The Best Sunscreen For Your Skin Type (And Why You Should Never Go Without It)
Summer is here, and there’s nothing better than stepping outside and into the warmth of the sun. While lots of people are craving a kiss of color on their skin, it can come at a price.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for those toasty rays to start doing damage to our skin. Painful burns and blisters can be the immediate result of too much exposure, while permanent splotches, wrinkles, and worst of all, skin cancer, are some of the long-term effects baking outside. Let’s not forget, our skin is the only one we’ve got!
Luckily, a little prevention can go a long way. Thanks to sunscreen and other modes of protection (don’t forget hats, umbrellas, sunglasses, and cover-ups!) we can enjoy spending time outdoors while keeping our skin as safe as possible.
But then arises a different problem: choosing the best sun lotion for your skin type. After all, the point is to preserve its health and beauty, not cause flakiness, discoloration, or breakouts!
There are so many different skin types and complexions out there, it’s easy to see that one product isn’t ideal for everyone. Luckily, we’re here to help you determine what type of sunblock is best for you.
It’s recommended to wear some type of SPF on your face every day, rain or shine. Thanks to a huge variety of products, you’re bound to find one that suits your skincare needs -- no more excuses!
1. Sensitive Skin
Most people with sensitive skin stick with their tried-and-true products, and cringe at the thought of applying something different onto their face. If this sounds like you, don’t fret! Just know what to look for: a sunscreen that’s free of common irritants like fragrances, chemicals, and preservatives, for starters.
2. Dry Skin
If you have flaky skin even in the summer, consider adding a moisturizer with SPF to your morning routine. Not only will you provide your face with a protective sun shield every day (which everyone should consider, whether at the beach or in a blizzard), it’ll help quench thirsty skin. Here are the 12 moisturizers with SPF that Allure suggests.
3. Oily Skin
If your skin is either naturally oily or prone to acne, the last thing you want to do is spread more goop on your face. Lucky for you, this is a common problem, so there are lots of options out there! Opt for a formula that’s oil free, fast-absorbing, and lightweight. Some are even designed to soak up excess oils on your face. Bustle compiled a list of nine fantastic sunscreen options for oily skin.
4. Young Skin
Kids’ skin is naturally delicate, so it’s no wonder that many parents look for an especially gentle sunblock formula to use on their children. Not only that, but lots of moms and dads try to avoid exposing their little ones to chemicals and potentially toxic ingredients like parabens, fragrances, preservatives, and dyes. It’s important to start a healthy skincare regimen while they’re young, and kiddos need sunscreen that’s effective, safe, and as natural as possible. Today shares 23 of the best sunscreens for kids, according to a consumer watchdog group.
5. Mature Skin
Aside from its health risks, one of the worst side effects of too much sun exposure is premature signs of aging. That’s why sunscreen, in general, provides anti-aging benefits from damaging rays. However, certain sunscreens are specifically formulated to bring youthfulness back to mature skin by replenishing elastin, reducing redness, nourishing skin with antioxidants, and more. Take a look at Prevention’s picks for the best sunscreens for folks over 40.
6. Deeper Complexions
For skin tones that range from porcelain to dark chocolate (and everything in between), it’s no surprise that one product won’t work the same for every color. While darker complexions are less likely to burn, sun protection is still important, but the thick, white liquid of traditional sunscreens can make them look pasty. No one should skimp on sunblock in order to avoid looking pallid, so stick with lightweight, clear, and / or quick-absorbing formulas. Allure raves about 13 color-preserving sunscreens, which are ideal for deeper complexions -- or any skin color, for that matter!