Choosing the right sunscreen determines the overall protection of your skin. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect match for your skin type. Whether you have oily, dry, sensitive, combination or melanin skin, the key to effective sun protection is selecting a sunscreen that caters to your specific needs. But many of us struggle to find a sunscreen that will do our skin justice. Some may have given up on wearing sunscreen. Don’t despair if you haven’t found one yet – there are a range of sunscreens that will cater to your skin’s needs.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is prone to tightness, flakiness and discomfort. Exposure to sun may thus further dehydrate the skin, leading to more dryness and irritation. That being the case, sunscreen for this skin type must provide both sun protection and hydration to help lock in moisture. To provide this, these sunscreens usually contain nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides, which help draw moisture into the skin and create a barrier to prevent water loss. Sufferers will typically look for a sunscreen that’s rich and feels like a moisturiser, leaving the skin feeling soft and well-moisturised without causing greasy build-up. For those with dry skin, regular use of sunscreen ultimately improves your skin’s texture over time.
Here are some sunscreens to consider:
- Eucerin Sun Cream Facial Sunscreen is suitable for dry, sensitive and atopic skin.
- LaRoche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Hydrating Cream SPF 50+. This cream is hydrating, making it a good option for dry skin. It’s lightweight, non-greasy and water-resistant, which is great for everyday wear and outdoor activities.
Sensitive skin
Dealing with sensitive skin is like walking on eggshells – you never know how your skin will react. People with sensitive skin often experience reactions such as redness, stinging, itching, dryness or flare-ups when using skincare products with harsh ingredients or fragrances, which are common in many traditional sunscreens. Thankfully, sunscreen for sensitive skin uses ingredients that will provide essential sun protection without causing irritation or discomfort.
To prevent these issues, sunscreens for sensitive skin typically feature physical or mineral filters like zincoxide or titanium dioxide and are often free from alcohol, fragrances, and other common irritants that could trigger a skin reaction. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want a sunscreen that’s hydrating, with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile to help prevent and reduce inflammation and redness. You’ll also want to look for something that’s lightweight and non-greasy.
Some tried and true favourites include:
- Nivea SUN Sensitive Face Cream SPF50 Sunscreen
- Eucerin Sun Cream Facial Sunscreen
- LaRoche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Invisible Fluid
- Avene Very High Protection Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream for Sensitive Skin.
Oily skin
If you have oily skin, you’ll need a sunscreen that provides effective sun protection while keeping shine and excess oil at bay. Often, people with oily skin struggle with the greasy feel that some sunscreens leave behind, which can result in more oiliness and clogged pores. To reduce this, sunscreens for oily skin typically contain a lightweight and oil-free formula that absorbs into the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
Those with oily skin need to opt for a sunscreen that has mattifying ingredients such as niacinamide or silica, which help control shine throughout the day. These sunscreens also tend to have a breathable solution that won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. Essentially, when choosing a sunscreen for oily skin, it’s important to look for sunscreens that protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, and choose a formula that’s lightweight and matte without compromising on hydration.
If you have oily skin, consider choosing:
- Eucerin Sun Face Oil Control Dry Touch SPF50+
- Nivea SUN Shine Control Face Cream SPF50 Sunscreen
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune400 Oil Control Sunscreen SPF50+
- Fundamentals Mattifying Mineral Sunscreen SPF50
Combination skin
Combination skin requires skincare products that address both dry and oily areas of the face. Those with combination skin often experience a range of skin concerns on different parts of the face; for example, they may have oiliness in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), but dryness on the cheeks and around the eyes. To cater to this collection of needs, sunscreens for combination skin usually offer a lightweight, non-greasy formula that hydrates the dry areas and keeps the oily areas in check.
For combination skin, you need oil-free sunscreens that don’t clog pores and have a matte finish, while also providing hydration where needed. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid for moisture and niacinamide to balance oil production and reduce redness. Your goal: efficient sun protection without leaving any greasy residue or making dry spots feel tight and uncomfortable.
Some great options include:
- LaRoche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+
- Everysun SPF50 Anti-AgeFace Cream
- Nivea SUN Shine Control Face Cream SPF50 Sunscreen
Melanin skin
Finding sunscreen that accommodates melanin-rich skin can be challenging– which results in many people not wearing any. But while melanin provides some natural protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays, it doesn’t offer a complete defence. Melanin-rich skin is prone to dark spots and hyperpigmentation; it’s essential your sunscreen protects and prevents these.
Those with melanin-rich skin face a common challenge when choosing sunscreen: finding a formula that doesn’t leave white residue. Many sunscreens, especially those with mineral ingredients, are formulated to sit on the skin’s surface as a barrier between the skin and harmful UV rays. While they may be effective, this type of sunscreen usually leaves a white film that’s visible on melanin skin. Fortunately, skincare brands have produced sunscreens that blend seamlessly into melanin-rich skin without the dreaded white residue. Sunscreen for melanin-rich skin is crucial for providing efficient sun protection while also addressing specific concerns such as hyperpigmentation and sensitivity.
Those with melanin skin want a sunscreen that’s lightweight, non-greasy, hydrating, and white-residue-free. Also, if you have melanin-rich skin, choose one that absorbs easily:
- Nivea Sun UV Face range
- La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios range
- Jomar Milk SPF50 Sunscreen
- Bionike Defence range.
Sometimes, the white residue that sunscreen leaves on your face is due to the way you’ve applied it– uneven or too-thick application can cause it to sit on the skin instead of absorbing properly. Here are a few pro tips to minimise the dreaded white film when applying sunscreen:
- Wait between layers: If you’re layering sunscreen with other skincare products such as moisturiser, wait a few minutes for each layer to absorb before applying the next.
- Use the dot and blend technique: Instead of rubbing in all the sunscreen at once, dot it across your face (forehead, cheeks, nose, chin), and then blend it out gently per section. This allows it to spread more smoothly.
- Opt for a chemical sunscreen: If avoiding white residue is a priority, try a chemical sunscreen, rather than mineral sunscreens with zincoxide or titanium dioxide.
- Choose a lightweight formula: Some sunscreens are specifically formulated to be lightweight and non-greasy, reducing the chances of them leaving you with a chalky finish. Look for sunscreens labelled ‘fluid’, ‘gel’ or ‘sheer’.
- Use a tinted sunscreen: These have become a trendy beauty product across the globe. They can help reduce the white film, especially on melanin skin, as the tint helps to mask any visible residue and can also provide extra protection against visible light.
- Give it time to absorb: Sometimes all you need to do is simply give it time. Often sunscreen will look white at first, but will blend in after a few minutes.
General sunscreen tips for all skin types
- Don’t forget your neck and ears: Many of us overlook these areas, but they are also prone to sun damage. Be sure to apply sunscreen to your neck, ears, and even the backs of your hands.
- Reapply often: Sunscreen wears off, especially after swimming or sweating. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re in the water or sweating a lot.
- Choose broad-spectrum protection: Make sure your sunscreen provides protection against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays. Look for ‘broad-spectrum’ or ‘UVA and UVB’ on the packaging.
- Protect your lips: Your lips are sensitive, and burn easily. Protect them by using SPF lip balms.
- Don’t rely on SPF makeup: While makeup with SPF is great for added protection, it isn’t enough to wear it on its own. Always add a full layer of sunscreen underneath.
- How old is it? Just like any skincare product, sunscreen loses its effectiveness over time, so always check the expiration date.
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