Hudson Valley recommendations are objective, unbiased, and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
Summer isn’t over yet, and neither are the blisteringly sunny days in the Hudson Valley. After the never-ending rain of last year’s summer season, we’re grateful for the blue skies and bright days of July and August, but the sun is not as forgiving. After just a few minutes outside, the sun’s UV rays can damage skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer, and that’s not to mention the long-term effects like wrinkles, blotchiness, and saggy skin, according to skincare experts at Medical Aesthetics of the Hudson Valley. To combat these issues and enjoy your time outside worry-free, sunscreen should be worn everyday – yes, even when it’s raining and cloudy.
“You should wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy, rainy, or snowy days when up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays can still penetrate through the clouds,” the experts at Medical Aesthetics of the Hudson Valley share. “We like mineral-based sunblock because why not reduce our toxic load? Mineral-based sunblock makes a physical barrier on the skin’s surface, reflecting UVA and UVB rays away from the skin. Chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin, where it converts UV rays into heat through a chemical reaction. Personally, we like physical barriers versus chemical exposure.”
To figure out which sunscreens are the best for your skin and for protecting against the harsh UV rays of the sun, we reached out to local skincare experts at both Medical Aesthetics of the Hudson Valley in Kingston and Joelle Aesthetics NY in Carmel for their recommendations when it comes to sun protection.
Top Picks
Alastin Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF
SPF: 36
Price: $76
View this post on Instagram
For a lightweight, all-mineral sunscreen, this pick by Alastin is a favorite for both Hudson Valley-based skincare experts we spoke with. The broad-spectrum SPF is tinted and hydrates while it protects, leaving skin looking soft and glowing. Joelle Aesthetics NY loves this sunscreen not only because of its all-mineral formula, but because it “evens and brightens skin with a glowing tint for most skin tones” and contains “powerful antioxidants that help protect skin from pollution, IR rays, and blue light and provides long-lasting hydration.”
Skinbetter Science Sunbetter Sheer SPF
SPF: 70
Price: $75
View this post on Instagram
Don’t let the creamy texture of this lotion fool you – the Skinbetter Science pick is a sheer, high-level protectant. With an SPF of 70, this sunscreen covers all the bases, with an oil-free, all-mineral makeup that benefits beyond just UV rays by also protecting against blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation. For a better fit, pick up the tinted version of this SPF.
Notable Mentions
EltaMD UV Pure Face & Body Mineral Sunscreen
SPF: 47
Price: $34.20
View this post on Instagram
EltaMD’s option might be cheaper, but it still provides powerful all-mineral protection against the sun. The face and body sunscreen is made with transparent zinc oxide to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. It’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it perfect for beach days or kayaking adventures in the region.
Skinmade Protect & Care Sun Oil
SPF: 50
Price: $76
View this post on Instagram
It might be counterintuitive to think of an oil as protection against the sun, but this product by Skinmade does exactly that. Available at Medical Aesthetics of the Hudson Valley, the sun oil filters UVA and UVB rays with light oils that provide a silky-smooth texture on your skin. Formulated with red algae, the oil contains astaxanthin, which is considered the strongest antioxidant in the world.
Related: Pink Clementine Is a Curated Consignment Space in Kerhonkson
