As skin ages, the best sunscreens for mature skin become an increasingly critical part of any skin care routine. Ask any dermatologist, and they’ll tell you that your skin’s number one ally for staying fresh, firm, and glowy is daily SPF. “Sunscreen is the single most effective anti-ageing product we have in dermatology,” says Aderonke Obayomi, MD, a board‑certified dermatologist and assistant professor at Mount Sinai in NYC.
“Visible facial ageing, fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and loss of firmness are largely caused by sun exposure, not simply the passage of time.” But which sunscreen should be a part of your ritual? While certain formulas tend to work well on mature skin, there’s not one universal type that suits everyone over 50. And — as with many things — finding your match comes down to your preferences. “Ultimately, the best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear every day, so texture, finish, and personal preference matter enormously,” Dr Obayomi says.
To help you whittle down your selection, we brought in the pros. Ahead, see the seven formulas that dermatologists recommend for every mature patient’s beach bag and bathroom cabinet. From La Mer’s Ultra-Luxe Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen (SPF 50) — which, trust us, you’ll want to wear — to an affordable sunscreen that takes wrinkles to task, these formulas protect and pamper ageing skin. Just don’t forget to reapply.
1. Best Overall: La Mer The Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen (SPF 50)
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Rich, moisturising texture ideal for drier mature skin. | May take longer to absorb than some other formulas. |
| Layers comfortably over skin care products. | High price point. |
| Luxurious feel encourages daily use. |
With a silky, lightweight texture and a touch of La Mer’s Miracle Broth, this SPF 50 isn’t just sun protection — it’s an experience. Applying it feels like a mini spa treatment, thanks to its cocooning texture. “This formulation has a more cushiony, emollient finish, which encourages daily use,” says Shoshana Marmon, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of dermatology at New York Medical College. “It’s often chosen by patients who want sunscreen that feels more like a luxury moisturiser than a functional SPF product.” That said, the product does function, providing broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection at the same time as it hydrates and conditions the skin.
Glamour contributor Jenny Berg says:
I recently took this on a resort vacation, and made a lot of friends by the pool. Everyone wanted a little touch of La Mer with their sun protection — and I was happy to share the miracle (broth, that is). Of all the formulas I’ve tried, this feels the most like a mini spa treatment: It’s hydrating; it sinks right into the skin; and it leaves a slightly luminous finish. — Jenny Berg, Glamour contributor.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene; antioxidant-rich marine extracts.
- Type: Mineral (zinc oxide).
- Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
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2. Best for Under Makeup: Peach & Lily Sun Cover Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 30)
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Soothing ingredients can calm sensitive skin. | The finish may be too luminous for some oily skin types. |
| Cushiony, hydrating feel plays well with makeup. |
Because of its thicker texture, mineral sunscreen is notoriously tough to layer under foundation. Luckily, this K-beauty facial sunscreen proves that every rule has exceptions. “Because of its lightweight texture, this is easily blended and diffused under makeup,” says Pearl Rimtepathip, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MetroDerm in Atlanta. According to Dr Marmon, “Many Korean sunscreens are formulated to function like a primer; they spread evenly and are less likely to pill with layered skincare and makeup.” She adds that the PA rating also signals attention to UVA protection, which is especially relevant for photoaging and pigmentation.
Glamour contributor Berg says:
This new launch currently lives next to my Nespresso machine, so I can apply it while I wait for my first cup to brew. My skin tends to feel a little dry in the morning, so I look forward to the hydrating, refreshing boost when I swipe it on. I also appreciate how quickly it sinks in, so I can get to makeup without any delay. — J.B.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, centella asiatica extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid.
- Type: Mineral (zinc oxide).
- Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
3. Best for Over 50: EltaMD UV Restore Tinted Sunscreen (SPF 40)
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Ideal for sensitive or reactive skin. | May be too dewy for those who prefer a matte finish. |
| Can balance out uneven skin tone. |
For those in their 50s and beyond, daily sun protection needs to be effective — but not at the risk of irritating increasingly delicate skin. “EltaMD UV Restore is an excellent choice for mature skin because it is a zinc-based mineral sunscreen, which is gentle,” says Dr Rimtepathip. The formula also contains niacinamide (vitamin B3), which can calm inflammation and even out skin tone. Plus, even though it has a mineral base, the sunscreen has a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that makes it comfortable for daily wear. All that, and it’s oil-free.
Glamour contributor Charlotte Twine says:
Go to Elta if you seek a sheer wash of colour in your tinted sunscreen. It spreads on super easily, so if you’d like to reduce the appearance of imperfections on your face while getting sun protection, this is the product for you. Just add lip balm for a quick and casual look. A caveat is that this product comes in only two colours; the tint I used was a tad too dark for my pale skin, so I used a light hand. Overall, my skin looked firmer, even-toned, and glowy. — Charlotte Twine, Glamour contributor.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, niacinamide (vitamin B3), antioxidants.
- Type: Mineral (zinc oxide).
- Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
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4. Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen (SPF 50)
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| The gentle formula is safe for sensitive or reactive skin. | May leave a slight white cast on some deeper skin tones. |
| Quick-absorbing. |
Dr Obayomi calls this French pharmacy staple a dermatologist's favourite. In addition to its “serious, SPF 50 protection,” she praises the fragrance-free formula for its ultralight texture. “It goes on invisibly and provides long-lasting hydration,” she says. Like all La Roche-Posay products, this one is infused with the brand’s signature Thermal Spring Water, which provides soothing, anti-inflammatory benefits. Plus, it applies like a dream. “It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and easy to blend, making it perfect for mature or sensitive skin,” Dr Obayomi says. And if you need more incentive to add this drugstore SPF to your morning routine, “The dewy finish works beautifully under makeup.”
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, niacinamide (vitamin B3), antioxidants.
- Type: Chemical (avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene).
- Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
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5. Best for Wrinkles: Paula’s Choice Super Light Daily Wrinkle Defense (SPF 30)
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Wears well under makeup. | The light tint may not suit deeper skin tones without thorough blending. |
| Contains antioxidants like vitamins C and E. |
“This formula is designed with ageing concerns top of mind,” Dr Obayomi says. “The pure mineral zinc oxide provides gentle, broad-spectrum protection, while the antioxidant-rich formula actively fights the free radical damage that accelerates visible ageing,” Infused, specifically, with resveratrol, vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea, the formula also has a light matte finish that plays well with wrinkles. “ The lightly tinted SPF blurs pores and evens out skin tone without settling into fine lines,” Dr Obayomi says. What’s more, the sunscreen’s silky texture makes it an ideal makeup primer. According to Samantha Schneider, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Pacific Crest Dermatology, “Pairing antioxidants with sunscreen is very helpful. Anytime we’re in the sun — or just out in the world in general — we are susceptible to oxidative stress. Antioxidants help work with our body’s immune system to fight these sources of stress.”
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, resveratrol, vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea extract.
- Type: Mineral (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide).
- Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
6. Best for Over 60: Isdin Photo Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight Emulsion (SPF 50)
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Addresses existing sun damage. | Feels slightly matte on some very dry skin types. |
| Can diminish the look of wrinkles over time. |
“For patients over 60 who have accumulated decades of sun exposure, this formula offers the potential to reverse some of that damage while preventing more,” says Dr Obayomi. The ultralight emulsion harnesses a patented blend of DNA Repairsomes, or enzymes that help repair existing sun damage. It also future-proofs the skin with a peptide complex to boost collagen production, while its antioxidant lineup, which includes vitamin E, protects the skin from free radicals. The result? The broad‑spectrum, SPF 50 protection can help diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles over time. The formula also has a universal tint that blends well with most skin tones.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, DNA Repairsomes (photolyase), peptide complex, vitamin E.
- Type: Mineral (zinc oxide).
- Size: 3.4 fl. oz.
7. Best for Body: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Body (SPF 40)
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| No white cast or greasy residue. | Less water-resistant than dedicated sport SPFs. |
| Layers well under lotion or body makeup. | Feels a bit slippery to some. |
| Can take some time to absorb. |
Sun protection shouldn’t end at the chin. “The décolletage, hands, and arms show photoaging as dramatically as the face — but are often neglected,” Dr Obayomi says. Enter this gel-based formula, which Dr Obayomi enthusiastically approves of. “The body version of Supergoop’s iconic Unseen Sunscreen solves a major problem,” she says. “Most body sunscreens are greasy, heavy, or leave white residue on clothing and furniture. This formula is 100% invisible, completely weightless, and dries to a velvety finish.” She adds that the gel texture glides on easily, which is ideal for covering larger surface areas — like arms, legs, and chest — efficiently.
Fast facts
- Key ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene; silicons (for slip).
- Type: Chemical (avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene).
- Size: 3.4 fl. oz.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best types of sunscreens for older skin?
“For mature skin, I typically recommend formulas that multitask, providing both protection and skin care benefits,” Dr. Obayomi says. For her older patients, she typically recommends the following products.
Mineral (physical) sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide: “These tend to be gentler on more delicate skin and are less likely to cause irritation.” She notes that zinc oxide is anti-inflammatory and provides excellent broad-spectrum protection.
Tinted mineral sunscreens: The tint helps even out skin tone without settling into fine lines. Meanwhile, iron oxides provide additional protection against visible light that can worsen hyperpigmentation.
Sunscreens with added skin care actives: “Look for formulas containing antioxidants, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides, or DNA repair enzymes,” Dr. Obayomi says. “These ingredients actively support skin health and can help address existing sun damage.”
Lightweight fluids and emulsions: Heavy creams can settle into wrinkles and feel uncomfortable, she says. Fluid textures, on the other hand, absorb quickly and layer seamlessly under makeup or other skin care without pilling.
How much sunscreen should you use for antiaging?
According to Dr Obayomi, “This is where most people fall short. The SPF rating on the bottle is only achieved when you apply the correct amount, and most people apply far less than needed.” Below, she breaks down the dermatologist-approved guidelines.
Are chemical or mineral sunscreens better for mature skin?
Dr Obayomi says that both can be excellent choices, but they work differently and have different advantages for mature skin.
Mineral (physical) sunscreens: These formulas contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which sit on the skin’s surface and physically reflect UV rays. “Mineral sunscreens are generally gentler and less likely to cause irritation, which is ideal for sensitive or reactive mature skin,” Dr Obayomi says. She notes that zinc oxide is naturally anti-inflammatory, which can help with rosacea or redness-prone skin. One caveat? “Mineral sunscreens may leave a white cast, though modern formulations and tinted versions have largely solved this,” she says.
Chemical sunscreens: These contain organic UV filters—such as avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and oxybenzone—that absorb UV rays and convert them to heat. “Chemical sunscreens are typically lighter in texture and easier to apply without a white cast,” Dr Obayomi says. “They may be better suited for those with oily or combination mature skin.” In Dr Obayomi’s experience, some concerns about certain chemical filters have led many patients to prefer mineral options.
So, which is the best antiaging formula? In general, for those over 60 or with sensitive or reactive skin, Dr Obayomi tends to lean toward mineral sunscreens. “The gentleness is important when the barrier is already compromised,” she says.
How we tested
As a beauty writer for the past decade — and a very fair-skinned woman since birth I’ve amassed a pretty impressive collection of sunscreens. Now that I’m 45, I’m paying more attention to formulas that double as skin care, addressing or blurring existing signs of ageing while still helping to future-proof my skin. For this story — which, obviously, hits close to home — I interviewed dermatologists about the best formulas for ageing skin, and for best practices when it comes to application and product selection. I also tested several products myself, noted the ingredient list in each formulation, and tapped Glamour editors for their personal recommendations to help you, the reader, make the most informed decision.
Meet the experts
- Pearl Rimtepathip, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MetroDerm in Atlanta.
- Aderonke Obayomi, MD, board‑certified dermatologist and assistant professor at Mount Sinai in New York City.
- Shoshana Marmon, MD, PhD, assistant professor of dermatology at New York Medical College.
- Samantha Schneider, MD, double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Pacific Crest Dermatology.
