The best sunscreen for your skin type, according to experts, is the one you will actually use. They all protect against the sun’s harmful rays, but not all of them are created equal.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher for most people. But when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun, a single product doesn’t work for everyone. Your skin type — whether dry, oily or something in between — can determine which kind of sunscreen is best for you.

Tinted or untinted? Physical or chemical? High SPF or broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection? In this article we’ll help you navigate these confusing labels and find a sunscreen that works for you.

There are more than a dozen active ingredients approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in sunscreens and more than 30 UV-filtering chemicals approved for use in cosmetics. (The difference between them is that sunscreen is regulated as a drug, while cosmetics have to meet much less stringent guidelines.)

Some of these are natural compounds taken from algae, fungi and lichens. Others are synthetic molecules originally invented for other purposes like blocking the sun’s rays but now put to work in sunscreen. All of them reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, but they work differently and aren’t equally effective at protecting you from the sun’s harmful rays.

Trying to parse all their differences can be overwhelming—and it’s tempting to just grab whatever is on sale at CVS. But there are big differences between sunscreens that protect against UVA and those that protect against UVB, says Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. And then there are also differences between physical blockers and chemical blockers—and even within chemical blockers.”

This article will be your guide to choosing a sunscreen that is right for you.

Whether it’s at the beach, pool or on the streets of New York City, you’re exposed to the sun. The sun can be wonderful if you’re planning an outdoor activity or if you want a tan. But too much exposure to the sun can cause long-term damage to your skin and eyes. Sunscreen can help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Tinted Sunscreen

Tinted sunscreen provides protection from UVA and UVB rays while also adding color and coverage to your face. Typically, tinted sunscreen is best when used alone without additional makeup because foundation, blush and eye shadow tend to look unnatural when applied over sunscreen. Tinted sunscreen is a good option for those who want SPF protection without a lot of shine, especially in humid climates ​where shine can cause makeup to run and sweat off more quickly.

Tinted sunscreen is also an option for those who are looking for even coverage on their face due to blemishes or uneven complexion. Most tinted sunscreens have SPF 15 or lower; this may not provide enough UV protection for those whose skin burns easily or who spend time in the sun recreationally

The biggest difference between US and European sunscreens is the protection they give against UVA rays. All sunscreens in the US must pass a test to make sure they protect against UVB rays, which cause sunburn.

European formulations also have to pass a test to make sure they protect against UVA rays, which are thought to be linked to skin cancer.

UVB light is more intense in Europe than in the US, so Europeans tend to use stronger sunscreen lotion formulations and more of them. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone use at least SPF 15, which blocks 98 percent of UVB rays, regardless of where you live. SPF 30 or higher protects against 98 percent of both UVA and UVB rays.

Sunscreen is protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer. The best way to protect yourself and your children from the harmful effects of UV is to prevent sunburn by using sunscreen or other sun protection methods.

Tinted screens on windows and in cars block some UV rays. Clothing made with tightly woven fabric can help protect your arms, legs, and neck. Even a hat can help protect your face, head, and ears. But no clothes or window tinting can completely block the damaging effects of the sun’s rays. They also do not last as long as sunscreen.

Sunscreens are designed to absorb, reflect, or scatter UV rays before they reach your skin and cause damage. Sunscreens with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays.* Broad Spectrum sunscreens provide additional protection against UVA rays beyond what an SPF rating alone can convey.

The best way to tell if a sunscreen protects against UVB and UVA rays is if it has an “PA” or “broad spectrum” rating on the label. This means that the FDA has determined that the product effectively blocks both UVA and UVB

As a general rule, the best sunscreens are physical sunscreens, which use minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to deflect or absorb the sun’s rays. Chemical-based sunscreens soak into your skin and act as a filter for UV light, but some people find that they sting or irritate their skin.

Chemical sunscreens come in two forms: organic (also known as para-aminobenzoic acid, or PABA) and inorganic (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide). Both are effective against UVB rays, though some people may be allergic to one or both forms of chemical sunscreen.

Chemical sunscreens can also interact with other chemicals found in certain moisturizers, facial cleansers, hair products, and makeup — so it’s important to read the labels on these products carefully before applying them.

Organic sunscreens are more popular because they have a gentler scent than chemical ones do. They’re also less likely to cause allergic reactions than inorganic ones are.* In addition to PABA, some organic sunscreen ingredients include lactic acid, octocrylene, oxybenzone, octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC), avobenzone, homosalate** and diethy

You are going to want to start seeing the sun in a whole new light. You should also start seeing sunscreen in a whole new light, because you can get far more out of it than just protection from sunburns.

Tretinoin, better known as Retin-A, is a prescription medication used for treating acne and some skin disorders, including sun damage. It is available over the counter in other countries.

Retin-A works by keeping cell turnover at a normal rate. It does this by helping to exfoliate the skin, which removes the dead layers of skin that can make your face look worn and aged. Retin-A also stimulates collagen production so you get smoother and firmer skin with fewer wrinkles.

Here’s how to use this effective but potentially irritating agent to give your skin what it needs:

Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed on the container.

You need only apply a pea-sized amount to the entire face before bedtime. Wash your hands thoroughly after application, so no one else comes into contact with Retin-A.

It takes two weeks or longer for your skin to adjust to using Retin-A