In partnership with EltaMD. Editor’s Note: We only select and work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.
I’m religious about applying sunscreen in the summer. But when the fall rolls around, it becomes an afterthought in my morning routine. And, apparently I’m not alone backburning the extra skincare step: sunscreen usage drops 43% from summer to fall, with 100% of sunscreen users reporting use in summer compared to just 57% in fall and 46% in winter.
Maybe it’s the cloudy skies or the fact that wearing a fleece turtleneck doesn’t exactly scream sun protection. But, what I tend to forget once it’s officially sweater weather is that UVA rays — the ones doing the real damage like driving premature aging, dark spots, and long-term skin harm — are a year-round problem that has nothing to do with how warm or sunny it is outside.
Closing that 43% gap and being consistent about sun protection comes down to finding an SPF you actually want to use. EltaMD is mine. One of my holy grail skincare products, EltaMD is the brand dermatologists reach for and recommend most, and once you use it, it’s obvious why. Their broad spectrum formulas are lightweight, blend seamlessly, and never pill under makeup.
EltaMD has a line for every skin concern, but here are three of my favorites that I keep stocked: the UV Clear SPF 46, the UV Skin Recovery SPF 50, and the UV Daily Hydration Tinted SPF 50. They each do something slightly different, while delivering the same year-round protection.
We like
- All products are broad spectrum, aiming to protect and help correct and restore underlying skin concerns
- Vast product line with formulas to target many skin concerns
- Recommended, trusted and used personally by dermatologists
- All formulas are light weight and easy to integrate into your daily skincare routine
- All EltaMD lotion and cream sunscreens have earned the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation as effective UV protectants.
- Does not contain oxybenzone or avobenzone.
We don't like
- Some may consider their products at a higher price point with a 1.7 oz bottle costing $47+
There’s No Offseason for Sunscreen
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, only 13.5% of Americans use sunscreen daily all year long, which means most are essentially treating SPF like a seasonal sport.
When shopping for a sunscreen to wear — whether it’s 90 degrees or 50 outside — there are two words I always look for on the bottle: broad spectrum. Here’s how to think about it: The sun emits two types of UV radiation that affect skin differently, and together UV rays are a known human carcinogen. The two types are:
- UVB rays are the ones that cause sunburn. It’s more intense in summer, partially filtered by the ozone layer, and the main reason you slather on SPF at the beach.
- UVA rays are the sneakier of the two. They account for up to 95% of UV radiation reaching the earth, penetrate deeper into the skin, and maintain the same level of strength during daylight hours year-round (not just when it’s 90 degrees outside). UVA is what drives premature aging and dark spots, and doesn’t get less intense during the fall or winter months. In other words, UVA rays really don’t care that you’re in full-on sweater mode.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both types of UV rays. And, all of EltaMD formulas are broad spectrum, meaning I know my skin is protected from both UVB and UVA, regardless of the season.
One more thing worth calling out about the amount you actually need: even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays still reach your skin. And most people apply far less sunscreen than they should. A small dab just isn’t going to do it.
To ensure I’m effectively getting the most benefits, I always abide by the two-finger rule (two full finger-lengths across the face and neck, the standard for proper coverage (this is a helpful video to visualize the amount you need for full face protection). With EltaMD’s featherweight formulas, applying the right amount never feels heavy, goopy or greasy – somehow they’ve nailed the perfect texture that also protects your skin effectively, which if you’ve tried enough sunscreens like I have, is easier said than done.
The EltaMD Line Up
I tend to deep dive on customer reviews before I trust brand claims. If the people who actually bought and used a product aren’t totally convinced, I’m not either. EltaMD is actually a rare instance where both the brand and customers tell the same story. The brand is the #1 dermatologist-recommended sunscreen brand (which btw, these same dermatologists also use the product personally themselves) and beloved by tens of thousands of reviewers. While I have empties of many of their products, here are the three worth highlighting:
For Daily Untinted Protection That Over 71,000 People Love
If there’s one EltaMD formulation to try, this is it. It’s a cult classic and rightfully so. The beloved formula has over 71,000 reviews and 4.5 stars on Amazon. Here’s the skinny: The UV Clear SPF 46 is oil-free, lightweight, and formulated with 5% niacinamide (vitamin B3), which works to calm inflammation, even skin tone, and reduce the appearance of blemishes over time. It feels more like skincare than sunscreen. The hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated without any heaviness, and the formula is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic. I can attest that it disappears beautifully under makeup, a huge reason it’s become a daily staple for so many people.
Best for: daily use on fair, light, medium light or medium skin tones. Also ideal for sensitive, rosacea, and acne-prone skin.
We like
We don't like
To Calm and Correct
Don’t let the color of the UV Skin Recovery turn you off. While it may resemble the hue of green tea ice cream, it blends seamlessly. EltaMD boasts that it’s clinically proven to reduce the look of redness by 14% in just 15 minutes. The secret ingredient? A patented AAComplex, which is a blend of amino acids that actively helps repair and strengthen the skin barrier over time, not just cover what’s happening immediately on the surface. If you have sensitive skin, rosacea, and or require post-procedure recovery, you’ll be reaching for this on repeat. It’s 100% mineral SPF 50, which also makes it the gentlest option in the lineup.
Best for: Sensitive, redness-prone, rosacea skin or post-treatment recovery.
We like
We don't like
For a Subtle Tint That Also Hydrates
Admittedly, I like to mix things up and try out different tinted SPFs. Despite taking chances on new products, the UV Daily Hydration Tinted SPF 50 is the one I keep coming back to.
The UV Daily Hydration Tinted SPF 50 combines broad-spectrum protection with hyaluronic acid for clinically-proven 24-hour hydration. The tint provides just the right amount of sheer coverage to even things out without looking like I have a full face of makeup. It works for when I’m running errands around town and helps me look polished enough for the days when I’m on back-to-back video calls. Unlike other tinted SPF formulas I’ve tried, this one doesn’t make my face look cakey or too dewy—it protects, blends perfectly, hydrates and is so convenient requiring just a couple pumps in the morning to last all day.
Best for: Dehydrated skin, mature skin, normal skin
We like
We don't like
A Habit That’s Worth Keeping
While I won’t stop reaching for my daily Vitamin C and tretinoin, I’m savvy enough now to know that daily SPF usage is the one skincare step that can make the most positive long-term impact.
EltaMD makes it not feel like a chore; I’ve easily integrated their products into my routine and oftentimes switch up which bottle I reach for depending on my skincare needs.
Some skincare habits take effort to maintain. This one doesn’t. Turns out all I needed was a formula actually worth reaching for every morning – whatever the season.
Shop year-round sun protection with EltaMD.
