Finding the perfect sunscreen can be challenging. You may have experienced skin irritation or allergic reactions to some of the ingredients in your sunscreen. This can result in redness, itching or stinging. You may also have experienced acne breakout. If the sunscreen is too thick or occlusive, it may clog your pores and lead to a breakout, especially if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin. Your skin may have become even more sensitive than before, due to certain ingredients, fragrances or preservatives leading to discomfort. Some of you may have developed photoallergic contact dermatitis which is a rare condition that is a result of the combination between the ingredients in your sunscreen and the sunlight which triggers an allergic reaction. And I’m sure we all have experienced getting sunscreen in our eyes, causing irritation and stinging. And getting annoyed by the white cast that some sunscreens leave on the skin. Your skin may also become oilier and greasier than normal or become more dry.
All these negative effects can be a result of improper use, or a reaction to the ingredients in your sunscreen. To prevent these negative effects, it is important to do research on and pick the sunscreen that is most suitable for your skin type. You can consider conducting a patch test before buying a new sunscreen to make sure it is the right fit for you. Remember to also follow the application guidelines carefully, these should be labelled on the packaging. It is also important to note that all skin types are different, so these recommendations may not necessarily suit you. If you struggle to find the perfect sunscreen for your skin, we recommend you consult with a dermatologist.
Sunscreen for oily skin:
If you have oily skin, finding the perfect sunscreen that doesn’t make your skin greasy can be hard. But luckily, new formulas have been developed, making it easier to find sunscreens that are more suitable for oily skin. To prevent your skin to become grease when using sunscreen, we recommend you look for a sunscreen that is lightweight and oil-free. Another factor to look for is the non-comedogenic sunscreens, meaning they are less likely to clog pores. Some sunscreens also include ingredients that create a mattifying effect, if you wish to reduce the shine in the skin.
Sunscreens come in different types of texture. For oily skin it is mainly recommended that you use gel sunscreens. Milky, fluid-like formulas are also appropriate for oily skin as it sinks into the skin without leaving a trace. There are two types of sunscreens: mineral and chemical sunscreens. Both types are suitable for oily skin, however if you have sensitive skin, a mineral sunscreen may be better as it is considered to be more gentle than chemical sunscreens. It is also possible to get a sunscreen that is a combination of mineral and chemical if wanted. If you experience a white cast after applying your sunscreen, getting a tinted or invisible formula may help as it usually dries without marks.
What to avoid for oily skin:
When you have oily skin, you should try to avoid the rich formulas, meaning sunscreens that include ingredients that may clog your pores. You should be especially aware of ingredients including any type of oil. The more oil you apply on your face, the more likely you are to clog your pores and create a shiny surface on your skin. You should also watch out for any sunscreen that are considered to be occlusive-heave, meaning that they are designed to trap moisture. The most common occlusives that you should be on the look out for are petrolatum and silicone-based ingredients. They can seal sweat glands and blocks your pores by releasing oil, which then leads to skin congestion.
Sunscreen for dry skin:
For people with dry skin, the key in finding the perfect sunscreen is to look for those who provide extra hydration. This includes sunscreens with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerine. Sunscreen is often associated with thick and sticky formulas that leaves the face sticky with a white cast. This does not need to be the case, even if you have dry skin. The new formulas make it possible to find a sunscreen that both hydrates the skin, and is lightweight.
It is also recommended to apply both moisturizer and sunscreen, even if your moisturizer contains SPF. The sunscreen should be the last step in your skin care routine, to make sure the other products, such as the moisturizer, absorbs completely into the skin and leaving the sunscreen as the final protection. The protection that sunscreen provides, will help prevent thinning, dry or burnt skin. So a sunscreen shouldn’t leave your skin dry, but have the opposite effect and prevent dryness and help hydrate the skin.
