Hello, beautiful readers! It’s Dr. Rosy Sandhu, back with another vital topic for your health and wellness journey. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating and reminding everyone about the risks of skin cancer and the importance of protecting our skin. But let’s not limit this crucial conversation to just one month. Protecting our skin from harmful UV rays should be a year-round commitment—a true mindset reset.

Understanding UV Radiation and Skin Cancer

Most skin cancers are caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, an invisible form of radiation that emanates from the sun and artificial sources like tanning beds. (I sincerely hope you are not still using these.) UV rays can severely damage skin cells, making daily protection imperative—even on cloudy days.

Sunscreen: Your Best Defense

The cornerstone of skin protection is, without a doubt, sunscreen. I recommend using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily. To make your sun protection journey smoother, I’ve curated my top six sunscreen recommendations. These sunscreens not only provide excellent protection but also don’t pill under makeup and offer additional skin benefits. Here they are:

Best as Primer Under Makeup: Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40 ($38)

This chemical sunscreen is a personal favorite for its dual function as a tint and a glow enhancer. It works wonderfully as a makeup primer, providing a luminous finish without being greasy. Plus, it’s compatible with all skin tones. $38

Best for Sensitive Skin: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50 ($56)

This mineral-based sunscreen is a gem for sensitive skin. It’s enriched with Vitamin E and DNA Repairsomes® Photolyase enzymes, which help repair and protect skin from actinic damage. Best of all, it leaves no white cast! Remember to give it a good shake before use. 

Best for Dull Skin: Alastin Hydratint SPF 36 ($78)

Another mineral sunscreen, this one stands out for its glowy tint, making my skin look luminous and allowing me to skip foundation. It’s incredibly hydrating and provides light coverage. 

Best for Everyday Face and Body: CeraVe Hydrating Sheer 30 ($14)

This is one of my favorite budget-friendly options. Suitable for both face and body, it’s packed with Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Ceramides. It’s non-greasy and works well on darker skin tones. 

Best for Oily Skin: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50 ($18)

This K-beauty product is my go-to for its creamy yet lightweight formula. It’s non-sticky and contains rice extract, which has a calming effect on the skin. 

Best for Discoloration: La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX SPF 50 ($40)

What I love most about this water-based chemical sunscreen is that it contains Vitamin C, which helps with dark spots and skin texture. It also features Baicalin and Vitamin E. I skip using a separate serum with this one.

Lastly remember the two-finger rule when applying sunscreen to your face.

Let me know if you’ve tried any of them and what you guys think.

Stay sun-safe!