for Acne That Unclog and Transform Skin, Tested by Dermatologists
How To Choose the Best Moisturizer With SPF for Your Skin Type
Whenever you add a new skincare product into your routine, it's best to find one that's formulated to support your specific skin type. Not sure where to start? Here's a quick cheat sheet from Logerfo and Zalka.
Sensitive skin: "Select gentle products and/or those specifically formulated for sensitive facial skin. Avoid products containing PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) or any other ingredients that the specific patient is sensitive to," Logerfo says.Dry skin: "Look for products that have sun protection with moisturizing/hydrating ingredients. Emollients are great," Logerfo explains.Oily or acne-prone skin: "Use water-based formulations to help prevent pores from clogging and decrease the greasy feel that can make acne worse. Products should be labeled as noncomedogenic or oil-free," Logerfo says.Mature skin: Zalka says mature skin does best with moisturizers with SPF that "contain antioxidant ingredients like vitamin C."Skin of color: "You want to look for products that specifically say 'no white cast or visible residue,'" Logerfo says.Above all, it's important to find a moisturizer with SPF that you're actually going to use.
"The best choice is one that you will apply daily, but if you choose a formula that supports your skin's specific needs, you are more likely to use it," Shah says.
Related: The Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine for Women Over 50, According to Celebrity Estheticians
One of the biggest sunscreen mistakes people make is forgetting to reapply throughout the day. The same goes for moisturizers with SPF.
"If you drive home or walk home in the blazing sun between 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. or go to an after-work baseball game, that moisturizer with SPF 30 that you applied in the morning is no longer protecting you. You must reapply it or add a dedicated sunscreen product to your face and also to arms, legs or any exposed parts," Zalka says, adding that reapplying every two hours is your best bet.
Shah also notes that many moisturizers with SPF aren't formulated to be water-resistant or sweat-resistant and says you may need to reapply more frequently if you're sweating a lot.
In terms of the amount of sunscreen you should apply, Zalka says quantity counts.
"A light smear of facial moisturizer with SPF does not provide a lot of protection. You need about 1/3 teaspoon to adequately cover your face and neck," she explains.
If you don't want to tote around your facial moisturizer all day long, you can still get sun coverage when you reapply by using an SPF powder.
"I carry Colorescience Sunforgettable in my purse and I reapply it to my face, the backs of my hands and forearms during the day," Zalka says.
12 Best Moisturizers With SPF, Tested by Dermatologists
1. Best Moisturizer With SPF for Dry Skin: CeraVe AM Face Moisturizer with SPF 30, for Oily to Dry Skin, $20.49
CVS
Shop It at CVSBoard-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD, calls this product "a great everyday moisturizer.
"It combines broad spectrum sun protection with skin barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid," Jaliman, the author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist, explains.
2. Best Moisturizer With SPF for Oily Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost SPF 50 Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer, $26
CVS
Shop It at CVSJaliman calls this moisturizer "an excellent choice for daily sun protection and says it's "lightweight and non-greasy."
"It combines broad spectrum SPF 50 coverage with hyaluronic acid, which helps attract and retain moisture in the skin," she says.
3. Best Moisturizer With SPF for Sensitive Skin: Avène Hydrance+ Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, $42
Ulta
Shop It at UltaShah calls this "a great option for sensitive skin."
"It's specifically formulated without common irritation triggers. This mineral-based formula is free of chemical UV filters, fragrance, alcohol, parabens, soap, silicone and mineral oil, which can commonly irritate sensitive skin," she says.
As an added bonus, it serves as a moisturizer thanks to built-in "soothing and moisturizing ingredients" that work hard to "calm and hydrate sensitive skin."
4. Best Moisturizer With SPF for Mature Skin: Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Day Cream SPF 23, $78
Sephora
Shop It at SephoraSome products are just worth splurging on. If you have a little wiggle room in your beauty budget, Jaliman suggests investing in this daily moisturizer that offers SPF 23 coverage.
"It contains turmeric extract to minimize fine lines and glycerin to help hydrate the skin," she says.
In addition to moisturizing skin, the multitasker addresses loss of firmness and elasticity. Other key ingredients include vitamin E, which protects the skin barrier, and KOMBU-Bounce Complex, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
5. Best Moisturizer With SPF for Acne-Prone Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $45
Dermstore
Shop It at DermstoreSimilar to oily skin, acne-prone skin works well with lightweight, noncomedogenic formulas.
Dr. Jenna Queller(MD, FAAD), a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of DermWorks, recommends this product if you often experience acne.
"EltaMD UV Clear is a longtime dermatologist favorite because it layers well under makeup, feels breathable on the skin and contains niacinamide to help calm inflammation and reduce excess oil," she says.
Per the brand, the moisturizer provides broad spectrum SPF 46 coverage and helps clear pores and reduce shine.
Related: 11 Best Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin, According to Dermatologists
6. Best Lightweight Moisturizer With SPF: ISDIN Fusion Water Magic SPF 40 Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E, $38
Sephora
Shop It at SephoraShah appreciates how this product doubles as both a moisturizer and sunscreen.
"Besides providing broad spectrum protection, it contains antioxidants and hydrating ingredients," she notes, adding that it also protects skin from blue light.
The derm says the lightweight, water-based formula "spreads easily and absorbs quickly with an invisible, non-greasy finish."
Queller is also fond of the product and explains it's ideal for anyone who "dislikes the feel of traditional sunscreen."
"Lightweight formulas can make daily SPF use much more consistent," she says, adding that the product is ideal for humid climates or under makeup.
7. Best Tinted Moisturizer With SPF: Bareminerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer Mineral SPF 30, $40
Sephora
Shop It at SephoraShah is fond of this oil-free option that combines the benefits of a moisturizer, skin tint and sunscreen.
"This multitasking product provides all day hydration, evens skin tone, builds from sheer to light coverage and contains ingredients that scatter light to blur imperfections," she says. "It's suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is available in 20 shades."
8. Best Drugstore Moisturizer With SPF: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $13
CVS
Shop It at CVSShah calls this drugstore find one of her "favorite" SPF moisturizer and says it's "suitable for all skin types."
"This lightweight, oil-free moisturizer hydrates, restores and soothes the skin while providing broad-spectrum protection. It really feels like a luxury product at a drugstore price," Shah says.
Queller is also a fan of the formula, which is free of fragrances and parabens.
"This moisturizer contains ceramides and prebiotic thermal water to support the skin barrier while providing daily UV protection in a well-tolerated formula," she explains.
9. Best Moisturizer With SPF Under Makeup: Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50, $22
Naturium
Shop It at NaturiumShah counts this among her go-to products and says it "doubles as a moisturizer with sunscreen and a makeup primer."
"Its lightweight, silky finish wears beautifully under makeup without pilling," she says.
The dermatologist also loves how the formula "boosts hydration and radiance and supports the skin barrier." Key ingredients include hydrating niacinamide ethyl ascorbic acid, a known brightener.
10. Best Mineral Moisturizer With SPF: Biossance Daily Hydration Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50 + Squalane, $36
Biossance
Shop It at BiossanceShah describes this next pick as a "hybrid moisturizer and mineral sunscreen."
"It provides broad spectrum protection while soothing and hydrating," she says.
Ideal for dryness, dullness or red skin, the noncomedogenic moisturizer is free of parabens, phthalates, fragrance and mineral oil. The best part? It won't create a mess.
"Despite providing a whopping SPF 50 using only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, it usually doesn't leave a noticeable white cast or chalky residue," Shah says.
11. Best Fragrance-Free Moisturizer With SPF: Vanicream Facial Moisturizer SPF 30, $14
Target
Shop It at TargetShah is a fan of this option from a brand that she says is "specifically designed for sensitive skin."
"This lightweight, noncomedogenic moisturizer contains a mineral sunscreen and is formulated without common skin irritants and allergens," she explains.
The product provides broad spectrum protection from the sun and is light enough to be worn under makeup.
Jaliman also adores the moisturizer. "It's free of fragrance, dyes and parabens," she says.
12. Best Moisturizer With SPF for Redness: Cetaphil Redness Relieving Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 40, $19
Walgreens
Shop It at WalgreensShah appreciates that this facial moisturizer has SPF 40 coverage and is formulated with powerhouse ingredients including allantoin, licorice extract and caffeine.
"They soothe redness while providing broad spectrum protection," she says. "Additionally, its neutralizing tint immediately masks redness and evens skin tone."
As an added bonus, the compact size makes it easy to stash in your bag to reapply throughout the day.
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Sources:
Dr. Debra Jaliman (MD) is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and author ofSkin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist. Dr. Jodi LoGerfo (DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, DCNP) specializes in both medical and cosmetic dermatology at Orentreich Medical GroupSejal K. Shah (MD) is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Smarter Skin Dermatology.Dr. Jenna Queller (MD, FAAD) is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermWorks.Alicia Zalka (MD FAAD) is a board-certified dermatologist, founder of Surface Deep and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine.Hence then, the article about 12 best moisturizers with spf to keep your skin hydrated and protected tested by dermatologists was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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