Sunscreen for Each Skin Type

Sunscreen is an essential part of everyone’s daily skincare routine and the type of sunscreen you use, its properties and key ingredients play a huge role in the texture and feel of the sunscreen on your skin. Ideally an SPF will not only protect skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, but it should also be able to relieve existing skin concerns and balance skin texture to give well-rounded skin.

Depending on skin type, different products and their ingredients may be more suitable for certain types of skin. There are many fantastic sunscreens on the market but to ensure you get the best protection possible and leave your skin feeling healthy, choosing the appropriate sunscreen for your skin type is crucial. 

The two types of sunscreen are physical sunscreen which contains minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, forming a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s UV rays; and chemical sunscreen which contains organic chemicals able to absorb UV rays and convert the energy and release heat whilst preventing UV rays from penetrating skin.

What Is my skin type?

If you’re unsure of your skin type, some common features and concerns for the different skin types include:

Dry: dull complexion, lack of elasticity, prominent lines and wrinkles

Oily: shiny complexion, visible pores, blackheads, whiteheads and pimples

Combination: oily in particular areas (usually the T-zone) and normal/dry in remaining areas

Sensitive: red patches, itching, dryness/flaky skin, possible skin allergies

Each skin type has different needs and textures which should be addressed when selecting a sunscreen. The following information will outline ways to reduce skin type-associated issues and appropriate sunscreens to fit each type of skin.

Dry Skin

Dry skin may be a sign of a damaged skin barrier which may be more-so affected by UV rays. Therefore, hydration is KEY for those with dry skin and some helpful ingredients include glycerin and shea butter to help reduce dryness. An additional key ingredient would be hyaluronic acid due to its water-retaining properties, so it is ideally used in combination with a hydrating ingredient.

Recommended sunscreens for dry skin include:

1. Kahi Aqua Balm (SPF 50+ PA++++, chemical): this stick-from sunscreen contains vitamin c and collagen to improve dark spots and skin elasticity

2. Torriden Dive-in Mild Sun Cream (SPF 50+ PA++++, physical): contains 10-types of hyaluronic acid to help lock in moisture

3. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel (SPF 50+ PA++++, chemical): as well as having a hydrating texture, it also contains Centella Asiatica (cica) to help soothe skin

Oily Skin

Oily skin often comes with a shiny complexion, clogged pores and also acne. Therefore, a mattifying, oil-free sunscreen is ideal for this skin type. Skin care professionals often recommend using a sunscreen that can double as a moisturizer to avoid overloading the skin with products.

Recommended sunscreens for oily skin include:

1. Rovectin Aqua Soothing UV Protector (SPF 50+ PA++++, physical): non-greasy yet hydrating formula which also contains Centella Asiatica (cica) with soothing properties

2. By Wishtrend UV Defense Moist Cream (SPF 50+ PA++++, chemical): contains glycerin and panthenol for non-greasy hydration

Combination Skin

For those with combination skin, a sunscreen with few ingredients is preferable to avoid clogging pores but also providing moisture for the perfect balance.

Recommended sunscreens for combination skin include:

1. Dr. Ceuracle Cica Regen Vegan Sun (SPF 50+ PA++++, chemical): soothes with active cica, strengthens skin barrier and contains niacinamide for anti-blemish properties

2. Beplain Sunmuse Moisture Sun Cream (SPF 50+ PA++++, chemical): reef-safe, fragrance free, lightweight and sheer texture, contains chamomile and cica for soothing effects 

(former: Clean Ocean Moisture Sunscreen)

3. Benton Air Fit UV Defense Sun Cream (SPF 50+ PA++++, chemical): absorbs quickly into skin and has a cooling effect, contains lots of soothing and antibacterial ingredients

Sensitive Skin

A physical sunscreen containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide may be ideal for sensitive skin as those formulated with these minerals tend to contain fewer ingredients and therefore may have less adverse reactions on the skin. In addition, any sunscreen formulated with calming ingredients such as cica is great for reducing redness and helping calm sensitivity.

Recommended sunscreens for sensitive skin include:

1. Thank You Farmer Safe Sun Fluid AGE 0880 (SPF 50+ PA++++, physical): lightweight yet moisturizing, contains botanical extracts from cypress flowers for moisturizing, matricaria flower extract helps soothe skin, sea daffodil extract and niacinamide brighten skin

2. Skin 1004 Hyalu-cica Water-fit Sun Serum (SPF 50+ PA++++, chemical): contains glycerin and hyaluaronic acid for hydration, with soothing benefits thanks to Centella Asiatica (cica) extract

3. Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream (SPF 50+ PA+++, physical and chemical combined): lightweight consistency formulated with aloe extract for skin soothing, contains both physical/mineral and chemical sunscreen ingredients with a non-greasy formula.

In summary, regardless of skin type, there are sunscreens fit for all, providing protection from harmful UV rays whilst keeping skin healthy, hydrated and youthful!