The Best SPF For Your Skin Type
Summer’s right around the corner, and so are the days that we’re out enjoying the sun! As we all know by now, the sun can be our best friend and also our worst enemy. Too much sun exposure not only causes dark spots and hyperpigmentation, it also causes the skin to age much faster and worse, it’s the number one culprit of skin cancer - but we all can avoid these and enjoy the sun responsibly by applying sun protection, aka sunscreen!
Nowadays, there is no excuse NOT to wear any sunscreen anymore. Thanks to modern science and technology, there’s a wide range of sunscreen options suitable for your skin type. It can get overwhelming but that’s why your estheticians are here to help!
Understanding Labels in your SPF
Broad Spectrum
Broad Spectrum simply means it protects you from both UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Both of these ultra violet rays increase the likelihood of skin cancer. Ultraviolet A (UVA) has a longer wavelength. It is associated with skin aging. Ultraviolet B (UVB) has a shorter wavelength. This one’s associated with skin burning. So it is vital to have a broad spectrum sunscreen as it can protect you from both of these rays simultaneously. Not all sunscreens are broad spectrum, so it is important to look for it on the label. For broad protection, check the ingredients list, look for sunscreens with avobenzone, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, all of which block UVA.
Minimum of SPF 30
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects the skin from sunburn. It is a measure of how many harmful ultraviolet rays (UVB) it absorbs or reflects away from your skin. Contrary to common misconception, it is not directly related to time of solar exposure but to the amount of solar exposure. An SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 93% of UVB radiation, and SPF 30 blocks 97%. After that, the difference in protection is small.
*Pro-tip: To get the full SPF protection noted on the bottle, you need to apply the sunscreen liberally and evenly (use your peace fingers to measure how much you should apply for every part of your body, especially your face) and reapply every after 2 hours.
Mineral VS Chemical
The main difference between the two is how they protect your skin from the sun’s rays.
Mineral, or physical, sunscreens (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) act as a physical barrier between the skin and the sun. It deflect and scatter the rays before they penetrate to the skin.They’re usually recognizable as those sunscreens with ‘white casts’. It doesn’t absorb into the skin, unlike its chemical counterpart.
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and then change their chemical structure, converting the sun’s radiation to heat energy. Most chemical sunscreens contain at least one of the following active ingredients: oxybenzone, octinoxate, cinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, meradimate, octisalate, octocrylene, padimate O, sulisobenzone, and avobenzone. They come in both cream and spray form.
The Best SPF’s by Skin Type
Skin Type: Dry/Sensitive
Look for sunscreen that doubles up as a moisturizer. and for those with sensitive skin, typically Mineral sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc as the active ingredients are generally less irritating to the skin. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, nicotinamide/niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) and vitamin C are great ingredients to look for. You’d also want to avoid products with alcohol, preservatives, fragrances, and oxybenzone.
Top product picks for Dry/Sensitive Skin:
GlyMed Photo-Age Sunscreen 30+
Broad Spectrum: Yes
SPF rating: 30+
Mineral (or Physical) /Chemical: Mineral (or Physical)
Key ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Vitamin A Ester, Vitamin C Ester
Benefits: Anti-Aging, Moisturizes, Increases Hydration (Can act as your daily moisturizer)
Broad Spectrum: Yes
SPF rating: 30
Mineral (or Physical) /Chemical: Mineral (or Physical)
Key ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Resveratrol, Panthenol (Vitamin B5) & Hyaluronic Acid
Benefits: Leaves skin deeply moisturized, Excellent makeup base & Water resistant
Skin Type: Oily/Acne-Prone
Look for lightweight formulations and are specifically made for oily skin. Products with niacinamide can help with the redness as well and anything soothing such as green tea and chamomile.
Top product picks for Oily/Acne-Prone Skin:
CLEARSTEM SUNNYSIDE™ - Brush-On Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50)
Broad Spectrum: Yes
SPF rating: 50
Mineral (or Physical) /Chemical: Mineral (or Physical)
Key ingredients: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide green tea, resveratrol and vitamin E
Benefits: can be used directly over makeup to replace the SPF that may have worn off since the morning. You can use this as often as you like to control shine, calm inflammation, and protect your skin from UV damage.
Suitable for any skin type, but best for oily/acne-prone skin. Does not clog pores.
Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield MATTE SPF50
Broad Spectrum: Yes
SPF rating: 50
Water Resistant:
Mineral (or Physical) /Chemical: Mineral
Key ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Niacinamide
Benefits: This lightweight formula absorbs excess oil, blurs the appearance of pores, and leaves skin shine-free. Tinted with a unique iron oxide blend for additional Blue Light defense, and blends in sheer. Skin looks fresh and feels clean with a modern matte finish.
Specifically formulated for oily or blemish-prone skin. Does not clog pores.
Skin type: Normal
The lucky ones. Finding the perfect sunscreen is a matter of preference, and mostly focuses on preventative measures to battle out signs of aging.
Top product picks for Normal Skin:
Antedotum Essential Daily Sunscreen (comes in two sizes: 50 mL & 10 mL)
Broad Spectrum: Yes
SPF rating: 30
Mineral/Chemical: Mineral
Benefits: leaves a natural, satin glow that looks healthy and balanced.
Hypoallergenic
Reef Safe
Blue Light Protection
Key ingredients: Zinc Oxide 10%, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein (repairs and give structure to skin tissue), Aspen Bark, Vitamin C, Liquid Crystals
iS Clinical Eclipse SPF 50+ Untinted
Broad Spectrum: Yes
SPF rating: 50+
Mineral/Chemical: Mineral
Benefits:
Provides all-physical broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection
Ultra-sheer, fast absorbing with a weightless finish
Water resistant
Paraben-free
Key ingredients: Zinc Oxide,Titanium Dioxide and Vitamin E
Skin Type: Combination
Depending on the combination, sunscreen you should look for when you have this skin-type should depend on what your main concern is. Regardless, opt for lightweight formulations that are non-comedogenic to avoid skin irritation.
Top product picks for Combination Skin:
CLEARSTEM YOUARESUNSHINE Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
Broad Spectrum: Yes
SPF rating: 50
Mineral (or Physical) /Chemical: Mineral
Key ingredients: Zinc, Green Tea
Benefits: Doubles as a Soothing Primer. Designed to Blur Imperfections, Calm Irritation & Support an Outdoor Lifestyle. Designed to protect all skin types (including sensitive skin) that are prone to scar damage, acne, rosacea, dryness, and discoloration. Formulated with green tea, gotu kola, and horse chestnut to calm the skin, stimulate collagen and reduce the look of scars and dark spots. Does not clog pores.
CLEARSTEM SUNNYSIDE™ - Brush-On Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50)
Broad Spectrum: Yes
SPF rating: 50
Mineral (or Physical) /Chemical: Mineral (or Physical)
Key ingredients: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide green tea, resveratrol and vitamin E
Benefits: can be used directly over makeup to replace the SPF that may have worn off since the morning. You can use this as often as you like to control shine, calm inflammation, and protect your skin from UV damage.
Suitable for any skin type, but best for oily/acne-prone skin. Does not clog pores.
Broad Spectrum: Yes
SPF rating: 30
Mineral (or Physical) /Chemical: Mineral (or Physical)
Key ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Resveratrol, Panthenol (Vitamin B5) & Hyaluronic Acid
Benefits: Leaves skin deeply moisturized, Excellent makeup base & Water resistant
Conclusion
While any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen at all, choosing the most appropriate formulation for your skin type will give you optimal protection. With all these tips, I hope you can confidently find the sunscreen of your dreams, one that you wouldn’t mind wearing, even when you’re just lounging at home. Sunscreen is the most important part in your morning skincare routine so having the right sunscreen increases the chances of it becoming an enjoyable part of your daily routine.
As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your Pomp Esthetician for their recommendaitons.
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