I hate to admit it, but sunscreen and I have not always been on good terms. When I was in my teens and dealing with some nasty cystic acne, I avoided applying it like the plague. (I now know that non-comedogenic sunscreens that won’t break me out do exist.) That phase was followed by a period of time where I prioritized a tan over protection. But cut to my 20s, and I recognized that SPF is not only the number one protector against skin cancer, melasma, skin aging, and dark spots, but there are also incredibly elegant formulations that the skincare nerd in me looks forward to slathering on every single day, rain or shine.
The newest and perhaps favorite child in my current SPF rotation: Dr. Idriss’s Major Fade Disco Block SPF. I’ve been a big fan of both board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD, and her brand for years; The Depuffer even won a 2024 Marie Claire Skin Award. Every product in her line is multifunctional, features enjoyable textures, and innovative ingredients that primarily target skin discoloration. This new launch is no different. “It’s dual action that helps reverse the look of existing sun damage and helps prevent future damage through filters,” Dr. Idriss tells me ahead of launch. “I’m a dermatologist who focuses on cosmetics, so I wanted the added benefit to be that it gives your skin a very, very elegant highlighting effect that’s not too glowy or metallic.”
