By now you should be aware of the importance of wearing sunscreen protection no matter your skin complexion or tone. Check these two articles: Article 1 & Article 2.
But if your skin experiences irritation, dryness, and breakouts, you may think twice before deciding the best sunscreen protection for your dry sensitive skin.
According to experts, some formulas contain harsh chemicals, essential oils and fragrances that can damage delicate skin.
As consequence, these formulas can result in making your skin dry and build general sensitivity which can further lead to an allergic reaction given certain components.
What to look for on a sunscreen – General overview
Luckily some sunscreens are specifically designed and formulated for dry and sensitive skin.
You should however be looking for: *sunscreen that is a mineral and looks for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (which provide a physical shield between the skin and the suns ray).
Also, look out for a facial sunscreen where it says *‘broad spectrum’ to protect against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays.
You should *avoid fragrances that can lead to irritation and further sensitivity;
Opt for an *Oil-free sunscreen (and possibly non-comedogenic);
Check out for *hydrators such as ceramides or colloidal oatmeal to help moisturise the skin while protecting your skin from the sun.
Here are some of the good sunscreens advised and recommended by dermatologists and experts.
Quick declaimer: as the owner of the website I have tracked down some of the products and services mentioned. Therefore, when using the links on this page to make a purchase I may get a small commission. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure. Guys while I can get some commission back, I’m quite confident that you on the contrary you may have found the perfect product that could work for you! So its a win to win situation really!
Recommended Sunscreens:
Best overall sunscreen for sensitive skin (& my absolute best favourite): La Roche Posay Anthelios invisible fluid spf50
- This mineral sunscreen was mainly developed for sensitive skin
- It will not cause your skin to irritate or sting (inflame)
- It’s good for people that experience prickly heat in the sun
- It has a thin milky fluid consistency, and it leaves no residue even if applied in a rush
My honest review of this product can be found here 🙂
Best for nourishing skin: Kate Somerville daily deflector mineral sunscreen SPF 30
- This super-light mineral formula contains zinc oxide
- Its water-resistant (80 mins) and it works amazingly with most sensitive and delicate skin with its extracts help calm and reduce redness in the skin
- It helps protect the skin against both UVA + UVB rays
- It’s packed with ectoin which provides natural protection against pollution
Best face sunscreen for sensitive skin: Avene-Mineral Multi Defence Sunscreen Fluid spf50
- This formula comes with a tinted and non-tinted version to find your best match.
- It helps calm the skin thanks to its antioxidant and niacinamide complex that helps guard the skin against harmful environmental issues
This sunscreen does however have a sticky texture and white colour, which may not be the best for people that want to use sunscreen under makeup.
Do not worry we’ve got you covered! Check out the:
Best sunscreen for under-make up Supergoop! Unseen sunscreen SPF30
This sunscreen is perfect to use as a base for make-up
- It’s light and untraceable which means that it’s a clear formula that is suitable for all skin tones
- The sunscreen also helps to protect the skin from both the UVA and UVB rays
The sunscreen however uses a ‘clean chemical’ formula that acts as an anti-inflammatory cream helping the skin feel less sensitive to UV radiation. Also, although it has a liquid and gel-like formula its consistency feels almost like oil, thanks to its moisturising properties
Best face sunscreen for extra dry skin: The-Organic-Pharmacy-cellular-protection-spf30-100ml
- This mineral-rich creamy sunscreen help preserve moisture and keep/maintain dry patches away
- It contains both titanium and zinc oxide dioxide which helps seal in moisture and keeps the dry patches/cover away
- It contains aloe vera which helps provide anti-inflammatory properties
- It can be used as a moisturiser during extreme exposure to the sun such as beach holidays
-(a bit over the budget but good!)
Best budget buy for sensitive skin: Nivea-sun-UV-face-soothing-sensitive-sun-cream-spf50-50ml
- A calming sensitive sun cream that is budget-friendly
- It’s a super high SPF, non-irritating formula
- It’s a light formula that will not give the stinging feeling
Also, check out the:
Good sunscreen protection for sensitive skin: Vanicream Sunscreen Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 35
- the formula is water-resistant (for up to 80mins)
- it provides SPF 35 broad-spectrum (UVA + UVB protection) coverage
- free from harsh chemicals and fragrance, parabens essential oils
- it is non-comedogenic so it will not clog the pores
Best overall for all skin types/tone: EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
- A mineral sunscreen specifically formulated for sensitive skin particularly those prone form acne, discolouration, and rosacea*
- It will not leave a white residue
- The formula helps leave the skin clear of redness, breakouts, and irritation
- It’s a light formula that contains nourishing vitamin E, exfoliating lactic and hyaluronic acid to name a few all of which helps create noncomedogenic sun protection for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- It will protect against UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) sun radiation
Good mineral sensitive sunscreen for all: Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen-spf-50
- Water-resistant fragrance-free mineral sunscreen contains both titanium and zinc oxide dioxide that will not cause the skin to irritate
- It provides the perfect SPF broad-spectrum coverage (50)
- It changes colour when you are exposed to UV which helps you remind when you need to apply it
- It is also suitable for babies over 6 months which means that it can be shared with the family
To conclude, I have listed some of the best sunscreen protection for dry and sensitive skin recommended by experts and dermatologists to use on your face.
Now there might be many more out there that are good (and perhaps recommended) to summarise, according to experts the key factors to check out for on a facial sunscreen for dry sensitive skin is to look for a mineral sunscreen, opt for an oil-free
one and try to avoid the ones that contain harsh chemicals and fragrances which can further irritate the skin.
Most importantly to help moisturise the skin look for hydrators such as ceramides and colloidal oatmeal. Drop any comments down below if you have questions guys! 🙂
