WE’RE OFFICIALLY ON burn notice. Despite years of public health warnings, about 88 percent of men still say they never use sunscreen. What’s worse, one in seven adults under 35 believe that sunscreen itself is more harmful than direct sunlight. That’s a damn shame because we’re witnessing a quantum leap forward in all things sunscreen. Modern sunblock is not the goop you spackled on as a kid.

Today’s sunscreens—fueled by new research and tech—are pure wizardry. Not only are these products safe, but they block multiple harmful rays, prevent skin cancer, reduce skin damage, combat signs of aging, hydrate, control breakouts, and decrease redness. We dug into the latest science, talked to top dermatologists, and tested next-generation products to unblock your sunblock issues—now and way, way into the future.

Decoding Sunscreen Language.

Before we get into the past and future of sunscreen, it's important to flag the fake news out there. An incomplete list of influencer-friendly sun-care tips that docs do not recommend: Drinking water (good idea, but not as sunscreen; Eating well (see "drinking water"); Beef tallow (yuck); DIY anything (just don't); Chemical-free sunscreens (no, sunscreens don't cause cancer). That being said, these are terms you should know that you'll run into when looking for genuine, effective SPF products.

Chemical: These sunscreens sink into the skin and convert UV light to harmless heat. (Pretty cool, right?)

SPF: It stands for "sun protection factor," which indicates the amount of UV radiation a product shields you from.

Broad-Spectrum: The product protects against UVA and UVB light. To gain approval, a sunscreen must do both.

Mineral: Mineral sunscreens feature ingredients like zinc oxide that act as a physical barrier, reflecting UV rays before they can penetrate.

Water-Resistant: This means the sunscreen will protect you (usually for either 40 or 80 minutes) while you're in the water. These are great for pool or beach days, and a must for sunscreens for working out.

face sunscreens: dermalogica biolumin c spf 50; isdin eryfotona actinica spf 50; caudalie vinosun protect daily mineral face sunscreen spf 50; la roche posay anthelios uv clear spf 50.

The Best Sunscreens

Old-school screens left you ghostlike. New tech eliminates the white residue—and other issues. Plus, many now act as double agents, blocking harmful rays as well as repairing, hydrating, and smoothing out skin.

Coming Soon (We Hope)

Skin-care obsessives (they exist!) love to complain about how behind the rest of the world the U.S. is when it comes to sunscreen. They’re not wrong. The FDA hasn’t approved a new sunscreen filter since 1999. That could change soon. Bemotrizinol, also known as PARSOL Shield, has been used in Europe and Asia for 20 years and is up for U.S. approval by March 2026. “To get to an SPF 30 or 50, I need to use at least two or three chemical sunscreens [in a formula],” says cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson. But PARSOL Shield offers more protection with fewer ingredients. So even lighter-weight options could be here, like, soon.

About Hybrid Sunscreens

These screens, a combo of chemical and mineral, are often lighter than pure mineral ones. That’s a win. But recent studies show they may not protect against UVA rays and visible light as well as a chemical-only or mineral-only option, says dermatologist and Men's Health advisor Dr. Corey L. Hartman, MD. Pure mineral sunscreens with a tint provide the most protection against both kinds of damaging light, studies show.

vacation crystal spf 50 face gel. face sunscreen.

How to Apply Sunscreen

Even the best sunscreen won’t do jack if you don’t put it on right. Follow these guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology for best results. Always opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that's SPF 30 or higher for optimal protection. Also, pick a water-resistant product, as it will last longer. Put it on indoors and let it dry for 15 minutes before going outside. On your body, use about one ounce of sunscreen total. On your face, use a nickel-size dollop. If it's a spray sunscreen, don't forget to rub it in after spraying. Make sure to cover the tops of your feet, ears, and neck, too. Don't forget your lips, and use a lip balm that's SPF 30 or higher. Reapply everywhere every two hours.

Meet the Experts

Dr. Corey L. Hartman, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL.
Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat.