In this article:
Is sunscreen good for dry skin?
What is the best face sunscreen for dry skin?
Facial sunscreen for dry skin
Finding the perfect sunscreen for your dry skin type can be a struggle. Choose the wrong formula and suddenly every dry patch of facial skin is ten times more visible, not to mention your skin’s suddenly even drier than it was before!
We know how frustrating it can be to find nourishing and hydrating SPFs for dry skin, so we’re walking you through what to look for when sunscreen shopping and letting you in on some of our favourite formulas for dry skin below.
Is sunscreen good for dry skin?
Sunscreen isn’t just good for your dry skin, it’s integral to its health. You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: Without a doubt, the most critical step in your skin care routine, no matter your age, skin colour or skin type, is applying sunscreen, rain or shine, 365 days a year.
SPF is truly beneficial for all skin types but can uniquely help dry skin types. Dehydrated, dry skin can accentuate the look of pre-existing fine lines and wrinkles. Incorporating the usage of a moisturising sunscreen for dry skin loaded with antioxidants can not only help decrease the occurrence of these “dehydration lines,” but can also help prevent the formation of deep fine lines and wrinkles through protecting skin from pro-ageing UV rays.
Overall, daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, along with other sun protection measures (like sunglasses, sun hats and SPF-rated clothing), defends your skin not only against early signs of ageing (like fine lines, uneven skin tone, skin discolouration, sagging, and loss of radiance), but also against skin cancer (1). It’s a multitasking step you simply can’t skip!
What is the best face sunscreen for dry skin?
If you have dry skin, you might feel as though your only sunscreen options are either chalky and powdery, or emollient to the point of being greasy and slippery. Worry not: There are sunscreens that fit right into that happy medium you’ve been trying to find. Let us walk through how to find the best face sunscreen for dry skin:
- ALWAYS choose broad-spectrum formulas. "Broad spectrum" means that a sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays, which is important because they cause different kinds of sun damage.
- Your sunscreen should be loaded with additional beneficial ingredients. The SPF rating is very important, but the best dry skin sunscreens also come packed with other ingredients to boost their anti-ageing potential. We’re talking about potent and effective antioxidants as well as ingredients that calm redness to help your skin look and feel beautiful and healthy (2).
- Pick a luxurious sunscreen with all the benefits of a great anti-ageing moisturiser. Good sunscreens for dry skin should also contain nourishing emollients, like non-fragrant plant oils and fruit butters to moisturise and protect skin, as well as skin-restoring ingredients, such as ceramides and peptides, that add suppleness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles (3).
- Choose a sunscreen that’s gentle to your skin. When we say gentle, we mean free of irritating ingredients, including fragrance (whether synthetic or natural, fragrance is always a problem), denatured alcohol, essential oils, citrus and other plant extracts that can sensitise skin and make it feel drier and look redder.
Facial sunscreen for dry skin
All of the sunscreens listed below meet the above criteria for those with dry to very dry skin. They not only protect, but hydrate and work to bolster skin’s barrier. These are truly skin-protecting and skin-caring.
- RESIST Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 15: This dual-purpose hydrating sunscreen for dry skin with SPF 15 helps improve the appearance of existing damage and helps prevent future premature skin ageing, with a dewy finish that brightens dull skin.
- SKIN RECOVERY Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15: This creamy mineral-based sunscreen for dry skin has skin-replenishing ingredients that hydrate parched skin and a potent mix of antioxidants that help visibly smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
- DEFENSE Essential Glow Moisturizer SPF 15: Another mineral-based option, this super-gentle moisturiser whose blend of antioxidants help skin in the presence of UV light and airborne pollutants leaves a fresh, radiant finish that doesn't feel too thick or heavy.
- CALM Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 15: This hydrating mineral sunscreen helps calm flaky, reddened skin and reinforces a healthy microbiome. It's extraordinarily gentle for the most sensitive skin, even for those prone to rosacea.
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References for this information:
- Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, and Photomedicine, November 2019, pages 442–446
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, March 2022, pages S27–S37
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences, December 2019, ePublication
