Choosing the Best Sunscreen for Your Skin Type
With warmer weather here, applying sunscreen is likely more top of mind—although we need to be wearing our SPF year-round! When heading out to catch some rays, there are some key things to consider when choosing which SPF is right for you.The number one recommendation is to choose a sunscreen you enjoy wearing and will use every day. It’s also important to choose the best option for your skin type. You may be thinking, “What is my skin type?” You can read my blog to assist with your assessment or check out the quick guide below.
Ultraviolet radiation can lead to many health issues, including skin cancer, sunburn, and premature aging. Sun exposure is the leading cause of extrinsic skin aging, accounting for nearly 90 percent of visible damage. There are many things we can do to protect ourselves from harmful UV rays, including choosing the proper sun protection, adding an antioxidant to boost our sunscreen’s efficacy, wearing a hat for extra protection, and limiting our sun exposure.
I’ll take you through what to look for in an SPF, along with recommendations to guide your decision on choosing the best sunscreen for your skin type and lifestyle.
Guidelines for Choosing the Best Sunscreen for Your Skin Type:
- Choose a sunscreen suitable for your skin type for maximum benefits.
- Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect from both UVA/UVB rays.
- Opt for a mineral (physical) sunscreen if you are prone to heat-induced hyperpigmentation or melasma.
- Consider your activity level and need for water-resistant options.
- Above all else, make sure it’s a sunscreen you love and will want to use daily.
- Tip: Experiment mixing your favorite sunscreen with your foundation. It will provide you with a sheer finish and enhance your healthy glow!
The primary way to determine your skin type is to cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry. Without applying any products, assess your skin.
Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin
For Normal to Dry Skin types, you should opt for a moisturizing sunscreen containing hydrating ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin. Try our top recommendations:
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Sorella Apothecary Quench & Protect Hydrating SPF 30
Boosted with added peptides and antioxidants with a dewy finish (acne-safe) - TIZO Ultra Zinc Face & Body SPF 40 A moisturizing sunscreen containing 20% zinc oxide with added soothing benefits for sensitive skin (acne-safe)
- iS Clinical Eclipse SPF 50+ Water-resistant, non-irritating formula in both translucent and tinted formulas that absorbs like a lightweight moisturizer (acne-safe)
Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin
For Combination to Oily Skin types, your best option is to find a sunscreen that will provide light moisture without being too heavy or occlusive. Look for lightweight, water-based formulas that contain mattifying ingredients to help absorb surface oils. Try our top recommendations:
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Sorella Apothecary Tropical Topical Matte SPF 30
Absorbs surface oils for a matte finish with added brightening ingredients. -
TIZO 3 Facial Primer Tinted SPF 40
Provides a sheer, matte finish and makes an amazing primer to help even skin tone. (acne-safe) - IS Clinical PerfecTint Powder SPF 40 Hydrating powder formula that absorbs surface oils and minimizes appearance of pores. Use to layer over other sunscreens or to reapply throughout the day. (acne-safe)
Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin or Redness
Sensitive Skin types or those prone to redness should look for formulations containing anti-inflammatory ingredients that are free of common irritants. Applying a patch test when trying out any product for the first time is also a good idea. Try our top recommendations:
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Hale & Hush Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Great anti-inflammatory option boosted with antioxidants and natural brighteners. - Dr. Esthé Sun Protection Ultra Repair SPF 50+ A healing, moisturizing sunscreen with plant stem cells and peptides for dry, damaged skin. (acne-safe)
- Kizo Lab UV Defense Clear Sunscreen SPF 50+ A gel sunscreen with a non-greasy finish—full of antioxidants, peptides, and anti-inflammatories to calm redness.
Best Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin
If you are prone to breakouts, it is essential to wear sun protection, as acne medications increase sun sensitivity. Opt for a product containing calming ingredients without any pore-cloggers (see our list here ). Try our top recommendations:
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CLEARSTEM YOUARESUNSHINE Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
Velvety, mousse-like texture with a light tint to blend into all skin tones. (acne-safe) - Face Reality Daily SPF 30 Lotion For those who prefer and ultra-light finish without the feel of a typical sunscreen. (acne-safe)
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Face Reality Mineral Matte
For oily or sensitive skin types who prefer mineral sunscreens. (acne-safe)
Best Sunscreen for Medium-Dark Skin Tones
So many mineral sunscreens can leave behind a white cast, especially on deeper skin tones. In our rigorous testing process, we’ve come across our favorites that blend in seamlessly for the perfect finish on any skin tone.
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ClearSPF Moisturizing Daily Sunscreen SPF 30
Excellent for all skin tones as it offers both sheer and tinted formulas to blend in effortlessly. (acne-safe) -
Sorella Apothecary Tinted Dew Drops SPF 50
Moisturizing, tinted option with a variety of shades available. (acne-safe) -
Skin Script Sheer Protection SPF 30
Goes on clear, so is a great option for those looking for a mineral sunscreen without a white cast.
Art of Skincare Staff Favorites
Here at AOS, we stand behind every product we offer. The team has chimed in on their favorite sunscreens and what they love most about them.
Kim: Sorella Apothecary Tinted Dew Drops SPF 50
Why I love it: “ I love that with Sorella Dew Drops I can provide my skin with the sun protection it needs while giving light coverage with a dewy finish. I also enjoy the boost of antioxidants with hydrating and skin-plumping ingredients my mature skin needs.”
Skin Type: Dry
Celine: Tizo AM Replenish Tinted SPF 40
Why I love it: “I love the lightweight mousse-like texture of TiZO AM Replenish. It aids in blurring my pores and preventing the overproduction of oil. The sheer tint also blends in seamlessly with my skin tone for the perfect finish.”
Skin Type: Oily
Jake: Sorella Apothecary Quench & Protect Hydrating SPF 30
Why I love it: “With combination skin, I need an SPF that isn't too heavy but also provides adequate moisture. Sorella Apothecary Quench & Protect is super hydrating, goes on smooth and provides the perfect finish. And, with my active lifestyle, I love the boost of antioxidant protection it provides.”
Skin Type: Combination/Active Lifestyle
Madeleine: Le Mieux Just Glow BB Cream SPF 50
Why I love it: “As a single parent, I'm always in a hurry. I love that the Le Mieux Glow BB Cream is truly an all-in-one product. It’s moisturizing and is loaded with healthy-aging ingredients such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, and nourishing ingredients while also protecting my skin with SPF 50 and providing light coverage.”
Skin Type: Normal
Cody: Kizo Lab UV Defense Clear Sunscreen SPF 50+
Why I love it: “As someone with skin prone to redness, the Kizo Lab UV Defense Clear Sunscreen is perfect for me. It's packed full of peptides and antioxidants that protect my skin and reduce inflammation. The lightweight gel texture is perfect for someone like me who doesn't care for a thick, heavy sunscreen.”
Skin Type: Oily/Redness-Prone
Kylie: CLEARSTEM YOUARESUNSHINE Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
Why I love it: “I am absolutely in love with YOUARESUNSHINE from CLEARSTEM! It offers mattifying benefits for my oily skin, while leaving it nourished and protected, with no pore-clogging ingredients. Plus, I love the blurring effect on my pores, which is great when I want to go make-up-free!”
Skin Type: Acne-Prone
It is essential to have an SPF in your skincare routine. I’ve given you a breakdown of many types of sunscreens to choose from based on what is right for your preferences and skin type. Don’t forget to lather up before you head out of the door!
