8 Expert Recommended Sunscreens for Mature Skin

ByCindy Hattersley Hours Posted on Hours Updated on
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When it comes to skincare for aging skin, sun protection is non-negotiable. I wish I had known this in my youth. As we age, our skin becomes thinner, more delicate, and more vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays, which can accelerate sun damage including, fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, to name a few. Choosing the right sunscreen is critical but with so many options on the market, it can be intimidating. The best sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection with other added benefits like moisture, anti-aging ingredients, and often lightweight, non-greasy formulas. Let’s check out the 8 expert recommended sunscreens for mature skin.

cindy hattersley lands end suit libeco throw

The swimsuit above is from Lands End and was one of the suits featured in my Sunday favorite post Flattering Swimwear, Healthy Tips & Eats here. As you know swimsuit season is not my favorite as I have 3rd degree burns on my right leg along with two healthy scars from my hip replacements. This suit covers most of the issues. I took one for the team with this photo, as I am also currently overweight!I recently discovered Westmore Beauty Body Coverage Protector and it has been a life saver covering my burn scars and my varicose veins and multiple sun damage. I mix it with a little bit of the lumi glotion to give it a little more natural look. This product is a lifesaver! Give it a try. I guarantee you will love it.

 There are two main types of sunscreens, lmineral and chemical (I know this is confusing). They both serve the same purpose—protecting your skin from harmful UV rays—but they do so in different ways. Mineral sunscreens contain active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that sit on top of the skin, “creating a physical barrier that reflects and scatters the UV rays”. They tend to be gentler on sensitive skin and offer immediate protection. Chemical sunscreens “absorb UV rays through ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, or octinoxate, converting the rays into heat, which is then released from the skin”. While chemical sunscreens often feel lighter and smoother, they can sometimes irritate sensitive, mature, or acne-prone skin (yes I still get the occasional breakout at 70). Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your skin type, and sensitivities.

Key Ingredients to Look for in Sunscreens for Mature Skin

Look for an SPF of 30 or higher as well as hydrating and nourisning ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides. Lightweight formulas that don’t feel greasy are easier on sensitive or oily skin. Anti-aging (can’t we find a better word than this) antioxidants (ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide and peptides). Topical Vitamin C can help accelerate the skins production of collagen and elastin (“the protein fibers that help keep the skin plump and firm”).

How to Apply Sunscreen

Apply according to product recommendations, normally reapplying every two hours. Make sure you cover all areas, even forgotten areas like the tops of your ears, and areas you can’t reach comfortably.

EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40 Face Sunscreen Moisturizer with Zinc Oxide, Daily Face Moisturizer with SPF, Sunscreen, 1.7 oz Pump-24% off Prime Day

I have been using this one for years

Elta Md Sunscreen

CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen with SPF 30 for Face and Body, Mineral & Chemical Sunscreen for Men & Women with Zinc Oxide, Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides, Paraben-Free + Fragrance Free-Prime Day 19% off

Cera Ve Sunscreen

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 70, Broad Spectrum UVA UVB for Sensitive Skin, Non Greasy, Oxybenzone Free, Vegan, Hypoallergenic, 1.4 fl oz-Prime Day 28% off

Neutrogena Sunscreen

ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Zinc Oxide and 100% Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+, No White Cast, Suitable for Sensitive Skin-30% off Prime Day

Isdin Sunscreen

Skin Ceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

Skin Ceuticals Sunscreen


Eucerin Sun Tinted Age Defense Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 with Hyaluronic Acid, Tinted Sunscreen for Face, Blendable Tint for All Skin Tones, Non Comedogenic and Hypoallergenic, 2.5 Fl Oz Bottle-32% off

Eucerin Sunscreen

Supergoop Invisible Icons Set-N Sale Deal

Supergoop Sunscreen

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 40+, Broad Spectrum SPF + Antioxidants, Titanium Dioxide & Zinc Oxide Sunscreen, 4 Flexible Shades With No White Cast, Oil Free & Oxybenzone Free-25% off Prime Day

Further Reading:

Allure Sunscreens for Mature Skin

Oprah Daily 13 Best Sunscreens for Mature Skin

Vogue The Best Sunscreens for Mature Skin

Lands End Suit & Coverup

Remember to look for sunscreens that not only shield you from the sun but also offer added benefits like hydration, anti-aging ingredients, and lightweight formulas that cater to your unique skin needs. Whether you prefer a mineral or chemical sunscreen, there are plenty of options available, and most of the 8 Expert Recommended Sunscreens for Mature Skin above are on sale either at Nordstrom or on Amazon for prime day. I will share a few other favoriteself care items from the N-sale on Sunday. Have a wonderful Friday and don’t forget your sunscreen!

Age positively, age confidently, Age fashionably


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25 Comments

  1. Thank you Cindy for all the great sunscreens. I always think you look so beautiful ! We all have something we are not happy with when we are looking in the mirror. I am at the top end of my weight and I’m very unhappy about that, my legs have terrible veins and I’m not happy about that. But I’m 74 and basically healthy I am very grateful for that.
    Anyway you are so beautiful and you truly look amazing always ❤️

    1. Hi Beth

      Thank you for being so kind. Amen to being healthy and happy!!

  2. You look great in your swimsuit outfits! I have to make an extra effort when choosing swimsuits, and more importantly for me, cover ups. You make it look easy. Hats that are SPF 50 have been my thing this summer, along with a DNA repair serum for sun damage.
    Does the Westmore leg makeup transfer onto clothes/towels, wash off in a pool or hot tub? Is it hard to wash off at the end of the day? Or is it suppose to stay on for more than one day? Love the idea of the glow drops to make it look more real. I tried a sample of it when it first came out – back then it seemed very thick on my skin. I’d be interested in your experience with this product. Thanks

    1. Hi Jeri

      Very little transfer if applied properly and yes it does stay on for a few days. It does not rub off on sheets and towels like others. I have tried other brands and they are a disaster in my opinion. I personally wait until it wears off but you can scrub it off with a sponge or oil cleanser if needed. For me it is a game changer. I couldn’t agree more about having good health and being happy. That was the point of posting the pics. I do not have a perfect body and my skin is far from perfect.

      1. Dear Cindy,
        In this crazy political environment and heart wrenching weather disasters, I am thrilled to receive your wonderful
        emails, filled with so many suggestions from health, food, fashion, travel, beauty and wellness. My go-to source!
        I bought a Davek parasol which is my constant companion on the water or by the pool. .and generally everywhere! I don’t care about people stares, I care about my skin! Thank you for the lowdown on sunscreens. On my shopping list!
        You are gorgeous and your joie de vivre is contagious!
        Abundant good wishes,
        Elizabeth G. 72
        Massachusetts

  3. You look absolutely gorgeous in that first shot…model-attitude and all. Move over Martha Stewart ( it takes a team)!
    I’m forwarding to Sports Illustrated.

  4. Cindy, you look great in that cute swimsuit! What a timely post, although in Texas it’s year-round sunscreen 24/7! Love my Unseen Sunscreen products!

    1. Hi Diana

      It is year round sunscreen here as well! I will check out unseen sunscreen!

  5. Beautiful Cindy! The glow link (2nd link in post isn’t working). Love my Elta MD. Great information.

  6. Valuable sunscreen information. But Cindy, you are 70 and look amazing in a bathing suit! That is the inspiration that we all need to take better care of ourselves and continue to embrace life. Atta girl!

    1. Hi Kathryn

      I really do not. I have a blanket covering my crepy arms and lots of leg makeup on my legs. I have varicose vanes, scars, you name it! I do so appreciate your comment though!!~

      1. Hello. You posted a link to that blanket some time ago and I’ve been checking it from time to time looking for a sale. Of course, now I’ve lost the link. Would you mind posting it again if I promise not to lose it this time. Thank you in advance.
        Vickie

  7. Regardless of any visible bad scars, I can guarantee that everyone would only see your gorgeous legs.They are shapely and no massive amounts of sunspots, bad veins, etc. like I have. So flaunt them! I am envious!
    I live with sunscreen. South Florida since a child and outside for many hours at a time golf/tennis. Great selection of sunscreens! Thank you. Will consider trying a few that I have never used.

    1. Hi Ann

      I baked in the sun until I was probably 50. I have more spots than a leopard. My legs are covered with leg makeup! I wish that stuff had existed when I was younger!

  8. Thanks for the great info…and I applaud your courage “ taking one for the team “ , Cindy!
    I am apparently “chappy ” …a word from my Pilates instructor! Not directed at me specifically…
    “Chubby but happy” 😅. It appears that the “divorce diet “which made me feel somewhat svelte and attractive …even though I was totally stressed out … is definitely over. 😬. My weight has crept back up a tad after Christmas…which was a happy turning point for me… after the chaos of the move. Then there was a trip to the Netherlands and Belgium in March… oops! enjoying the extra wine and desserts a bit too enthusiastically. So what with my road map leg veins and my chubby ( again) thighs , I like your wraps over your swimsuits. Our bodies work so hard for us, we must love them more ! And good sunscreen is part of that.

    1. Hi Cath

      I had kept my weight down for years and now it has crept back up. I am determined to get back to a healthy weight!

  9. you look gorgeous and so elegant in your black maillot with that gorgeous hat and shades.

  10. Leave it to the researcher extraordinaire to do a round up of sunscreens -thanks pal!I went to look at what I was using but I guess I must have decided it was past its prime and thrown it out so this is great info and timely, for me to choose from. I admit to still being a sun worshipper, albeit a more careful one than in past. You can’t take the S. Cal out of the girl!

    1. Hi Wren

      Your skin is beautiful!! I have has one basal cell cancer and expect more for all the years I spent “roasting” in the sun!!

      1. I appreciate the body coverage products, which I need for recent scars from 2 different skin cancers. Remember the days of seeking tanned legs for our short skirts?!? Great post, thank you, Cindy 😎

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