You might be wearing SPF, but are you actually wearing UV protection? Recently I was in the streets of tropical Taiwan, and saw how they take SPF to truly another level.

You’ve probably seen UPF sun protective clothing in the past several years, but have you seen a jacket like this?! This garment has it ALL: a visor, face covering, hand protection, and even...a hole for your ponytail! It’s a melasma must-have for Summer if you have hyperpigmentation.

Skin health devotees, you should consider clothing with a sun protection factor - also known as UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). 

OUR TOP SPF PICKS FOR SUMMER

I do not mess around with SPF in summertime, so here are important things I look for:

• Minimum SPF 50 - Why do 30 when you can go 50?
• Broad Spectrum - protects against both UVA and UVB
• Water Resistant - in summer your SPF needs to fight through humidity and sweat.
• Expert formulations - the SPF’s I trust most are by brands with expertise in sunscreen formulation: Isdin, Revision Skincare, Elta MD, ColorScience.

THE LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMP: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Why it’s good: ISDIN is a great brand built on expertise in photo aging. This SPF 50 mineral sunscreen is so lightweight and yet water-resistant. This non-tinted formula has a barely-there white cast.

Who should use: Oily, acne prone skin who prefer a light SPF. Or those who want one product for face, neck and chest - this won’t stain your clothes with tint. (You can follow with a tinted moisturizer on the face.)

THE MELASMA MUST-HAVE: Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight Tinted Emulsion SPF 50

Why it’s good: This is the same light ISDIN formula as above, but tinted.

Who’s it good for: My top choice if you have melasma (hyperpigmentation). Studies show the iron oxides that create the tint also block visible light (especially blue light) which can worsen melasma. Also good for those who want their spf and tint all in one. Surprisingly good at blending into Fitzpatrick scale 2-4 types.

THE DEWY GLOW-UP SPF: Revision Skincare Intellishade TruPhysical SPF45

Why it’s good: The SPF that truly gives you a glow up. Somehow Revision managed to give SPF the most striking dewy glow that shocks everyone who tries it. No white cast thanks to its slight tint which works well on Fitzpatrick scale 2-4 types.

Who’s it good for: Chronically dry skin, hyper-pigmentation, or you want protection plus a dewy glow.