A Dermatologist Picks Skin-Protecting Products

For the Face

The doctor favors sunscreens with lightweight, matte formulas, since they work well under makeup. “Use separate, dime-size dollops for the chin, forehead, nose, and each cheek,” she says. “It may seem like a lot, but it will be fully absorbed in minutes.”

For Oily Skin

Lien, who has this skin type and lives in year-round sun, covers her face, chest, arms, and hands with (1) Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 100+ ($12 at drugstores). “It’s nongreasy and has the highest SPF,” she says. “It also contains Helioplex to make the protection last.” If you’re mostly indoors, try Estée Lauder DayWear Plus Multi Protection Anti-Oxidant Lotion SPF 15 ($39.50, esteelauder.com).

For Normal Skin

When patients want light, no-fuss protection on an average day ( just going to the office, for example), Lien recommends (2) Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion SPF 15 ($9 at drugstores). If you are planning to be outside, she stands by the stronger, perspiration-resistant Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 100+ ($12 at drugstores).

For Dry Skin

If your skin calls for a creamier formula, Lien likes (3) Lancôme Bienfait Multi-Vital SPF 30 Cream ($43, lancome-usa.com), which contains vitamins E and B5 to “help repair skin and shield against aging free radicals,” she says. Outdoorsy types can try La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Lotion ($26 at drugstores). “I use it when traveling to arid climates,” says Lien.

For Sensitive Skin

If patients react to dyes, fragrances, chemicals, and preservatives in sunblocks, Lien suggests (4) Vanicream Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 60 ($18, vanicream.com). “It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to offer both UVA and UVB protection,” she says. Lien also likes Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 ($17 at drugstores) for everyday use.

For Everyone

Use a protective lip balm each day. Lien prefers emollient, petrolatum-based salves, like (5) Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment for Lips SPF 20 ($3 at drugstores), over waxy sticks, which can wick moisture away from lips and contribute to dryness and chapping.