How To Pick The Right Sunscreen For Your Skin Type—And Expert Recommendations

Sunscreen is what protects skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays and visible light (the light that human eyes can see). Exposure to light without adequate protection not only accelerates aging of your skin, but it also increases the risk of skin cancer. In fact, regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen reduces the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 40% and melanoma by 50%, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation^[1]All About Sunscreen. Skin Cancer Foundation. Accessed 05/11/2022. .

“Sunscreen should be a prepared, intentional choice—not an afterthought at the gas station or grocery store,” says Scott Paviol, M.D., a dermatologist at Paviol Dermatology in North Carolina.

Finding the right sunscreen for your skin type is helpful for avoiding skin irritation. It also increases the likelihood that you will actually use sunscreen regularly. This gives your skin the best chance at avoiding premature aging and cancer.

When shopping for sunscreen, factors to take into consideration include the following:

Broad spectrum. Dermatologists emphasize the importance of selecting a broad spectrum sunscreen, which means it will protect your skin against UVB and UVA rays. UVB rays cause redness and sunburn on the skin, as well as skin cancer. UVA rays can also cause cancer and photoaging, or the early aging of skin.

SPF 30 or higher. Sunscreen loses some of its potency once you put it on, notes Naiara Braghiroli, M.D., a dermatologist and the chief of Skin Cancer and Pigmented Lesions Clinic at Miami Cancer Institute. For example, if you put on SPF 30, its actual coverage is more similar to SPF 15. The SPF number (or the Sun Protection Factor) on sunscreen indicates how long the sun’s UV radiation would take to redden skin (if used as directed), versus the amount of time without sunscreen, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. An SPF 30, for example, allows around 3% of UVB rays to hit your skin.

Anything lower than SPF 30 will provide insufficient coverage, says Dr. Braghiroli. If you’re going to be outside for a prolonged period, like if you’re at the beach or playing sports, she recommends using SPF 50 or higher. Experts also recommend applying sunscreen at least 30 minutes before venturing outside.

Water-resistant. A water-resistant sunscreen maintains its protection even when you’re swimming or sweating. There are some sunscreens that are extra resistant to water so they last even longer. It’s important to still reapply these sunscreens according to the label.

Mineral vs. chemical. Mineral, or physical, sunscreen is made of natural ingredients, typically zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. These sunscreens act as a physical barrier between your skin and the sun to reflect its UV rays away from the skin.

Chemical sunscreens, typically made with avobenzone, octinoxate and oxybenzone, absorb into your skin (and some studies suggest into the bloodstream) and then reflect UV light back. Mineral sunscreen is more resistant and lasts longer on the skin, according to Dr. Braghiroli, so she recommends it for those who play outdoor sports or spend a lot of time in the sun.

Picking the right sunscreen for your skin type is also of utmost importance. Here, experts provide their top picks for different skin types (note Dr. Paviol’s practice sells Skinceuticals and EltaMD, and Dr. Goldstein’s practice sells EltaMD).

Dry Skin

Look for sunscreens that have hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin (a natural sugar alcohol that helps retain moisture), hyaluronic acid (a natural protein that retains moisture) and ceramides (natural compounds in the skin that seal in moisture), suggests Dr. Paviol.

Dr. Paviol recommends: Skinceuticals Daily Brightening Defense Sunscreen SPF 30

Buy Now: Available on Amazon 

Beth Goldstein, M.D. the co-founder of sunscreen company Modern Ritual and president at Central Dermatology in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, recommends: Elta MD UV Elements Tinted Face Moisturizer SPF 44

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

Oily Skin

People with oilier skin may prefer a chemical sunscreen over a mineral/physical sunscreen (made with zinc oxide), says Dr. Braghiroli, as chemical sunscreen tends to be drier than mineral sunscreens. However, there are still many mineral sunscreen options available.

Dr. Braghiroli recommends the following:

• EltaMD tinted sunscreen: Available on Amazon
• ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica: Available on Amazon 
• Neutrogena Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45: Available on Amazon

Dr. Goldstein recommends: Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

Sensitive Skin

Mineral sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc as the active ingredients are generally less irritating to the skin, according to Dr. Paviol. And they can especially benefit patients with rosacea, eczema or allergies to fragrances or preservatives, adds Dr. Goldstein.

Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, nicotinamide/niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) and vitamin C (which is required to create collagen) can also be beneficial, says Dr Braghiroli.

Dr. Paviol recommends: EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

Dr. Goldstein recommends:

• Elta MD UV Elements Tinted Face Moisturizer SPF 44: Available on Amazon
• Vanicream: Available on Amazon
• Solaire by Avene (for patients with a history of eczema or significant allergies): Available on Amazon

Acne-Prone Skin

Acne-prone skin can benefit from “lighter lotions and products that are specifically non-comedogenic (not tending to clog pores),” since thicker products can cause clogging and flare-ups, according to Dr. Goldstein. Dr. Paviol adds that niacinamide can help decrease redness here, too.

Dr. Goldstein recommends: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 50

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

Dr. Paviol recommends: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

Melanated Skin

Those with melanated, or darker, skin should look for sunscreens that are tinted or that rub in invisibly. Dr. Braghiroli stresses that while melanin does provide natural protection for the skin, it doesn’t mean patients are completely safe from skin cancer, necessitating sunscreen.

Dr. Braghiroli recommends: EltaMD tinted sunscreen

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

Dr. Paviol recommends: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

Dr. Goldstein recommends: Supergoop! CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream SPF 50

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

Kids’ Skin

When shopping for sunscreen for kids, take special consideration, as children are more prone to sunburns, especially in the summer, says Dr. Braghiroli. Babies younger than six months old should avoid direct sun exposure and sunscreen, she adds. Instead, cover a baby’s skin with loose-fitting cotton clothes (such as long sleeves and hats) and keep them in the shade.

Older kids can also benefit from long-sleeved shirts, pants and hats, especially clothing with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). Mineral sunscreens are preferred for children, says Dr. Goldstein, since kids “absorb chemicals at a much higher rate than in adult skin.”

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