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You should be applying sunscreen even if you're holed up at home, but especially when you're outdoors exploring a tropical paradise, camping in the charming South of France, or shopping on Singapore's Orchard Road.
I love the feel of sunshine on my face. You probably do too. But when your skin's not protected, sun exposure can make your skin look dull, develop sun spots, and even age prematurely.
If you have hyperpigmentation, extended sun exposure can also make those spots look more noticeable and take longer to fade.
The thing about sunscreen, though, is that unless you find the one that works perfectly with your skin, it always feels like a chore that you have to do, instead of want to do. Which also means unless your derma keeps bugging you about it, you'll probably skip the routine!
So, I'm here to help a girl out.
Let me tell you my top 5 sunscreen picks for every type of skin.
My Top 5 Sunscreens for Every Skin Type
There are a lot of sunscreens out there for different skin types and needs, but these top 5 effective sunscreens are strongly praised.
5. EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen SPF 46: Best for Acne-Prone Skin
This is the best sunscreen in my opinion, and it doesn't hurt that it comes highly recommended by my dermatologist.
She personally uses this and recommended it for my acne-prone skin. Acne, sadly, is the bane of my existence. But this sunscreen works well with my skin and doesn't break me out.
It's a chemical/mineral sunscreen that protects the skin from the sun with zinc oxide and octinoxate.
If you have active breakouts, zinc oxide will also help calm inflammation. With regular use, any red, angry bumps can chill for a sec, with the help of other acne treatments, of course.
If you're an acne-prone gal and are afraid to put sunscreen on because it's greasy and clogs your pores, take note of this gem. It may just be the game changer for your skin too.
Our Rating: 4.8/5
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Non-irritating
- Broad spectrum
- Mild exfoliating benefits with lactic acid
- Hydrates skin with hyaluronic acid
- No white cast
- Soaks up into the skin quickly
- Skin doesn't feel greasy or look shiny
Cons:
The only real con with this sunscreen is the slightly hefty price tag. This one's not cheap at *kaching!* $38.95 on Amazon. But, if you're here to invest in your skin, go ahead and give this a try!
4. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Face Sunscreen SPF 60: Best for Sensitive Skin
Another well-loved sunscreen is the La Roche-Posay Anthelios broad spectrum sunscreen that's terrific for people with sensitive skin. It has a higher SPF, which is great if you're planning to soak up sunshine for hours!
Still, even with this on, it's vital to wear protective gear, like a cap, or use an umbrella on very hot days. Countries with tropical climates have very hot summers.
So, if you're planning on a summer escapade in popular beach hotspots like Thailand or Okinawa in Japan, remember to use sunscreen and protective gear.
I personally like a dewy finish, but if it's matte that floats your boat, you'll love this brand for its mattifying effect on the skin. You can get it on Amazon for $36.99.
Note! Physical sunscreens, or those that don't contain mineral sun-protecting ingredients like zinc oxide, don't provide a protective barrier against UV rays.
But, chemical sunscreens like this one are generally gentler on the skin, which makes them more suitable for sensitive skin types.
Our Rating: 4.7/5
Pros
- Non-irritating
- Broad-spectrum
- Protects from both UVA and UVB rays
- Non-comedogenic
- Doesn't leave a white cast
- Dries quickly
- Lightweight and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Cons
- Slightly pricey
- No physical sun protection
3. Supergoop! Mineral Matte Screen SPF 40: Best for Oily Skin
Most acne-prone gals also have oily skin. That's because the buildup of sebum on the skin most commonly triggers an acne breakout.
Even if you have oily skin, using the right sunscreen can significantly minimize how much oil your skin produces!
Using sunscreens that contain oil-based ingredients or that are heavy on the skin actually makes your skin "think" that it needs to produce more oil, sending your skin on sebum production overdrive.
Other factors like hormonal imbalance and the presence of P. acnes bacteria also trigger acne, but oil is almost always the culprit when a pimple decides to say "hi!"
Most sunscreens tend to clog pores and make already oily skin oiler. But not this one!
You can get this on Amazon for only $18. Note: This is only a tiny 15 ml. To give you an idea how small this is, the EltaMD sunscreen is 1.5 oz or 46.73 ml.
If you're trying this out for the first time, though, this mini size is a great tester tube.
Our Rating: 4.6/5
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Leaves a matte finish
- Oil-free
- Lightweight
- Can be used as a primer to reduce the appearance of pores
- Great for sensitive skin
Cons
- Pricey
- Not water-resistant
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50: Best for Beach Babes
Where are my dewy girls at? If you love a dewy look, this sunscreen will sing to you! It applies very smoothly and gives your skin a healthy, dewy glow.
It's also best for gals who can't keep away from the beach as it's designed for swimming and hours of sun exposure.
Going to the beach soon? First, get this on Amazon for $30.98.
Our Rating: 4.5/5
Pros:
- Reef-friendly
- Made for sensitive skin
- Absorbs into the skin quickly
- Doesn't leave a white cast
- Water-resistant
- broad-spectrum
Cons:
- Slightly sticky texture
- Contains fragrance (the scent may be too strong for some)
- Pricier end of the spectrum
- May sting if it gets in contact with the eyes
Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Sunscreen: Best for Baby Skin
If you're traveling with your baby, you'll want to keep them protected from the sun, too. Unlike grown ups though, babies have very sensitive skin, so you have to be extra careful when choosing a sunscreen for the little one.
That said, this sunscreen is a great choice. It's designed for delicate baby skin and is free from toxic chemicals while effectively protecting baby skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
This may be a sunscreen for babies, but its formulation is wonderful for the whole family as well, especially if you have sensitive skin.
It's available on Amazon for $19.39.
Our Rating: 4.6/5
Pros:
- No harmful chemicals l'ike parabens
- Vegan formula
- Reef-safe
- Water-resistant
- Blocks 98 percent of UVB rays
- Easy to wash off
- Affordable
Cons:
- Slightly sticky
- Leaves a white cast
- Slightly heavy on the skin
- Tough to blend
Layer Up!
If you're a travel bug, I'm sure you're already cooking up your next travel plan! Don't sweat the planning. Go straight to the fun.
Armed with the best sunscreen for your skin, you can start to craft your ideal travel experience for you, your family, and your friends.