Six Common Problems People Have with Wearing Sunscreen—Plus, the Best Formulas to Help Fix Them

By now, you probably don't need anyone to tell you that wearing sunscreen daily is a must—it's the most effective way to prevent skin cancer and aging. "Wearing SPF 30 every day is the number one thing you can do for your skin," says Dr. Anne Chapas, MD, a dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City. "Sunscreen has been shown time and time again to be the best anti-aging strategy; it gives you fewer wrinkles and sun damage than people who don't use it on a regular basis. Unless you go to work in the dark and come home in the dark, you need to wear it every day." Dr. Deborah Sarnoff, a New York City-based dermatologist and Skin Cancer Foundation president, agrees, adding that outside of the few minutes of beneficial daily exposure you clock, you should wear a broad-spectrum, water-resistant, SPF 30 or higher sunscreen each day.

UVB rays, or the rays that burn your skin, might be stronger during the summer, but UVA rays, the rays that lead to aging, are always out, whether it's rainy, cloudy, winter, spring, summer, or fall. You know what experts say, but whether you choose to wear sunscreen is a different story. We get it: If sunscreen isn't easy to apply, or cosmetically appealing, you probably won't use it. That's why we rounded up some of the most common excuses people give their dermatologists as to why they don't wear sunblock daily, and then found the products that solve these problems. The good news is that with all of the technologically advanced formulas out there in the beauty industry, the sunscreen game is getting really good. And these awesome formulas might actually make you look forward to wearing them.

Nearly every dermatologist we've ever interviewed recommends this sunscreen. It's specifically formulated for acne-prone skin, so it won't break you out or feel greasy, and it also helps ease inflammation from redness or discoloration.

Shop Now: Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46, $35, dermstore.com.

This one was specifically created to solve the problem of greasy, goopy sunscreen: The formula is dry to the touch, lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic.

Shop Now: Neutrogena SheerZinc Face Dry-Touch Sunscreen, $13, amazon.com.

Combat the signs of aging with both SPF and fatty acids with this moisturizer-sunscreen combination. Along with zinc oxide (a physical sunblock), it contains evening primrose oil and hemp seed oil to nourish the skin and promote elasticity, while vitamins A and E protect against free-radical damage. Oh, and it's completely natural.

Shop Now: Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $85, credo.com.

A zinc oxide–based lotion is best for children's delicate skin, too, says Sarnoff, since it doesn't rely on absorption. This one is dye- and fragrance-free.

Shop Now: Coppertone Pure & Simple Kids Lotion SPF 50, $10, amazon.com.

The physical blockers zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are ideal for sensitive skin, says Sarnoff, and better for our health, per the FDA. This ultra-smooth cream has both.

Shop Now: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen-Gentle Lotion SPF 50, from $23, dermstore.com.

A totally clear, non-greasy formula and cooling sensation make this spray one you'll actually want to reapply the derm-recommended every two hours.

Shop Now: Ocean Potion Sport 50 Continuous Spray, $9, walmart.com.

This invisible formula was made for daily application. Not just because it doesn't leave a white cast, but also because it contains filters like red algae to protect against the aging, damaging effects blue light, which comes from our phones and computers. (Yeah, it's not just sunlight that's the problem, but all forms of light!)

Shop Now: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40, $32, sephora.com.

You can't get much sheerer than light serum drops—instead of a lotion or cream, it literally feels like you're just applying a skincare serum.

Shop Now: CoverFx SPF 30 Booster Drops, $45, ulta.com.

We use this sometimes as a makeup primer, as we've noticed that it helps even skin tone, and also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid. Even on the days you don't want to wear makeup, it just creates a pretty blurring effect for imperfections.

Shop Now: Glytone Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 40, $38, dermstore.com.

Whether you're at the beach or sitting at your desk at work by a window (yes, ultraviolet rays can get through windows), it won't take any time at all to spritz your face with this setting spray, which, along with SPF, also contains sebum-regulating peppermint oil and antioxidant-rich rosemary oil.

Shop Now: Supergoop X Rebecca Taylor Defense Refresh Setting Mist, $28, sephora.com.

Travel-friendly and effective, these powder mineral foundations can be used on their own or over makeup, and come in an easy-to-reapply brush contraption. No muss, no fuss—just swirl it onto your face for makeup and sunscreen touchups.

Shop Now: ColorScience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen, $65, dermstore.com.

If adding another step to your routine is too much to bear, a tinted CC cream is your best bet for daily use. (When you're at the beach, you still want to use a separate sunscreen.) This one not only contains a high amount of sun protection, but also has basically everything you need for gorgeous skin, from plumping collagen to peptides, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid.

Shop Now: It Cosmetics CC Cream with SPF 50, $39, sephora.com.

We also love this tinted moisturizer with sunscreen by Clarins, which also targets the harmful effects of daily pollution, making it perfect for everyday wear.

Shop Now: Clarins UV Plus Anti-Pollution Sunscreen SPF 50, $45, sephora.com.

This one absorbs so quickly it's like you didn't even apply sunscreen. (Yet your youthful skin will know you did.) It's also filled with ingredients to ward off aging free radicals and environmental pollutants, which is especially important if you live in a densely populated city.

Shop Now: Glossier Invisible Shield, $32, glossier.com.

This chemical-free sunscreen is both lightweight and water-resistant. It contains the most common form of physical sunblock—titanium dioxide—which sits on top of the skin to form an invisible shield and deflect the sun's rays, instead of bonding to and absorbing ultraviolet radiation as chemical sunscreens do. Mineral sunscreens are often safer for children, as their skin is more sensitive.

BeautyCounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, $49, beautycounter.com.