Texture

First, consider the texture, which is a matter of both personal preference and your skin type. For instance, “if you have acne-prone skin, you may want to avoid creamy or oily textures and instead seek out gels and powders, while dry skin will likely benefit from those richer textures,” says Dr. Turner. Meanwhile, sprays are ideal for those with speed in mind—for instance, parents applying to kids–but for regular use, stick with a lotion, since it can be difficult to get an even application with a spray, he says.

Also, think about what you plan to do outdoors. “The use of a sunscreen stick with zinc oxide on the face can help you avoid getting stinging in the eyes while sweating or swimming, which sometimes deters sunscreen usage,” says Dr. Turner. And finally, if you frequently apply sunscreen over makeup, he recommends a mineral-based SPF powder like Colorescience Sunforgettable. These are “so easy to toss in a bag and quite convenient to reapply,” he says.

Chemical versus mineral filters

The right filter depends on a few factors. For one, chemical sunscreens just tend to be more enjoyable to use. They’re “typically more cosmetically elegant in that they do not leave a white cast on the skin, and go on with lighter feel and quicker absorption,” says Dr. Turner. The downside, however, is that they can contribute to redness and irritation among those with sensitive skin and inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea and eczema. Plus, certain sunscreen filters, such as octinoxate and oxybenzone, may harm living coral reefs and have been categorized as “hormone disruptors,” meaning they may mimic or block natural hormone processes when they’re absorbed, says Dr. Turner. However, “the data on the effect in humans remains limited in understanding this potential impact on hormones,” he says.

Meanwhile, since mineral filters aren’t absorbed by skin and rather sit on the surface, creating a physical barrier, they’re considered safe. “They are also less likely to cause skin irritation or breakouts,” says Dr. Turner. And while they’ve historically had drawbacks—such as being difficult to blend and less resistant to water—their formulation has evolved over the years. Now, “there are mineral sunscreen formulas for everyone in every format, though a white cast may still be a drawback for the most melanated skin,” he says.

SPF Level

SPF measures UVB radiation, and therefore only accounts for how long it would take for you to burn with a given SPF versus without any sun protection. And, if they’re used correctly—meaning it’s been applied liberally and reapplied as needed—there’s little difference between an SPF 30 and SPF 50. However, human error can have an outsized impact. “The small difference may have some effect on your cumulative amount of UV radiation exposure if you are in the direct sun for long hours, or you are mostly exposed to the mid-day sun,” says Dr. Turner. “At SPF 30, you’ll be blocking your skin from about 97% of the sun’s rays. SPF 50 only bumps that coverage up to about 98%.” At the moment, there’s no level of SPF that can protect you from 100% of the sun’s rays, he says. Instead, diligent usage is your best bet for healthy, youthful skin.