How to Choose the Best Sunscreen For Your Skin Type
No matter the time of year, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can greatly affect the skin, resulting in the long-term development of wrinkles, dark spots, sunburn and sagging. Sunscreen, designed to remain effective at original strength for up to three years, is one of the most effective ways to slow or temporarily prevent these conditions.
At LightRx we often see patients who, in accidentally choosing the wrong sunscreen, seek our complimentary consultation and treatments for a variety of issues related to their skin. If you want to choose the best sunscreen for your skin type, these easy to follow tips and tricks may help.
Dry Skin
In drier conditions, whether heat or cold, your skin may feel tight, resulting in leathery, cracked, ashy and discolored skin. If this is often your case, it could be best to buy a moisturizer that also includes SPF. With a moisturizer plus SPF, your skin will stay hydrated and protected from harmful, dry skin-activating toxins. While many effects of dry skin can be erased with the right type of treatment, the psychological effects may still linger. This feeling is completely normal and, with the right kind of support, eventually fades as your confidence rises in seeing brighter, healthier skin.
Greasy Skin
Those with oily skin may experience UV effects such as irritation, breakouts, clogged pores and grease. If that’s your case, then choosing a non-comedogenic product—sunscreen specially formulated so as not to clog your pores—will help your skin breathe easier, reflect UV waves and absorb hydrating ingredients.
Sensitive Skin
People with sensitive skin sometimes have to decide whether to slather on sunscreen and succumb to irritation, or stay out in the sun untreated and experience the same irritations. In some cases, those using chemical-based sunscreens may even find they’re allergic to them. For a better sunscreen experience, choose physical-based sunscreens with ingredients like zinc and titanium oxide. These products help prevent reactions such as burning, itching and the appearance of red bumps.
Mature Skin
As your skin ages, the physical effects of UV and infrared radiation become more apparent, requiring sunscreen application on an almost daily basis. Beyond looking older, these rays can ultimately lead to skin cancer if not properly defended. For this type of skin, we recommend using a cream-based sunblock recommended for daily use—preferably a product containing micronized zinc and titanium oxide for maximum spot and wrinkle protection.
Acne-Prone Skin
It’s a common misconception that sunscreen causes your skin to break out. While this can be true depending on the individual, using a good sunscreen/moisturizer combo can actually prevent breakouts by keeping the pores properly hydrated, healthy and unclogged.
Neutral Skin
While some of you reading might not externally see the effects of the sun on your skin, long-term UV radiation may eventually lead to internal health problems. If you want to simply block harmful UV radiation while still keeping your skin looking nice, it’s ok to use almost any chemical or physical sunscreen that fits the vibe you’re going for!
While sunscreen can do a great job of protecting your body from the effects of UV radiation, it’s common for prolonged exposure to result in skin that looks wrinkled and aged. LightRx Face and Body Services, along with our popular, clinically-tested Jan Marini Skin Care treatments, help measurably improve the appearance of common skin conditions like fine lines and wrinkles, aging, hyperpigmentation, dark spots and redness.
During a free consultation, our highly-trained staff will partner with you to consider your unique goals and design a custom treatment plan—just for you.
What’s your favorite type of sunscreen to use? Let us know in the comments below!
