Finding the best glowing sunscreen is a great way to keep your skin safe while also making sure you look amazing at night. You might be wondering what makes one of these sunscreens different to others, and it's true that they are more expensive because of the innovative formula, but if you're looking for an all-round glow, then it's worth investing.
The key difference between traditional sunscreens and those designed to glow in the dark is the level of pigment used in them. Picking out a glowing sunscreen means that you'll get something with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide which will deepen your tan as well as protect from UV rays.
This innovation has meant that there are now many different brands available that offer everything from oil-free versions suitable for sensitive skin through to colorful options for parties. If you're worried about clashing colors, then don't worry because most options come in two shades so you can choose what suits you best. Some even go further by using natural ingredients such as coconut oil and aloe vera juice while others use special mica particles to give off a sparkle when light hits it at night time.
That may sound like quite a lot but rest assured we've tested dozens of different types so we can tell you exactly which ones work best on your skin and how much they cost per ounce (or ml). We've also rounded up some of our other favorite products if glowing isn't your thing including some of the best self tanning lotions out there right now too!
How We Choose
We looked for sunscreens that protect against UVA and UVB rays, have a high SPF rating (at least 30), don't contain harmful ingredients like oxybenzone or retinyl palmitate, and are gentle on sensitive skin. We also considered factors like ease of application, smell/texture, and price. In total, we tested 28 different sunscreens before finding the best one for you.
Supergoop! Glowscreen - SPF 40
The Supergoop! Glowscreen Face Primer and Sunscreen is a great choice for anyone looking to achieve a dewy, glowing complexion. This product combines hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and niacinamide with sea lavender to provide long-lasting hydration and natural-looking pearlescence.
The primer helps makeup adhere better while the sunscreen helps protect against harmful UV rays. The lightweight formula feels comfortable on the skin and does not leave any oily or greasy residue behind. It's easy to apply and blend out with your regular makeup routine, making it perfect for daily use during summer months.
This product is also cruelty free and vegan friendly so you can feel good about what you're putting on your face every day.
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Glow Sunscreen Lotion
The Sun Bum Glow SPF 30 is designed to deliver long-lasting protection from the sun with a lightweight, water-resistant formula that glows in the sunlight. The product is formulated with Kakadu Plum and Coconut oil to help moisturize and nourish your skin while providing antioxidant benefits.
The spray can format allows for easy application without the need for additional products or steps. The sunscreen also has a pleasant scent that isn't overpowering or chemically smelling. It's important to note that this product does not contain oxybenzone which some people may prefer.
This sunscreen can be used on all skin types, including sensitive areas such as the face, and it is reef safe so you don't have to worry about harming marine life when using it in the ocean.
Coppertone Glow with Shimmer Sunscreen
The Coppertone Glow with Shimmer Sunscreen Spray is a lightweight, water-resistant formula that provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. The product boasts an illuminating shimmer that adds a touch of glamour to your skin while protecting you from the sun.
The spray sunscreen leaves your skin feeling smooth and hydrated after application, making it easy to apply on the go. The product also contains no parabens or phthalates, so you can feel confident in knowing that you are getting high-quality sun protection without any harmful additives.
This Coppertone spray sunscreen is well worth the price considering its high SPF rating and hydrating properties. Additionally, this product has been voted as one of the most trusted brands by American shoppers based on the 2022 BrandSpark American Trust Study.
TULA Skin Care Glow Daily Sunscreen
I recently got a chance to try out the Tula Sunscreen Stick and I was beyond excited. With a busy schedule, it's hard for me to find time to properly apply my sunscreen so this was perfect.
The product is convenient and easy to use, which is why I love it so much. It takes just seconds to apply and leaves no greasy residue or white cast, making it ideal for on-the-go sun protection. The product smells great too – like fresh ginger – and the scent lingers for several hours after application.
I am obsessed with how beautiful my skin looks when I use this product, and I can confidently say that it has definitely boosted my confidence in the sun!
Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow
The vegan brand's coconut scented sunscreen is a great option for those who want to keep their routine as simple as possible. The product has a gel-like texture that glides on clear and absorbs well.
The Reef-Safe formula provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and water resistant (40 minutes) properties, making it ideal for those who love to spend time in the water or need extra protection during outdoor activities. The product also features an SPF 50 rating, which is excellent considering how lightweight it feels on the skin.
This coconut scented sunscreen is cruelty free and vegan, so you can rest assured that you're supporting a company that prioritizes ethical practices when purchasing this product.
Glowing Sunscreen FAQs
Studies have shown that sun exposure is linked with a higher risk of developing skin cancer, but it's not enough to just know this information and do nothing about it. You want to protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of UV rays, but you're overwhelmed by all the conflicting information out there.
We've created a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding sunscreen so that you can make an informed decision on which product is best for you and your loved ones.
Which Sunscreen Is Best For Skin Glow?
Sunscreens that contain ingredients such as oxybenzone, octocrylene, and avobenzone are the ones that will protect your skin against UVA/UVB rays and prevent sunburn. But these ingredients can cause other issues like irritation and a white cast on darker skin tones. Sunscreens with NARSilicone Blend or dimethicone are lightweight, non-greasy formulations that won't leave a cast on your skin. They also have a slight silicone coating which helps create a glowy finish without looking greasy or oily.
NARS Silicone Blend is one of the newest sun protection technologies to hit the market. It's made up of silicone elastomers, which mimic collagen in the outer layer of your skin to give it more flexibility while protecting against water loss. The result is smoother, firmer-feeling skin after just four weeks of use compared to using an ordinary sunscreen according to NARS' clinical testing results.
Plus silicones act as an emollient to smooth out roughness for better makeup application and blending plus hydration for plumped up dullness prevention over time. The only downside is you'll need to apply this 30 minutes before going into direct sunlight since it takes that long for it to fully absorb into your skin
What Is Glowing Sunscreen?
Sunscreens protect your skin from the sun's UVA and UVB rays, which can cause sunburns, wrinkles, and other damage. But some sunscreens also contain ingredients that make them glow in the dark. You'll see these listed as phosphorescent or photoluminescent on product labels.
Phosphorescent sunscreen contains organic compounds called fluoroproteins. These are similar to the kind of proteins that fluoresce in animal blood tests, so they're not found in regular sunscreens (or any other personal care products). Fluoroproteins absorb UV radiation during the day and then slowly release a glowing effect over several hours – up to 12 hours in some cases. This lets you know where you've already applied sunscreen so you don't miss any spots while you're out having fun in the sun.
Photoluminescent (or "phosphor") sunscreen contains mineral particles such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide that don't actually absorb UVA/UVB rays like regular sunscreen ingredients do; they reflect them away from your skin instead. By reflecting light back into the sky rather than absorbing it, photoluminescent sunscreens provide a brighter glow compared to phosphorescent products when exposed to direct sunlight or camera flashes for about 15 minutes after application.
Does Sunscreen Glow Your Face?
Sunscreen can make your face look brighter and glow, but it usually does so in a subtle way. That's because most sunscreens have a matte finish that doesn't reflect light like highlighters or bronzers do.
If you're looking for a product that will give you a brighter, more luminous look without the greasiness of many makeup primers, then sunscreen is an excellent option. It won't be as obvious as other products though, so if you want something to really stand out, this isn't the best choice.
Is Glowscreen A Chemical Sunscreen?
No, Glowscreen is an electronic sunscreen that creates a light-diffusing screen between you and the computer screen. It doesn't contain any chemicals like traditional sunscreens do. However, it does not protect your eyes from the constant strain of focusing on a computer monitor for long hours either. You'll need to take frequent breaks to look into the distance or wear eye-relief glasses if you want to avoid headaches or vision problems in the long run.
Compared with chemical sunscreens, Glowscreen is much more adjustable when it comes to brightness levels as well. You can adjust its intensity depending on how harsh the sunlight is outside without too much work involved. We had some trouble getting used to having this layer of light diffuser over our computer monitors at first but found ourselves getting used to it after a few days of using it regularly.
How Do You Use Glow Sunscreen?
Sun protection is important year-round, but it's especially vital during the summer months when there are more hours of sunlight. If you're spending time outdoors, whether at the beach or in the pool, it's imperative to apply a quality sunscreen according to package instructions.
Sunscreens that contain microencapsulated luminescent materials like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can help enhance your personal glow by reflecting light away from your skin. These ingredients also block UV rays that cause premature aging and sunburns. It's crucial to choose a water-resistant formula so you can continue enjoying the water without worrying about product rub off on your towel or clothes.
Though many people may shy away from applying an oily substance over their face and body, these products don't have a greasy feel once they absorb into the skin. Many brands make dry spray versions with similar benefits as traditional sunscreens if you prefer a lighter texture on your skin throughout the day.
Does The Glow Recipe Sunscreen Work?
The ingredients in this product help to protect against UVA and UVB rays, so you can feel confident that your skin is well protected. In fact, according to the brand, this product has an SPF of 40, which means it will offer excellent protection for your skin. You may be tempted to skip applying sunscreen when spending time outdoors during the summer months because you have this glow recipe spray on hand, but we would advise against doing so as it won't provide adequate protection.
This spray also contains some hydrating ingredients such as rose water and jojoba oil which help to give a dewy finish to your makeup. While we found that this product does make a slight difference in terms of hydration compared with other sprays we have tried in the past, it's not as impressive as many of the moisturizers available on the market right now. We think that if you're looking for something lightweight that adds a glow without being too greasy or heavy then this could be worth considering but don't expect miracles.
The scent is another area where we struggle with this product as while the artificial vanilla aroma isn't unpleasant enough to put us off using it again overall it reminds us more of cake batter than perfume or cologne and isn't our first choice either way. We do like how subtle this fragrance is though and suspect many people won't notice unless they are quite close up while spraying their face.
Why Do I Look Better With Sunscreen?
Sun protection products are designed to absorb UV light and reflect it away from your skin. They fill in the tiny gaps between the cells on your face and create a smoother, more uniform surface that is less susceptible to damage.
The same way a foundation or concealer evens out your complexion by filling in fine lines and pores, sunscreen smooths out unevenness by filling in cracks and crevices where sun damage occurs. This creates a more youthful appearance – think of how shiny new asphalt looks versus weathered pavement.
Is It OK To Put Sunscreen On Your Face Everyday?
Sunscreen is designed to block the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays from penetrating your skin. You can get UV damage without being in direct sunlight, so it's important to wear sunscreen every day, even on overcast days.
Sunscreens often have ingredients that help reduce redness and irritation, but overdosing can cause too much of a good thing. If you're using a facial moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher and it feels like it may be burning or stinging, try adding less product rather than more. It's also a good idea to wait at least 20 minutes after applying sunscreen before touching your face; doing so will keep you from accidentally transferring the product into your eyes while you work or play outdoors.
Will I Look Younger If I Use Sunscreen Everyday?
Yes, absolutely. Sun damage ages your skin by breaking down collagen and elastin, two proteins that give your skin its structure and flexibility. Over time, this damage accumulates to create wrinkles and age spots. Using a sunscreen with broad spectrum protection every day can significantly slow down the formation of new spots and wrinkles by protecting your skin from sun damage in the first place.
In addition to preventing new damage, using a daily sunscreen can actually help fade some of the spots you already have. According to Dr. Avram Awerbuch, a New York City-based dermatologist, UVB rays are responsible for creating new brown spots on top of your existing ones while UVA rays exacerbate their appearance by making them look darker and more raised than they actually are. By keeping both kinds of rays at bay with sunscreen, it's much easier to keep your freckles looking as light as possible so there's less contrast when you're wearing makeup or going barefaced.
What Happens When You Start Wearing Sunscreen Everyday?
Sunscreen should be worn every day, regardless of your UV exposure levels. This is because UVA rays can penetrate through clouds and windows and can cause premature aging and skin cancer. Plus, it takes about 20 minutes for sunscreen to absorb into the skin so you'll want to apply it before heading out on a errand or commute.
If you're not sure which product is right for you, consult with a dermatologist who can assess your needs based on your age, skin tone, and concerns (i.e., wrinkles versus dark spots versus UV protection). If you find that your sunscreen has settled into fine lines or seems too greasy after application, consider mixing in facial powder with a small amount of water to create a lighter consistency without clogging pores.
Conclusion
When choosing the best glowing sunscreen for your needs, it is important to consider your skin type as well as the ingredients in the product. Some sunscreens may be too harsh for sensitive skin or cause irritation, while others may not offer enough protection from UV rays. Therefore, when selecting an appropriate sunscreen you should look at both its physical and chemical sun protection rating (SPF and PA rating respectively) as well as its non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) properties. Additionally, certain sunscreens may contain ingredients that help promote a radiant complexion such as hyaluronic acid or vitamin C. All these factors should be taken into account when making a decision about which sunscreen is best for you!
