It’s hard to believe that it’s almost June! This year, celebrate the start of summer by checking the dates on your SPF products and replacing them if necessary. FDA guidelines require that all sunscreens remain effective for three years from the date of manufacture, and it’s easy to let those dates slip by in the rush to start your seasonal fun. However, using expired sunscreen can put you and your family at risk of severe sunburns, as the active ingredients become less and less effective as time goes on.
If you’re due for a restock, consider switching to a physical sunscreen. Unlike chemical formulas that absorb UV rays, physical sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to deflect them before they can damage your skin. They’re a favorite among dermatologists because they work right away, are generally well tolerated by sensitive skin, and offer strong protection without unnecessary additives.
At Advanced Skin Therapeutics, we carry a curated selection of physical sunscreens that combine clinical protection with everyday wearability. Whether heading to the lake or running errands on a sunny afternoon, these are the formulas we trust to keep your skin safe.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50
Sunscreen that doesn’t mess with your makeup? Yes, please.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Brush-On Shield SPF 50 makes reapplication easy at any time of day thanks to its self-dispensing brush. Just sweep it over your forehead, nose, part line on your scalp, hands, or any other skin for sheer, matte protection that disappears on contact. This formula includes zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for reliable UVA/UVB coverage, with added iron oxides to help shield against visible light. You can toss it in your bag and use it at red lights, on the golf course, or in the school pickup line; no mirror is necessary.
Colorescience Total Eye® 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35
Total Eye® 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 is a staff and patient favorite for good reason. As one of the few sunscreens formulated for use on the eyelids and under-eye area, this multitasking powerhouse combines mineral sun protection with subtle color correction and targeted skincare, all in a single swipe.
The lightweight formula includes a color-correcting tint, so you get instant brightening, plus long-term benefits thanks to Actineyes, a blend of seawater and marine microalgae designed to restore a key protein under the eye to reduce sagging and increase firmness, Aldavine™ 5X to prevent premature aging, reduces puffiness and dark circles, and SYN-EYE, a complex of peptides and vitamins to improve skin texture and smooth the delicate skin eye area, while it visibly reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Revision Skincare® Intellishade® TruPhysical SPF 45
For anyone who prefers fewer steps without cutting corners, Intellishade® TruPhysical SPF 45 provides 100% mineral sun protection with a sheer, adaptive tint and a potent lineup of skin-supportive ingredients, including peptides and antioxidants that help firm and brighten over time.
The smooth and breathable finish makes it ideal for daily use, especially if you’re concerned about signs of aging or want a moisturizer that functions as sunscreen, skin care, and light coverage all in one.
SkinCeuticals® Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
For those clients who want a mineral sunscreen that doesn’t feel like one, SkinCeuticals® Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 is one of our first recommendations. It has a lightweight texture and subtle tint that blends beautifully into your skin, minimizing the typical white cast and leaving behind a soft, natural glow.
It also includes Artemia salina extract, a marine plankton, for even more defense to support skin resilience against environmental stressors.
SkinCeuticals® Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50
If you’ve ever felt like mineral sunscreen wasn’t for you because it feels thick and occlusive, we encourage you to give SkinCeuticals® Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 a chance to change your mind. This untinted mineral sunscreen with 5% zinc oxide and 6% titanium dioxide with a silky, almost serum-like texture that dries to a smooth, invisible finish
It’s especially well-suited for our clients with reactive or breakout-prone skin because it’s free from fragrance and parabens. Still, anyone can appreciate how well it layers under makeup and moisturizer.
EltaMD® UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47
When we talk to parents or clients with reactive skin, EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47 is one of the first formulas we recommend. It’s a simple mineral sunscreen with no chemical actives, parabens, or artificial fragrances. Instead, it relies on a short ingredient list featuring zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and vitamin C to provide antioxidant protection against free radicals.
A further benefit for on-the-go families is that it’s also water resistant for 80 minutes, so a day at the lake consists of fewer pauses in playtime to reapply and more opportunities to splash around safely in the sunshine.
EltaMD® UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
All sunscreens protect, but EltaMD® UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 protects and corrects. This product pairs mineral UV filters with antioxidants like vitamins C and E to guard against UV rays, pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation, all of which are environmental stressors that can accelerate visible aging. So, if you’ve been looking for a sunscreen that gives you reliable daily protection and contributes to your anti-aging routine, look no further.
The universal tint offers light coverage to soften discoloration without looking like makeup. It leaves a soft, natural finish and works exceptionally well on normal to dry skin.
EltaMD® UV Skin Recovery Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
There are days when your skin just doesn’t want to cooperate, whether it’s post-procedure or you’re dealing with a flare-up from a skin condition. On those particularly sensitive days, EltaMD® UV Skin Recovery Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 supports compromised skin within its 40 SPF physical barrier against UV radiation. The complex blend includes amino acids, squalane, and vitamin E to calm redness from inflammation and help rebuild the skin’s natural defenses.
Its cushiony and hydrating texture is anything but greasy, and it doesn’t sting, even if your barrier is already compromised. So, if you’re dealing with rosacea, chronic dryness, or any other uncomfortable skin concern, you can rest assured that you’re still safe from sun damage.
AST Can Help You Find Your Perfect SPF Fit
The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear, and we’re here to help you find it. At Advanced Skin Therapeutics, we can walk you through the options for mineral SPF and help you choose what’s best for your skin.
Not sure where to start? Visit us in-store or explore our full selection online.
