Best Sunscreen for the Face

With so many different types of sunscreens on the market, how does one know which sunscreen will work for their own skin?

What to Look for in a Sunscreen

When searching for the best sunscreen, it’s best to look for important factors such as broad spectrum protection and SPF.

Broad spectrum protection indicates the skin will be protected from both UVA (aging) and UVB rays (burning), helping to prevent sunburns, skin cancer and premature aging.

SPF, which stands for Sun Protection Factor, is the amount of protection the skin will have from UVB rays. SPF is a good indication of how much time a person can spend in the sun before their skin starts to burn and how often they should reapply. A higher SPF designates a higher concentration of ingredients allowing for longer sun exposure and more time between applications.

A person’s skin type, skin condition and the level of anticipated sun exposure are considerations to help determine which sunscreen is best for their skin. Does the person have dry, oily or combination skin? Do they have sensitive skin? Are they spending a majority of the day indoors or outside in direct sunlight? Do they need a sunscreen that is easily applied over makeup throughout the day?

Our Sunscreen Recommendations

Here are our favorite sunscreens at SkinSpirit, broken down by skin type:

Dry Skin
Dry skin needs a sunscreen to help lock in moisture while protecting it from damaging rays. IS Extreme Protect SPF 30 is a sunscreen that provides multi-level broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. This sunscreen also acts like a moisturizer - hydrating, smoothing and softening the skin. The rich and creamy formula is also ideal for treating those with sensitive skin.

Oily Skin
Oily skin tends to be thicker than dry skin because it produces more oil in the skin, creating a build up of dead skin cells that can sometimes lead to breakouts. When searching for a sunscreen, oily skin types should look for products that are non-comedogenic, or oil-free, making the sunscreen less likely to clog pores. The sunscreen should also be lightweight and provide a physical type of broad-spectrum protection.

Combination Skin
Combination skin is both oily and dry skin at the same time. Since this skin type isn’t on the extreme side of the skin type spectrum, there are more sunscreen options to choose from. SkinMedica Daily Physical Defense SPF 30 is great for daily use, either underneath makeup or on its own, providing broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. If heading outdoors, SkinMedica Environmental Defense Sunscreen SPF 50+ is the water-resistant version of Daily Physical Defense SPF 30. This physical, broad-spectrum facial sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

The Jan Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45 is another weightless sunscreen option for combination skin types. This physical sunscreen not only provides broad spectrum protection from damaging UVA and UVB rays, but its universal tint leaves the skin sheer, with a matte finish and is water resistant up to 80 minutes after application. Jan Marini Physical Protectant is also fragrance-free and oil-free, making it a great option for those with acne-prone and sensitive skin.

The best sunscreen will always be the sunscreen a person uses and reapplies throughout the day. The Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 50 is easily one of our best selling sunscreens. The self-dispensing portable brush makes sunscreen easy-to-apply throughout the day over make-up. The non-irritating formula makes this a great option for all skin types.

Disclaimer: Information and content within this blog is provided for informational purposes only. This blog is not intended to provide medical advice, and anything read here should not be construed as such. Reading this blog or communicating with our staff does not create a physician-patient relationship. If you have questions about any health issue, including something you may have read here, please consult a licensed, trained physician or health professional immediately.