The Best Sunscreen For Mature Skin, According To Dermatologists
While dermatologists recommend wearing a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 and above every day — to everyone — the best sunscreen for mature skin goes a step beyond shielding the skin from UVA and UVB rays. Leaving no trace of white cast is a minimum requirement for the new generation of expert-approved sunscreens, which also nurture ageing skin with everything from radiance-boosting vitamins to DNA-repair enzymes and botanicals that hydrate and plump. But above all, the best sunscreen for any type of skin will be one that’s a treat to apply, which is why Vogue’s top formulas offer both sensorial delight and serious sun protection.
Featured in this article
Skinceuticals Skinceuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen for Ageing Skin
La Roche-Posay La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir Daily Invisible Fluid SPF50+
“It’s important to choose a sunscreen that feels comfortable and works seamlessly with your skin type,” notes aesthetician, skincare formulator and brand founder Emme Diane Burg. “If it’s pleasant to wear, you are far more likely to apply it consistently every morning — and consistency is what ultimately protects your skin.” To help you find an SPF that applies like a dream, be it chemical, mineral or tinted, we turned to the pros for their expert and science-backed recommendations.
Ahead, find the sunscreens dermatologists heartily suggest to mature patients — and wear themselves. From top brands like SkinCeuticals and Augustinus Bader, these formulas will help the skin glow from within. Sun safely!
In this article:
Augustinus Bader The Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Augustinus Bader
The Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Augustinus Bader’s TFC 8 — a proprietary blend of anti-ageing ingredients formulated to support skin repair —is so adored that fans wish it graced every product on their shelves. So, when the brand launched its first SPF this spring, combining TFC 8 with physical sun filters, it was met with a lot of enthusiasm. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the chicly-packaged product, and it’s since become a staple in my morning routine. With the texture of a silky lotion — not dissimilar from the brand’s iconic The Rich Cream — the sunscreen wears more like luxurious skincare than a traditional mineral SPF. It’s moisturising, absorbs quickly and can double as a make-up base. Broad-spectrum SPF 50 also makes it a serious defender against UVA and UVB rays. “When it comes to sunscreens for mature skin, formulas like Augustinus Bader The Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 are particularly exciting,” Dr Collins says. “Mature skin tends to be more prone to dryness, sensitivity and visible signs of ageing, like fine lines and uneven tone. This sunscreen stands out because it offers high broad-spectrum protection using non-nano zinc oxide, which is less likely to irritate sensitive skin.”
- Chemical or physical: Physical
- Key ingredients: TFC 8, microalgae extract, cotton seed extract, pomegranate flower, perilla leaf, kakadu plum complex, raspberry seed oil, burti oil
- SPF level: 50
- Texture: Lightweight, creamy lotion
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen for Ageing Skin
Skinceuticals
Skinceuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen for Ageing Skin
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: If it’s discolouration, hyperpigmentation or collagen degradation you’re worried about, this SkinCeuticals SPF is second to none. With SPF 50 protection and state-of-the-art UV filters that are known for their photostability, it protects against both long and short UVA rays, as well as UVB. Beyond sun protection, it excels at preventing collagen breakdown and the formation of dark spots, plus it’s packed with moisturising ingredients – like glycerin and shea butter – to hydrate more mature skin types, which are prone to dryness.
- Chemical or physical: Chemical and physical
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter, vitamin E, dimethicone
- SPF level: 50
- Texture: Lightweight cream
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir Daily Invisible Fluid SPF50+
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir Daily Invisible Fluid SPF50+
- Type: light fluid/serum
- Sun Protection Factor: 50
- Mineral/chemical: chemical
- Texture: Ultra-light lotion
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin E, thermal spring water, silica
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Hate wearing SPF but know it’s a must? La Roche-Posay’s new Anthelios UVAir is the formula for you. You can’t go wrong with any of La Roche-Posay’s cult line of ultra-efficacious SPFs – and this is the latest launch from the brand. Incredibly lightweight, it contains UVAir technology and a next-gen UV filter that targets the ultra-long UVA rays that are responsible for deep skin ageing, which helps fend off oiliness (for up to 16 hours) and hydrates, thanks to hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. “My new favourite SPF (and my husband’s too), this formula couldn’t be more comfortable to use – make-up sits well over the top of it, and while it’s not the cheapest on the market, it without a doubt offers the best technology for the affordable price,” says contributing beauty editor, Hannah Coates. “There’s a reason why dermatologists all recommend this brand.” Sweat-resistant and easy to apply, it’s also fragrance-free and suits even the most sensitive of skin types.
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF50+
Medik8
Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF 50+
- Type: light cream
- Texture: Mid-weight moisturiser
- Sun Protection Factor: 50+
- Mineral/chemical: chemical
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, blueberry seed oil, carnosine
- Why it’s Vogue-approved:
Consider this your ultimate all-bases-covered SPF formula. A standout SPF for all skin types, Medik8’s offering is brilliant for those with mature skin because it’s incredibly nourishing. Offering the highest levels of protection against UVA and UVB rays, it also fends off blue light, infrared radiation, air pollution and glycation, all of which can compromise our all-important collagen and elastin stores. Invisible and hydrating, it also boasts a light-activated DNA repair enzyme known as photolyase that supports the skin’s natural repair mechanisms to restore and revitalise skin after UV exposure. A brilliant addition to any skincare routine.
“This is a great, reliable and effective sunscreen for all skin types. As with all Medik8 formulas, you know there’s science behind it you can trust, and I love the protective and reparative nature of this product with the addition of phytolyase. The formula itself is lightweight and non-greasy, so it’s easy and effortless to apply every day under my make-up, which is what I look for in the best face SPFs,” – Jess Diner, Vogue global wellness and beauty director
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen 50
Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen 50
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Neutrogena’s SPF 50, non-comedogenic formula has impressed Tia Paul, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Newport Beach, California — and she says that its price point is just an added bonus. “This is an excellent budget-friendly option which is also incredibly lightweight and hydrating,” she says. “Mature skin loves the hyaluronic acid boost in this formulation.” For those hesitant to try a chemical sunscreen, Burg offers her perspective. Since physical sunscreens can be wiped away by sweat and friction from clothing, “a chemical sunscreen, formulated with ingredients like oxybenzone or avobenzone, can provide longer-lasting protection,” she says. “What’s worse: an unexpected sunburn when you don’t get adequate or long-lasting coverage, or avoiding chemical sunscreens, no matter the cost?”
- Chemical or physical: Chemical
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin
- SPF level: 50
- Texture: Gel lotion
MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème
MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Creme
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, MDSolarSciences’s velvety formula sinks into the skin with a matte finish. Enhanced with pomegranate and cranberry extracts for antioxidant protection, the tinted SPF is a go-to for Dr Mraz. “This is one of my favourites for combining UV protection with tinted coverage that doubles as make-up to blur imperfections,” she says. “The formulation also includes skincare superheroes and antioxidants like vitamin C and green tea.”
- Chemical or physical: Physical
- Key ingredients: Pomegranate and cranberry extracts, green tea, vitamin C
- SPF level: 30
- Texture: Velvety lotion
FAQs
What’s the best sunscreen for ageing skin?
Because mature skin is more prone to dryness and sensitivity, Dr Collins recommends seeking out a formula that not only provides broad-spectrum sun protection but nourishes the skin with hydrating and reparative ingredients. The sunscreens on this list, from dermatologist-approved brands such as Augustinus Bader and SkinCeuticals, check every box.
What to look for in a sunscreen for mature skin
“Skin can lose its ability to maintain moisture as we age, and mature skin often needs more hydrating skincare products,” says Dr Black. “This means that sunscreen itself should be more hydrating or easily layered on top of a moisturising cream.” (For instance, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen 50 contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin.) Dr. Black adds that any sunscreen should have an SPF 30 or higher and offer broad-spectrum protection.
Burg gives extra points to sunscreens that feature a PA+ to PA+++ on the label. “PA+++ is a grading system that focuses on UVA testing,” she says. “If you notice PA+ on your label, the product offers some protection against UVA rays, which are the ‘ageing’ rays that cause damage and cancer. As the symbols increase, so does the level of UVA protection. So in this instance, the higher ratings, such as PA+++, are better in terms of sun protection,” she says.
Finally, a formula that’s fragrance-free is always a plus for mature skin. “In general, I recommend patients avoid sunscreens and other products with fragrances or other unnecessary ingredients that could potentially cause irritation,” Dr Black says. And for patients of any age who are more active and might be exercising or swimming, she always recommends a water-resistant sunscreen.
Are chemical or mineral sunscreens best for mature skin?
“Mineral sunscreens are the safest and only type of sunscreen that I recommend for not only safety concerns, but also their ability to block both UVA and UVB rays for broad-spectrum protection,” says Justine H. Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Skin and Beauty Center in West Hills, California. Dr. Black adds: “Mature skin can be more sensitive, and for patients who might have potential sensitivities to the ingredients in chemical sunscreens, mineral formulas might be preferred.”
However, Burg argues that chemical sunscreens can do more good than harm for mature skin. “Many people assume that mineral or physical sunscreens are inherently ‘non-toxic,’ while chemical sunscreens are ‘toxic’,” she says. “However, the reality is more nuanced. In certain situations — such as extended sun exposure or harsher outdoor conditions — a chemical sunscreen may offer more reliable protection. Physical sunscreens can be easily compromised if the protective barrier is inadvertently wiped away, for instance by sweat, friction from clothing, or even the straps of a backpack.” In short, she says, choosing between a chemical and mineral sunscreen should involve case-by-case analysis. For Burg herself, she often wears a mineral sunscreen on her face and a chemical sunscreen on her body, particularly if she’s spending time outside.
- Jeanette M. Black, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologic surgeon serving patients at UnionDerm’s Hamptons and Central Park offices.
- Kristina Collins, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist specialising in Mohs micrographic surgery, as well as surgical and cosmetic dermatology.
- Emme Diane Burg is an aesthetician, skincare formulator, and the founder of Emme Diane skincare.
- Ellen Gendler, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
- Deanne Mraz, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the president and co-founder of DMRResearch and Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut.
- Justine H. Park, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Skin and Beauty Center in West Hills, California.
- Tia Paul, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Balanced Skin Dermatology in Newport Beach, California.