People offer many excuses for why they skip sun protection (trust us, we\u2019ve heard them all!), but one of the most common is that they simply don\u2019t like<\/em> their sunscreen. At The Skin Cancer Foundation, we believe the best sunscreen is the one you\u2019ll actually use, so it\u2019s important to find a product that works for your lifestyle, budget and \u2014 perhaps most importantly \u2014 your skin type, especially if it\u2019s dry, oily, acne-prone or sensitive. It can be tough to parse through different formulations and ingredients to find your dream sunscreen, but Vivian Bucay, MD, is here to help.<\/p>\n Dr. Bucay stresses that everyone, regardless of skin type or tone, needs sunscreen as a part of their sun protection routine. \u201cDaily sunscreen application is non-negotiable,\u201d she says. \u201cEven when it\u2019s cold or overcast, ultraviolet (UV) rays, which cause skin aging and skin cancer, pass through clouds and can penetrate your skin.\u201d<\/p>\n But which<\/em> sunscreen should you apply daily? Dr. Bucay breaks down the best options for people with dry, oily or sensitive skin.<\/p>\n Unless you\u2019ve been blessed with perfectly balanced skin that thrives in every environment (lucky you!), you\u2019ve likely dealt with dryness at some point. Those with dry skin may experience tightness, flakiness and more noticeable fine lines. A sunscreen can either combat or exacerbate these issues, depending on the ingredients.<\/p>\n Sunscreen is extra<\/em> important for those struggling to keep their skin moisturized. \u201cDry skin usually means a compromised skin barrier, which translates to skin that is more vulnerable to the damaging effects of UV rays,\u201d warns Dr. Bucay. \u201cIf you have naturally dry skin or it\u2019s wintertime, choose a moisturizing sunscreen with ingredients such as shea butter or glycerin to combat dryness.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr. Bucay says you can also consider a product with hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the skin that helps retain water. Keep in mind, though, that this ingredient works best when combined with a moisturizing agent that seals in the moisture.<\/p>\n People dealing with oily skin complain of clogged pores and excess shine. So you want a sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) that combats these issues. \u201cAn oil-free or mattifying moisturizer may be the best choice,\u201d says Dr. Bucay, adding that these products are also great for humid summer days.<\/p>\n While a sunscreen\u2019s primary function is to protect your skin from UV rays, that\u2019s not all it can do. \u201cDepending on your skin-care concerns, you can choose a moisturizer that will address both sun protection and issues such as uneven skin tone or acne,\u201d says Dr. Bucay. \u201cMany sunscreens on the market today include different combinations of skin-care ingredients, including niacinamide, ceramides and peptides.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr. Bucay notes that niacinamide (vitamin B3) has been shown to be effective in fighting acne and the discoloration it can leave behind. Ceramides and peptides can provide an extra boost to the antiaging properties of a sunscreen.<\/p>\n If a lot of ingredients upset your skin, you\u2019re better off choosing a sunscreen with a simpler formulation. \u201cPeople with sensitive skin may prefer a physical (mineral) sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are inert and much less likely to irritate the skin,\u201d says Dr. Bucay. \u201cYou\u2019ll also want to avoid products with added fragrance, as it can irritate the skin.\u201d<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re seeking dewier skin, battling breakouts or married to your oil-blotting papers, the right sunscreen can help you put your best face forward. Dr. Bucay says by using ingredients that will benefit your skin versus the ones that may sabotage it, you can ensure you end up with a product you\u2019ll love. \u201cMy advice is to find a sunscreen you enjoy applying so you can make it a part of your daily routine.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":" No matter if you have oily, dry, acne-prone or sensitive skin, the right sunscreen can protect you from harmful UV rays while combating any skin woes.<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":3,"featured_media":7230,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[3594,4812,3595,2900,5535,4415,24],"class_list":["post-7190","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthy-lifestyle","tag-chemical-sunscreens","tag-high-spf-sunscreen","tag-mineral-sunscreens","tag-skin-cancer","tag-skin-cancer-prevention","tag-spf","tag-sunscreen"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nIf Your Skin Is Dry <\/strong><\/h3>\n
If Your Skin Is Oily or Acne-Prone<\/strong><\/h3>\n
If Your Skin Is Sensitive<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Choose What You Use<\/strong><\/h3>\n