What is the best sunscreen for my skin type?

Did you know that 90% of skin aging is caused by sun damage? Sunscreen is the most important step in skincare every day of the year.

During the summer, it is particularly important to reapply sunscreen every two hours to any exposed areas, especially your face.

Which sunscreen is suitable for my skin type?

• Combination Skin

The best sunscreen for combination skin is one that has hydrating properties but does not cause greasiness. Therefore, choose a sunscreen specifically designed for combination skin that is lightweight and does not clog pores. Ideally, opt for gel-based sunscreens, which are usually oil-free and provide a matte finish. (eg. Frezyderm Sun Screen Velvet Cream SPF50+)

• Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, choose a sunscreen that not only protects you from sun radiation but also keeps your skin hydrated. Look for sunscreens that contain moisturizing and softening ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides.

• Oily Skin

If you have oily and acne-prone skin, prefer non-comedogenic sunscreens with a water-based formula to avoid clogging your pores. Ideally, choose lightweight sunscreens that are easily absorbed and provide a matte finish.

• Normal Skin

If you have normal skin, consider yourself lucky! You can use almost any sunscreen you desire based on your preferences and what suits your skin best.

• Sensitive Skin

For those with sensitive skin, natural sunscreens that contain ingredients that are less irritating than chemical filters are ideal. Look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (eg. Avene Creme Minerale SPF50+). It is also important to avoid sunscreens with added fragrances.

• Skin with Spots

Sunscreens with natural filters are recommended for individuals with melasma or hyperpigmentation as they block more UV rays from reaching your skin compared to chemical filters. Ideally, choose a tinted anti-spot sunscreen (e.g. Vichy Capital Soleil Anti-Dark Spots Tinted ). Tinted sunscreens help protect against sun rays as well as visible-artificial light, which is important because visible light can worsen conditions such as melasma.

Facial sunscreen with or without color?

Broad-spectrum sunscreens without color contain filters that block UVA and UVB rays but are not designed to block visible light. In order to block visible light, a sunscreen needs to be visible on the skin.

What does this mean?

Colorless sunscreens have “nano-sized” particles to help reduce the white appearance of the sunscreen. Therefore, they are designed to be invisible on the skin and thus cannot block visible light.

Tinted facial sunscreens combine broad-spectrum mineral UV filters, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, with additional pigments – titanium dioxide and iron oxides – that create the visible skin color that can reflect visible light.

Therefore, in most cases, colorless sunscreen provides less protection than a tinted broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen, unless it also has a mineral-based formula.

Is there a children’s facial sunscreen?

Usually, you will find that children’s facial sunscreens can be used on the face and body. However, children can use the same sunscreen as teenagers and adults as long as they contain mineral-based formulas like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide with broad-spectrum protection of SPF 30 or higher.

Can a child use chemical sunscreen?

Children have thinner and more absorbent skin, and a chemical sunscreen may irritate them. Experts recommend a physical formula (which sits on top of the skin to deflect UV rays) over a chemical one (which absorbs into the skin).

In conclusion, there is no real difference between sunscreen for children and adults. What matters most is the ingredients it contains and the regular reapplication.”

What form of sunscreen should I choose?

Sunscreens come in creams, lotions, gels, sprays, sticks, and other formulations. As for the form you should choose, it depends on your personal preference. The important thing is how you use it and how often.

Some factors you can consider when selecting a sunscreen are:

• Type – mineral, chemical, or a combination of both
• Texture and how lightweight it is
• Ease of application
• How it looks 5-10 minutes after application
• How it works under makeup
• The finish – e.g., matte or shiny

Remember that protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is vital for maintaining healthy skin!

Find at Vita4you.gr a great variety of face sunscreens.