Did you know that applying sunscreen daily can decrease your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by up to 40 percent? According to a study by the Skin Cancer Foundation, it can also lower your chances of developing melanoma by 50 percent! At this stage in the game, most of us appreciate the cancer-preventing benefits of sunscreen, but today’s SPF powerhouses have so much more to offer! Choosing the right sunscreen for your skin type and condition can also improve your skin’s health and appearance by reducing redness, brightening dark spots, boosting hydration, smoothing fine lines, and even blurring imperfections! Here’s how to select the perfect SPF for your skin type.
The Best Sunscreens for Dry Skin
Many people with dry skin shy away from SPF because they’ve used a formulation in the past that has made their skin look chalky and even drier. Rest assured, today’s SPF options work better than many moisturizers at hydrating your skin! Dry skin types should look for sunscreens infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help their skin retain vital moisture and strengthen its barrier. Take it a step further by looking for formulations with antioxidants to step up your protection factor and peptides to defy the visible signs of aging.
Other Refinery Skin Clinic favorites for dry skin besides Revision Skincare® Intellishade® TruPhysical™ include SkinMedica® Total Defense & Repair Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 34
The Best Sunscreens for Normal Skin
When your skin type is normal, it’s best to adhere to the “Goldilocks Principle.” Find an SPF with benefits that won’t make your skin too dry or too oily! The goal is to find a formulation that will keep your skin balanced and hydrated and offer other benefits like antioxidant protection and even a mineral tint to take the place of makeup!
Other Refinery Skin Clinic favorites for normal skin besides SkinMedica® Total Defense & Repair SPF 34 (tinted) include Revision Skincare® Intellishade® Original and SkinMedica® Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 32 (tinted)
The Best Sunscreens for Oily / Acne-Prone Skin
Oily skin types and those prone to acne tend to live in fear of their skin becoming even oilier or breaking out after applying SPF. However, the correct formulation can balance, mattify, and even help clear your skin while protecting it from UV damage. It’s essential to focus on products labeled “non-comedogenic,” which means they do not have ingredients that will clog pores or cause irritation. Be on the lookout for SPFs that contain ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to help balance oil and soothe inflamed skin.
Other Refinery Skin Clinic favorites for oily and acne prone skin besides SkinMedica® Essential Defense Everyday Clear™ include Revision Skincare® Intellishade® Matte.
The Best Sunscreens for Sensitive / Compromised Skin
Finding an SPF that doesn’t cause irritation or redness can be tricky when you have sensitive skin. Mineral-based or physical sunscreens are better than chemical sunscreens for sensitive skin types. Why? Physical SPFs contain natural anti-inflammatory ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that reflect the sun’s rays and prevent it from building heat on the skin’s surface like a chemical sunscreen can. Physical and mineral sunscreens are also less likely to burn or sting your eyes. Many of these products now contain other ingredients that calm irritation and mineral tints that help camouflage redness and flushing.
Other Refinery Skin Clinic favorites for sensitive and post-procedure skin besides SkinMedica® Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 32 include Revision Skincare® TruPhysical™.
Remember, finding the perfect sunscreen for your skin type doesn’t need to be complicated – it’s the one that you love the look and feel of and will commit to wearing every day! If you need help making a selection, our Advanced Practice Estheticians at Refinery Skin Clinic are here to guide you. Stop by to check out any of the products mentioned in this article. With our professional advice, you can be confident that your SPF is your BFF when it comes to skin cancer prevention and protecting your skin from the visible signs of aging!