Sunscreen For Your Face: Which is The Best One For You?

Aside from regular professional skin checks, sun protection is the number one way to safeguard your skin against skin cancer. Want to know which is the best sunscreen for your face? It’s the one you’ll actually use. Every. Day. The trick is finding a formula you like the feel of and that offers your skin the high-level protection it needs to stay safe. 

Whether your skin is oily, acne-prone, or even sensitive, there’s a sunscreen that’s right for you. Here’s a look at some dermatologist approved sunscreens, so you can choose the best one for you. 

Choosing a sunscreen for oily/acne-prone skin

People with oily or acne-prone skin often struggle to find the right facial sunscreen. No one wants to risk getting an acne flare up. Likewise, no one wants an oil-slick complexion half way through the day. This is why it pays to understand sunscreen labels. Look for products that are:

Dermatologically tested

This means that the product has been tested on human skin. The formula has been found to be safe and is unlikely to cause a skin reaction or sensitivity. 

Non-comedogenic

This means it has been specifically formulated not to clog pores, which can lead to acne, breakouts or excess oil. Most sunscreens specifically formulated for oily/acne-prone skin will be non-comedogenic.

Free from harsh or heavy ingredients

Occlusive ingredients, such as coconut oil, shea butter and jojoba oil, can feel sticky and can clog pores.

Fragrance free 

Fragrances can irritate the skin. Best to be safe and steer clear of them.

Mattifying

Typically, people with oily or acne-prone skin don’t like the greasy feel or look of sunscreen on their skin. Look for a sunscreen that says it’s ‘mattifying’ or ‘shine-free’.

Dermatologist-recommended sunscreens for oily/acne skin

• Neu­tro­ge­na Invis­i­ble Dai­ly Defense Face Serum SPF 60+
• Cetaphil DermaControl Oil-Absorbing Moisturiser with SPF 30
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ 

Choosing a sunscreen for sensitive skin

If you have fair or sensitive skin, no doubt you’re worried about irritation. Choosing a gentle, nourishing sunscreen can be beneficial. Look out for the following factors. (And don’t forget to patch test the sunscreen first on a small area of skin.)

Alcohol and fragrance free

Sunscreen that’s free from harsh, drying  ingredients will help reduce the chance of causing irritation.

Hypoallergenic

This means that the sunscreen is specially formulated for sensitive skin. It doesn’t contain ‘questionable’ ingredients that may cause irritation.

Mineral ingredients

Physical or mineral sunscreens may be less irritating than chemical ingredients. 

Hydrating ingredients

Sensitive skin can become dry and inflamed in the sun. A gentle sunscreen containing hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and Vitamin E, can help combat dryness.

Dermatologist-recommended sunscreens for sensitive skin

• Cetaphil Ultra-Light Lotion SPF 50
• Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Lotion SPf 50
• Cancer Council Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 50 

Choosing a sunscreen for mature/dry skin

Dry or mature skin may benefit from a sun­screen that con­tains hydrat­ing ingre­di­ents that leave the skin feeling soft and nourished but not greasy.  When reading sunscreen labels, keep an eye out for the following:

Hyaluronic acid

This hydrating ingredient contains 1000 times its weight in water, which means it can seriously hydrate dry skin. 

Lightweight formula

A lightweight formula is easy to re-apply, keeping your skin protected from the sun but also hydrated. It’s also easier to layer with other hydrating skincare products.

Free from alcohol and fragrance

Alcohol and fragrance are drying ingredients, which can exacerbate dry patches of skin and cause irritation.

Antioxidants

Antioxidant ingredients like Vitamin E protect the skin against free radicals which can damage the skin and reduce sun-induced ageing of the skin. 

Dermatologist-recommended sunscreens for mature/dry skin

• Avene Intense Protect SPF 50+
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50
• Natio Sun Clear Zinc Mineral Sunscreen  SPF 50

Key factors to consider when buying sunscreen

• SPF 

Use water resistant SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen alongside the other four forms of sun protection to give you skin the best protection.

• Broad spectrum 

Read the label to ensure the formula offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

• Skin-friendly formula

The best sunscreen is the one you enjoy wearing. Choose a formula you like the feel of.

• Price per milligrams

At least one teaspoon of sunscreen (that’s 5 ml) should be applied to each limb for adequate cover. Knowing the cost to sunscreen your entire body (apx 50ml) will help you choose an affordable sunscreen.