If you haven't received the memo yet, wearing sunscreen every day (yes, 365 days a year, rain or shine) is arguably the best thing you can do for both the health and appearance of your skin. It really is that simple. With that said, the sunscreen space can be somewhat confusing. Mineral or chemical? Spray or lotion? And what do all those numbers on the bottle mean? Ahead, a leading dermatologist will explain everything you need to know about the different types of sunscreens and share the most important things to remember when shopping for SPF .

There are 2 kinds of Sunscreens: chemical or physical.

In one corner, there are chemical sunscreens. These contain ingredients that work by penetrating the skin (common ones include oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosolate, and octinoxate). So, they absorb UV rays and convert them into harmless amounts of heat, explains Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Michigan and creator of Dermy DocBox. (You may have heard some not-so-nice things about chemical sunscreens lately, but I'll get to that in a minute.)

Physical or mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, rely on minerals (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) on the skin to deflect the sun's harmful UV rays, explains Orit Markowitz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and founder of OptiSkin.

Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

"Chemical sunscreens are classically more cosmetically elegant," says Dr. Firth. They blend well into the skin and are usually undetectable on all skin tones, she adds. Because they are absorbed into the skin, the final formulations are very lightweight and it is easy to mix chemical sunscreen ingredients with moisturizers and cosmetics. The downside? Chemical sunscreens usually contain preservatives, dyes, and flagellants These , all of which can cause skin irritation, says Dr. Markowitz.

You may have certainly seen the scary headlines about chemical sunscreens that have recently caught fire. "A recent FDA study looked at four chemical sunscreen ingredients and concluded that the absorption of these ingredients into the body supports the need for additional safety data," Dr. Fahs explains. (Some of these ingredients, such as oxybenzone, can alter hormones and other functions in the human body, Dr. Markowitz adds, hence the cause for concern.

But there is no need to panic. There's no need to panic, though, and no need to stop wearing sunscreen. "The FDA is asking for more data, but they're not saying the ingredients aren't safe. More research is needed to determine if this is clinically relevant," says Dr. Fahs. That being said, if this is a concern, continue to use a physical sunscreen. There are also concerns about chemical ingredients washing up in the ocean and damaging coral reefs. For example, Hawaii has banned the sale of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Physical sunscreens do not have these potential safety concerns. In the same study, the FDA found both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to be safe and effective. There are no adverse environmental effects. "They are usually non-comedogenic, tend to cause less skin irritation than chemical sunscreens, and are suitable for people with acne-prone, oily, or sensitive skin," Dr. Markowitz adds. However, they also have their drawbacks. Mineral sunscreens often leave a white or gray cast on the skin, especially on fair skin, says Dr. Firth. Sure, formulations have improved markedly lately, and tinted mineral sunscreens can help counteract this, but even so, the shades don't always match every skin color, she notes.

Another thing to note: Sunscreens may combine both chemical and physical ingredients to get the best of both worlds. "They work in a synergistic way to create a light, non-irritating sunscreen that covers a broad spectrum and is cosmetically elegant," says Dr. Firth.

And don't forget to use massage to promote absorption.  We recommend L&L skin beauty products to use with the sunscreen. Their MIO2 face lifting massager features an ergonomical design of three angles and three arcs. Using the three-round corners to press the acupuncture point, you can choose to apply either light or heavy pressure. The three convex arcs fit any curves and the three-dimensional lift perfects the anti-aging effect. The round triangular three-arc design allows for comfort, and each part can be used uniquely to care for either the face or neck.

The type of sunscreen product you choose is also relevant.

Once you have decided whether you want to go the mineral or physical route, you need to choose the format you like (spray, stick, cream, etc.). While aerosol sprays may be very easy to use, Dr. Markowtiz warns that their coverage is not as complete as what you get from thicker creams and lotions. (Most people simply don't apply enough or rub in well enough to get the amount of protection indicated on the bottle.) Regardless of the type of product you choose, it is imperative that you use the right amount.

As a general rule of thumb, for lotions and creams, about half a teaspoon is worth for the entire face and a shot glass for the entire body. If you choose to use a spray, make sure that your entire body is evenly coated. You should be able to clearly see the sheen from the sunscreen. Oh, and don't forget to reapply: If you're spending time outdoors, reapply your sunscreen every two hours, even if it's cloudy, Dr. Firth advises.

There are a few requirements.

Regardless of the type of sunscreen you choose, there are a few non-negotiables to look for.

The term "broad spectrum": This means that the sunscreen protects you from both UVA rays, which cause signs of aging, and UVB rays, which cause burns.

At least SPF 30: The American Academy ofDermatology and TheSkin Cancer Foundation both recommend at least SPF 30 for daily use. When applied properly, SPF 30 will protect you from about 97% of UVB rays, says Dr. Fahs, who adds that no sunscreen provides 100% protection. Hence, why it is important to practice other safe sunscreen behaviors and seek shade or wear a hat. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, raising your SPF to 50 or 70 is not a bad idea. It is safe.

If you are going to the beach, you need to be "water resistant". This will show up on the bottle with a claim of 40 or 80 minutes. This indicates how long the sunscreen will stay on wet skin, explains Dr. Firth.

TL; DR: The best type of sunscreen for you is the one you like and actually use every day. As long as it's at least SPF 30 broad spectrum, it's completely up to you whether you want to use a mineral formula or a physical formula. Either way, there's no shortage of options.