The sun is a bitter-sweet thing. On one hand, it gives us that oh-so-lovely copper tone, yet on the downside, we face the aging peril of UV (AKA skin damage)– not exactly a worthy bargain. Why must all great things come with a catch? Fortunately, we’ve got SPF, a cream made with zinc and other sun-blocking ingredients to keep our skin protected and still slightly bronzed. When it comes to choosing the right SPF product for your skin type, there are many factors to consider.
From tinted moisturizers to BB creams, products with SPF are available in all sorts of formulas, depending on your lifestyle needs. Long gone are the days of thick, goopy sunscreen that muddles up your foundation. To find the right match, let’s review the scope of options.
SPF products for dry skin
For dry or combination skin, you’ll need an SPF product that adds hydration– without being sticky or greasy. A balanced formula can do wonders for your skin texture.
According to Marie Claire beauty expert, Chloe Metzger, choosing the right SPF for your skin type is all about preparing for the occasion. If you’re headed to a sunny, sweat-filled activity, like the beach or an outdoor event, you’ll need an SPF moisturizer. It should be rich enough to replenish your dry skin, yet lightweight enough to wear under makeup during a regular workday.
What you need
“The absolute minimum level of SPF you need to use is SPF 30– anything lower simply isn’t that effective,” explains Chloe. She recommends the Origins A Perfect World SPF 40 Age-Defense Moisturizer. It’s packed with antioxidants and natural skin-smoothing botanicals to plump the skin. But let’s rewind for a second– we hear about “antioxidants” all the time but rarely understand their importance.
Simply put, antioxidants are plant or fruit extracts. “They block free radicals (enemy molecules that come from sunlight and pollution) from wreaking havoc on your skin in the form of wrinkles, dark spots, and sagginess”, explains Chloe. By investing in a high quality SPF moisturizer for your dry skin, you’ll defend against the sun while pampering your face. It’s a win-win. Yet, if you’re simply going about your average work, you’ll need a lighter weight formula to wear under makeup.
SPF products for oily skin
Thick sunscreens or moisturizers can put the “ick factor” into SPF when you’ve got oily skin. That’s why you need a grease-sucking version that keeps you matte and fresh-looking. Ideally, it should juggle the task of absorbing surface shine and nourishing your skin, explains CareMount Medical dermatologist Melanie A. Warycha.
What you need
SPF products for oily skin should contain talc or silica to absorb excess liquids. These ingredients act like a sponge to collect sweat, trapping sebum in a sort of “trap door” layer for your face. As an everyday solution, you can try Dr. Jart Dis-A-Pore BB Cream, made with SPF 30.
It contains a blend of pore-purifying agents like chamomile, jasmine and hibiscus to control oil and calm acne flare-ups. Meanwhile, the medium-coverage pigments blur away imperfections, while mattifying a shiny T-zone. The right SPF for oily skin should always balance your skin texture. Keeping your complexion clean and sun-protected, you’ll achieve a seamless layer that stays invisible under your makeup.
After all, beauty is when the effort is never detectable.
Other SPF products approved by dermatologists
- Active Naturals Aveeno Daily Moisturizer
As your classic go-to moisturizer for oily to normal skin, the Aveeno Daily Moisturizer is a reliable option that offers noticeable results. It contains SPF 30 combined with a soy complex to nourish and revitalize the skin. You can also wear it as a primer for your makeup as the lotion has natural light diffusers to help even your skin tone and add radiance.
- Dermatalogica Oil Absorbing Lotion
For ladies with excessively oily skin, an oil-absorbing lotion with SPF is ideal for a smooth, clean look. The Dermatalogica Oil Absorbing Lotion is an excellent choice as it features a lightweight consistency and highly powerful natural ingredients. There is Niacinamide, a type of B vitamin, as well as Yeast Extract and Caffeine to constrain the sebaceous gland from releasing too much oil. You’ll experience a more matte complexion and feel more confident about your shine-free face throughout the day!
- Estée Lauder Daywear Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Creme SPF 35
With dozens of BB creams on the market, women love this version by Estee Lauder. This all-in-one Day Wear Cream offers moisture, protection and blemish coverage. In addition to SPF 35, the cream also features antioxidants to help enrich the skin. According to reviews, women have experienced a smoother skin tone as well as a more revitalized look.
- Smashbox Camera Ready BB Creams SPF 35
This stunning tinted cream is all the rage with its luminous finish and special photo filters to blur imperfections. As the Camera Ready BB Cream blends with your skin tone, your complexion will look brighter and more youthful. This product also acts as a primer, creating a soft canvas before makeup application. Your face will instantly appear more matte, yet hydrated enough to achieve that healthy glow.
- Clinique Almost Powder SPF 18
If foundation is too rich for your skin, a powder with SPF can help protect your skin while creating a matte complexion. According to reviews, your skin will feel just as gorgeous as it looks. Its Long-Wear formula keeps pores clean and protects the skin with antioxidants and SPF. It also offers a nice air-light quality for a no-makeup feel—as if your skin is completely bare. Ladies also love the sheer finish of this powder, which provides a natural effect for ladies who prefer a more minimal look.
Choosing the right SPF product for your skin type is one of your most important beauty buys. Like a long-term relationship, it’s an everyday priority that makes life better. From morning to night, the formula must be compatible with your daily needs and habits. So don’t be afraid to get picky and never underestimate the importance of SPF.
