Spring has finally sprung throughout most of the country, which means it’s time to break out the sunscreen. “You should definitely wear sunscreen in the spring, even if the temperature isn’t that warm yet,” says dermatologist Jessica Wu, M.D., Clinical Instructor in Dermatology at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. “The sun’s UV rays can be very strong on a clear, sunny day so you can easily get a sunburn.”

Now is also a good time to check the expiration date on that half-empty bottle from last year, too. According to Wu, sunscreens are made to last for three years, but the active ingredients can break down much faster if the bottle has been left in the sun or stored somewhere warm. You should also toss sunscreen if it smells funny or changes consistency.  

Another good reason to buy a new bottle: There have been plenty of sunscreen breakthroughs since last year. The latest ingredients and advanced formulas go beyond keeping your skin safe from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Just check out the benefits that some of the hottest new products are offering.

A Dose of Vitamin D: Millions of Americans are at risk for bone problems, heart disease and plenty of other serious health issues due to a lack of vitamin D. Part of the problem is that the body needs UV rays to process and absorb vitamin D, so traditional sunscreens may be contributing to the deficiency. Ocean Potion’s Vitamin D Sunscreen is the first product that delivers half of your recommended dose of vitamin D3 every time you apply it, without skimping on protection: The sunscreen offers broad spectrum protection and received the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Approval.

Anti-Aging Benefits: It’s well known that shielding your skin from the sun can guard against UV-induced aging. But several new sunscreens are aiming to further prevent wrinkling, sagging, and discoloration by including additional anti-aging ingredients. Aveeno’s Positively Ageless Sunblock Lotion SPF 70 for Face contains antioxidants like soy, feverfew, and mushroom extracts in order to fight free radical damage. And CellCeuticals PhotoDefense Anti-PhotoAging Daily Skin Protector SPF 55+/PA+++ fights aging caused by oxidation and glycation with a patent-pending complex of photostable ingredients.  

No Overpowering Sunscreen Smell: While an obvious sunscreen smell can invoke fond memories of vacations passed, it’s not something you necessarily want to catch a whiff of every day. When you want protection without a pungent odor, try Kinerase’s Daily Defense Cream SPF 30. The lightweight product smells and feels nothing like sunscreen, but provides all of the UV defense your face needs.  

Stronger Natural Protection: For years now, finding a 100% mineral sunscreen with a high level of SPF protection has been nearly impossible. Even brands that typically make natural products often resort to creating chemical sunscreens, as chalky mineral blocks often do not deliver the invisible UV protection most of us look for. But, a new product called Jason’s Mineral Based Natural Sunblock SPF 30 is a fragrance-free physical barrier that  goes on cleanly. Plus, it contains soothing chamomile and marigold extracts so it’s perfect for sensitive skin and even babies over six months old.  

Whichever sunscreen you choose, don’t forget to apply the amount equivalent to a shot glass full to your body and a teaspoonful to your face, then reapply every two to four hours. Give these products a try and  let us know what other steps you take to stay safe in the sun!

Megan O'Neill is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia, PA. Her work has appeared in magazines such as Health, Self, Glamour, Real Simple, Natural Health and Spa.