The most important thing about the sunscreen you pick, multiple dermatologists have told us, is that you like the sunscreen you pick. If you like it, you’ll wear it. And– if you’ll let us be your ultra-wise, experienced friend for a second–it’s really important to make sun protection a big priority in your skincare routine, especially if you’re in cancer treatment.
Chemotherapy, radiation, and other cancer treatments are very likely to change your skin. While you’re in treatment, you may struggle with dryness and sensitivity, while your skin is also more vulnerable to sunburns. Prioritizing sun protection will protect you from cancer-causing UV rays and keep your skin from getting more irritated.
You may also find that skincare products you previously loved are too harsh on your vulnerable skin during treatment. We spoke to dermatologists and sought out recommendations for a set of treatment-friendly, sensitive, and effective sunscreens to keep yourself covered.
A Quick Sunscreen 101
Mineral sunscreens or sunblocks, are sunscreens that use minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to create a barrier on your skin that physically reflects the sun’s rays, like a layer of mirrors sitting on top of your skin. Chemical sunscreens use compounds like avobenzone and homosalate to absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, radiating that heat away from your skin. Many dermatologists suggest mineral sunscreens while undergoing treatment, rather than chemical ones, because they tend to be less irritating on sensitive skin.
While mineral sunscreens are well-suited for sensitive skin, they can leave a white cast on your skin, which you might find frustrating (chemical sunscreens tend to go on clear). Mineral sunscreens can also be tougher to wash away; for this, we recommend using a gentle, oil-based cleanser to wash away mineral sunscreens.
While only UVB rays cause burning, both UVA and UVB rays types can cause skin cancer, so make sure whatever sunscreen you get is labeled “broad spectrum” (all the sunscreens on this list are).
Make sure, when you’re in the sun, you reapply sunscreen every two hours; it wears off. If you don’t want to carry around a full bottle, we recommend a good miniature below, or you can decant your favorite into a little travel bottle.
If you’re switching sunscreens, especially during treatment, do a patch test by applying a little bit to a small, not super visible or super sensitive part of your body (the inside of your arm, for example), and waiting twenty-four hours to see if you have any reaction.
Full Body Sunscreens
A Sheer Full Body Sunscreen
Elta MD’s UV Pure uses higher-transparency zinc oxide, which makes it easier to rub in and avoid that white residue. Dermatologist and Moh’s surgeon Dr. Yesul Kim recommends Elta MD as a particularly blendable mineral sunscreen.
A Reliable, Affordable Mineral Sunscreen
Dr. David Leffell, a dermatologist at the Yale School of Medicine, says he keeps Neutrogena sunscreen in his own home. It’s hypoallergenic, and free of irritating ingredients like fragrances.
A Long-Lasting Body Sunscreen You Can Sweat In
Dr. Lefell also recommends Blue Lizard, formulated to remain effective, even if you’re sweating or swimming. Blue Lizard specializes in water-resistant mineral sunscreens, free of fragrances and other irritants. It might need a little extra rubbing into your skin to get rid of the white cast. Sometimes, sport sunscreens like Blue Lizard Sport do their jobs a bit too well, and can be hard to wash off with soap and water; we recommend an oil-based cleanser.
A Moisturizing Full Body Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
If your skin is particularly irritated during treatment, CeraVe’s Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen can be a soothing option for you. In addition to mineral sunblocks titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, this one includes ceramides, a common ingredient in moisturizers.
Face Sunscreens
A Mineral-Chemical Combination Sunscreen, Designed to Avoid the White Cast
Dr. Dina Strachan, a dermatologist in New York, recommends the brand Black Girl Sunscreen if you have a deeper skin tone and you’re concerned about a white cast left by sunscreens. Black Girl Sunscreen’s Make It Hybrid is a mineral-synthetic combination sunscreen, meaning it combines the UV-reflective properties of mineral sunscreen ingredients, like zinc oxide, with the UV-absorbing properties of synthetic chemical sunscreen ingredients, like homosalate. Try a test patch if you're concerned about using the chemical sunscreen on treatment-sensitive skin (if so, their Baby SPF uses Zinc Oxide as its only active ingredient).
A Daily Moisturizer, With SPF
Vanicream’s Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 is a hyaluronic acid-based moisturizer, which may seem like a red flag if you’re avoiding acids in your skincare routine, but hyaluronic acid is different from drying simple acids (like ethanol and its derivatives). When used properly, hyaluronic acid helps your skin soak up more water. Dr. Kim recommends the Vanicream brand for sensitive skin, since their products are free of fragrances and many top allergens.
A Tinted Mineral Sunscreen With a Flattering Bronzer-Like Glow
This sensitive-skin friendly sunscreen gives a subtle glow that looks flattering on a wide range of skin tones. We love how lightweight it is, and the subtle tint. Especially if you have a deeper skin tone, a tinted facial sunscreen can help avoid the white cast problem by recoloring white zinc.
A Gentle, Weightless Mineral Sunscreen: Small Enough for Your Bag
Dr. Strachan also specifically recommends Supergoop!’s Mineral Unseen Sunscreen for people worried about a white cast with mineral sunscreens. And we really love the travel size, which is perfect to take in even a small (well medium-small) purse, so you can actually reapply when you’re out in the sun.
Don’t Forget Your Lips!
A Fresh, Minty Protective Lip Balm
An SPF 30 lip balm can prevent sunburn on your lips (remember lips can burn and develop skin cancer as well). While many lip balms are SPF 15, most dermatologists recommend an SPF of at least 30. This one from Supergoop! is a shea-butter based moisturizer and the mint covers up the sunscreen-taste.
A Rare Find: A Mineral Sunscreen Lip Product Without the White Gunk
This is a Jadey favorite: it’s a serum that goes on very slick and nourishes, while giving a healthy boost of SPF 15 protection. Because it’s a mineral sunscreen, it’s suited for ultra-sensitive skin–but this formulation avoids the white cast common to mineral sunscreens. It’s lightweight and also plays very well when it’s added over a lip liner or lip stain.
Another Rare Find: The Mineral and Tinted Lip Balm
This is another treasured item: an SPF 30 mineral lip balm (suited to sensitive skin) that avoids the white cast with lovely tint options in earthy or pink tones. It’s got a thick, almost buttery texture–so it doesn't seamlessly melt into your skin, but still feels more lip balm than sunscreen. It’s also fragrance and taste free, which is a big plus if you’re feeling scent- or taste-sensitive. Some warnings: the tube is cardboard, and we love minimizing plastic, but the top doesn’t attach very securely. We recommend storing this one in a little waterproof pouch if you’re taking it in your bag.
Remember: the best sunscreen for you is one you feel like you can apply every day. Whether it's a gentle, sheer sunscreen or a heavy-duty sporting sunscreen, the best thing you can do is make sure you’re applying enough and applying often.
