Has the sun got you feeling a little– cooked? You may love spending time in the sun but for someone with dry skin, one fun day in the sun could mean one week of being burnt and in pain. Finding the best sunscreen for dry skin can be a bit difficult when making sure all your needs are covered. One that will provide enough SPF protection and not have you feeling greasy or smelling like chemicals all day.
We’ll go through the top rated, best sunscreens for dry skin so you can enjoy the summer sun fearlessly!
The Best Sunscreen For Dry Skin
Dry skin is more prone to sunburn, premature aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. Sun exposure can exacerbate these issues by causing further dehydration and moisture loss.
When choosing a sunscreen for dry skin, opt for products labeled as moisturizing, hydrating, or formulated for dry or sensitive skin types. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and natural oils, as these can provide additional moisture to your skin while offering sun protection.
Remember to apply sunscreen generously and reapply it every two hours if you’re spending a lot of time in the sun, or more frequently if you are sweating or spending time in water.
Top Picks: Sunscreen for Dry Skin
EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen
- Key Highlights:
- Provides both UVA and UVB protection.
- Hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture for all-day hydration.
- Gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.
EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen has become a go-to choice for those with dry skin. Its nourishing formula combines effective sun protection with intense hydration. The inclusion of hyaluronic acid and zinc oxide ensures that your skin stays supple and moisturized throughout the day. This sunscreen is also non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 100
- Key Highlights:
- Lightweight texture that absorbs easily into the skin.
- Provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
- Non-greasy and suitable for face and body.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 100 is a dermatologist-recommended sunscreen for dry skin. It offers excellent protection against the sun’s damaging rays while maintaining a light and non-greasy texture. This sunscreen absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling velvety smooth without any residue. With its high SPF rating, it ensures optimal protection for your delicate skin.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50
- Key Highlights:
- Gel-based formula that instantly quenches dry skin.
- Provides a boost of hydration with hyaluronic acid.
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50 is a game-changer for those with dry skin. This innovative gel-based sunscreen instantly quenches your skin’s thirst, providing a surge of hydration. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it helps lock in moisture and keeps your skin looking plump and healthy. The oil-free formula ensures that your skin remains nourished without feeling greasy.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
- Key Highlights:
- A 2-in-1 product that combines sunscreen and moisturizer.
- Contains ceramides to restore and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.
- Suitable for sensitive skin and offers all-day hydration.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is a dermatologist-recommended sunscreen that caters specifically to dry skin. It’s a multitasking marvel, acting as both a sunscreen and a moisturizer. Enriched with essential ceramides, this lotion works to restore and strengthen your skin’s natural protective barrier. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling soft and hydrated all day long.
Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
- Key Highlights:
- Features nourishing oat and hydrating ingredients.
- Provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
- Non-greasy and suitable for sensitive skin.
Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is an excellent choice for dry skin. Infused with nourishing oat and hydrating ingredients, this sunscreen not only shields your skin from the sun but also helps restore and maintain its moisture balance. The non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and feels lightweight on the skin. It’s also suitable for those with sensitive skin, offering a gentle yet effective sun protection solution.
Does Sunscreen Expire?
Yes, sunscreen does expire. Most sunscreens have an expiration date printed on the packaging that’s typically two-three years after the product is opened. The expiration date is important because the active ingredients in sunscreen can degrade over time, reducing the product’s effectiveness in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Expired sunscreen may not provide the level of sun protection stated on the label and should be replaced.
Related: The Benefits of Rice Water For Skin: Clearer, Brighter Complexion
Sunscreen Side Effects
While sunscreen is generally considered safe and beneficial for protecting the skin from harmful UV rays, some individuals may experience certain side effects like:
- Skin Irritation: Some people may be sensitive or allergic to certain sunscreen ingredients, such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, or fragrances. This can result in skin irritation, redness, itching, or a rash.
- Acne Breakouts: Certain sunscreens, particularly those with heavier formulations or oil-based ingredients, can clog pores and potentially contribute to acne breakouts. To avoid this, individuals with acne-prone skin should opt for non-comedogenic or oil-free sunscreens.
- Sensitivity To Sunlight: In rare cases, some individuals may develop a condition called photocontact dermatitis, in which their skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight when using certain sunscreens. This can result in a rash or an allergic reaction upon exposure to the sun.
- Too Much Sun: Sunscreen may work too efficiently where you can’t recognize the signs that you’ve had enough sun. While you’re far more protected than when not wearing sunscreen, spending too much time in the sun can still put you at risk even with sunscreen. It’s best to limit the time your skin is directly exposed to the sun to less than an hour or two a day.
- Environmental Impact: Certain sunscreen ingredients, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate may contribute to coral bleaching and harm coral reef ecosystems. If you are planning to swim or engage in water activities in areas with coral reefs, consider using reef-safe or mineral-based sunscreens that do not contain these ingredients.
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