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Sunscreen isn't just a summer staple — it's a year-round must-have.

"It's important to wear sunscreen regularly," says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. "Much of the sun exposure and sun damage that we get is from daily incidental exposure, not just from days at the beach."

Not wearing sunscreen puts you at risk for UV-related skin cancers and premature visible skin aging, she continues. And slathering it on your face alone isn't enough. You also need to pay close attention to often overlooked areas that get UV exposure, like the scalp, lips, ears, neck, and hands, which are common areas where skin cancer develops, per Mayo Clinic.

The good news is that there are a bevy of different sunscreen formulations on the market, including lotions, sprays, sticks, powders, gels and makeup-SPF hybrids. No matter which format you choose, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends selecting a water-resistant option with broad-spectrum protection and an SPF of at least 30.

Ahead, we break down the most popular forms of sunscreen, touching on their pros and cons to help you determine which is best for you.