How To Choose Sunscreen For Dry, Oily And Sensitive Skin

The summer is coming and do you know how to take care of your skin with the right sunscreen? Read this article to know how to choose sunscreen for dry, oily and sensitive skin and basic rules you need to follow:

How To Choose Sunscreen For Dry, Oily And Sensitive Skin – Basic Rules

I. Basic Rules

Sunscreen plays a crucial part of the sun protection regimen which includes: avoiding UV tanning, seeking the shade and wearing protective clothing, such as broad-brimmed hats or UV-blocking sunglasses. Be aware of the importance of skin care, you should pay attention to sunscreen options to get rid of UV rays and prevent skin cancer for good. This article in Vkool will show you basic rules on how to choose sunscreen for types of skins that works.

1. Choose A Sunscreen That Can Block All Harmful UV Sun Rays

In fact, many products don’t block all UVA & UVB sun rays. Only micro zinc oxide that is a powerful ingredient can block all UVA wave length spectrum. All other sun block medicine agents just stop a little short from preventing UVA spectrum. Also, according to scientists, micro zinc oxide is really stable in a bottle while you are going to use it and it can stay stable on sun exposed skin; and it’s not absorbed into the body.

It’s recommended using sunscreens that contain 5% or more the ingredient micronized zinc oxide. These sunscreens are formulated for the ingredient stability. Thus, you can rub them into your skin nicely that don’t sting eyes and rarely cause acne, skin irritation and allergic reactions.

choose a sunscreen that can block all harmful uv sun rays

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Keep in mind that the SPF index on a sunscreen just tells you how well this product can block harmful UVB sunburn rays. In addition, the SPF value doesn’t tell anything about the ability of sunscreen in protecting you from the UVA rays. Of course, all sunscreen products claim to block the UV rays but they just reduce the effects of harmful UVA sunburn rays. Before buying a product, read the label to see active ingredients. If this product includes micro zinc oxide of 5% or higher, you can take this one.

Beside 2 factors of the UV prevention and the amount of micro zinc oxide, you should pay attention to another ingredient included in sunscreen that’s micro titanium dioxide. Choose ones that contain 5% or higher. Next, read the sunscreen labels to choose ones that contain Mexoryl SX and zinc ozide.

Recommended Reading: Summer Skin Care Tips

2. Only Use Fresh Products

Sunscreen ingredients can break down over time. Notice to store these products at proper temperature, not too high or too low. Check out the label to avoid expired products. Don’t use old sunscreen that you opened last year.

3. Pick The Right Sunscreen pick the right sunscreen

Based on your skin type, skin parts and activities, you should choose the right sunscreen for each purpose. For example, if you enjoy water activities, you need a water-resistant sunscreen. If you are prone to pimple or acne, avoid using inferior sunscreen. Pick a mineral sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide and micro zinc oxide as a superior protection for your skin. These ingredients won’t clog pores or clog pores little in susceptible people. The next part of this writing will help you deal with this issue.

Read on: Effects Of Sun Exposure On Skin

So which is the right product for you? According to experts, you want a product with multi-spectrum or broad spectrum protection for both UVA & UVB. Look for a product that contains the following broad spectrum protection contain cinnamates (octylmethyl cinnamate & cinoxate), benzophenones (oxybenzone), ecamsule (Mexoryl SX), salicylates, sulisobenzone, titanium dioxide, avobenzone (Parsol 1789) and zinc oxide.

Ecamsule: As Mexoryl SX, it has been available in Canada and Europe since 1993. The sunscreens including ecamsule are not cheap. A 3.4-ounce tube can run by $30.

Avobenzone: This is a “stabilized” UVA blocker (also called Parsol 1789). You can find the stabilized avobenzone in some other sunscreens like Dermaplex and Active Photo Barrier Complex.

Zinc oxide/Titanium dioxide: Sunscreen including this ingredient is less expensive options for the UVA protection. According to experts, old sunscreens with zinc oxide titanium dioxide used to make users look ghostly and pale, yet modern manufacturing techniques resolved this problem.

The SPF of 15 or higher can work for the UVB protection. The SPF rates how good a sunscreen is in blocking sunburn that is caused by the harmful UVB sunburn rays.

For the majority of people, the SPF 15 is good. But those who have their family history of lupus or skin cancer, increase the sensitivity to sunlight and they should consider the SPF 30++ or higher.

Remember that the higher SPF, not always better. Even higher SPF, the less the increased benefit you will get – contrary to what you ever thought. For more details, the SPF 30 is not really twice as effective and strong as the SPF 15. While the SPF 15 can filter out 93% of the UVB, the SPF 30 just filters out 97% – a slight improvement.

II. How To Choose Sunscreen For Different Skin Types

1. For Dry Skin how to choose sunscreen for different skin types for dry skin

Dry skin has low levels of sebum and it’s easy to be prone to sensitivity. People with dry skin have a parched look due of the inability of retaining moisture. People with this skin will feel uncomfortable and tight after having bath or washing unless a cream or moisturizer is applied. The moisturizing including SPF is a good choice for dry skin. When choosing a sun block, remember that a thickness is required to protect skin from sun damage. So, opt for ones that are not light. The higher the lotion is applied with the SPF, the more moisture your skin gets.

There are numerous moisturizers are included in different sunscreens such as oils, lanolin and silicones. Moisturizing sunscreens are formulated as lotions, creams and ointments. Hence, look for these terms on sunscreen labels.

For people suffering from melasma, a condition related to skin cancer, or for those with fair skin, sunscreen with the SPF 30 is recommended using daily for the extra protection.

Read on: Home Remedies For Dry Skin

2. For Oily Skin

This is the most problematic skin type caused by oil, especially on nose, cheeks and forehead. The face looks thick, greasy, shiny, coarse and has large pores and acne in summer. For oily skin, aqua-based SPF formulations can work the best. This provides the drying effect and doesn’t make skin look greasy. Moreover, these formulations offer the cooling effect on skin and calms breakouts that may occur.

Recommended reading: Face Masks For Oily Skin

People with sensitive skin should use sunscreen including pure zinc oxide such as Glycolix Elite Sunscreen. The ingredient zinc oxide is gentle on skin and it never causes your irritation or skin allergy.

for sensitive skin

4. For Other Skin Types

a. Normal Skin: If you have normal skin, a lotion-based SPF sunscreen is the best opt. Because your skin isn’t too dry or oily, the lotion-based products containing SPF 15+ can provide suitable amount of hydration your skin requires without making the skin look oily.

b. For Allergies & Skin Problems: Individuals who suffer from skin conditions such as lupus condition and rosacea may benefit from applying mild sunscreens which are designed for babies and children. Go for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, instead of sunscreen containing chemicals like para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), oxybenzone, dioxybenzone or sulisobenzone. In case, you have allergies or skin irritation; avoid sunscreens including alcohol, preservatives or fragrances.

Acne-prone sufferers shouldn’t use greasy sunscreens that are often marketed as creams since these products can exacerbate breakouts. The UVB filter ensulizole has a less oily consistency than other chemical sunscreens. However, ones on the topical acne medication tending to be drying can apply find gel-based sunscreen on their sensitized skin and get benefit from light lotion and cream base. As many acne medications may increase the sun sensitivity, making wearers vulnerable to skin damage. Thus, daily sun protection is important to do.

c. For Children’s Skin: Chemicals in sunscreen products can irritate sensitive skin of children. Oxybenzone and PABA can associated with skin reactions. The sunscreens with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide tend to be better for sensitive skin and these ingredients are usually found in many sunscreens for babies. Also, try colorful spray sunscreens and tubes that children will find enjoyable to use. Note that spray sunscreens shouldn’t be applied directly to face; the spray should be misted into hand palms, then spread on face.

for children’s skin

d. For Darker Skin Tones: People with darker skin tones who tan easily may feel that they don’t need to use any sunscreen. Yet, like sunburn, the tan is a result of the DNA damage from exposure to harmful UV radiation. People with darker skin therefore, also be wary of applying physical sunscreens, the best opt is titanium-based products as they help you look whiter on skin.

e. For Older People: Though older people may have received large amounts of the UV light in their lifetime, they still need to apply sunscreen and get many benefits from sunscreen use. In fact, at any age, the unprotected sun exposure can increase the risk of skin cancers and pre-cancers, accelerate skin aging, lead to wrinkles, age spots, sagging as well as leathery skin. Normally, older individuals with decreased mobility have a hard time to apply sunscreen to their body areas like legs and back. For them, spray-on sunscreen products are great options. They are available both in physical and chemical formulations.

Read on more skin care articles in the category Beauty & Style.

I’ve shown you basic rules on how to choose sunscreen for dry, oily and sensitive skin. It’s hoped that you can take advantage of sunscreen and use it for your skin health and skin cancer prevention.

For any feedbacks about the article of how to choose sunscreen, drop your comment at the end of the post!

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