Finding the perfect facial sunscreen can sometimes be difficult – which one is really the best? But it's not that simple to answer – as with skincare, there must be individually suitable solutions here too. After all, not all skin is the same. Therefore, I will show you suitable sunscreens for different skin types, so that you can be sure to make the right choice for your skin!
Overview of the Best Facial Sunscreens
Different skin types have different needs, which sunscreen can (partially) address or support. If you choose a sunscreen that is unsuitable for your skin, it can quickly happen that certain characteristics worsen. For example, your already rather dry skin may become even drier, your make-up may come off faster, or with oily skin, you may notice an even stronger shine.
Therefore, when choosing a sunscreen, you should ideally pay attention to these characteristics to properly care for your skin:
- Dry skin needs a moisturizing, nourishing formula – preferably a cream formula that can be a bit richer.
- For oily skin, it's best to choose a light fluid or gel. For on-the-go, a stick can also be an option (though more suitable for make-up-free days).
- If you struggle with blemishes, you should make sure your sunscreen is non-comedogenic. Mostly, blemish-prone skin also prefers light textures like gels or fluids.
- Sensitive skin needs a particularly mild and low-irritant formula that also soothes the skin. Ideally as a cream or light fluid.
- For combination skin, the sunscreen should be moisturizing yet light on the skin – a fluid is ideal here.
Additionally, for use under make-up, you should choose a formula that absorbs quickly, hydrates the skin, and doesn't pill as soon as you apply other products to your face.
Why Do You Need the Face Sunscreen?
But why the fuss – why choose a special sunscreen for the face? It's simple: most body sunscreens are much richer and thus not intended for every skin type. Especially for oily skin, this can be too heavy and clog pores.
It's also important to use facial sunscreen consistently every day. This way, you continuously protect your skin from UV damage and also reduce the formation of skin irregularities like dark spots.
Which Face Sunscreen Suits My Skin Type?
The Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin
Dry skin lacks its own lipids, while the skin barrier can also be compromised, leading to redness and irritation. When choosing a sunscreen, you should therefore select a formula that simultaneously nourishes and moisturizes the skin.
Opt for ingredients such as ceramides, vitamin E, but also glycerin and hyaluronic acid. You should rather avoid fragrances and alcohols in sunscreen – they can have an irritating effect on a damaged skin barrier.
Recommendations for Dry Skin
Beauty of Joseon – Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
25,90 €
22,01 €
with the code
-15%
Latest lowest price: 24,54 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
The Purest Solutions – 50+ SPF Invisible UV Protection Daily Intensive Moisturizer Sunscreen
21,90 €
16,42 €
with the code
-25%
Latest lowest price: 18,44 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
SKIN1004 – Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
30,90 €
21,63 €
with the code
-30%
Latest lowest price: 17,00 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
The Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin
Sunscreens for oily skin are characterized by feeling particularly light on the skin and, as light lotions, gels, or fluids, they nourish the skin without oil and protect it from harmful UV rays.
An additional plus point for these formulas is if they also have a matte finish, so that the skin doesn't shine excessively. Since oily skin often struggles with clogged pores or blemishes, you should make sure that your sunscreen is labeled as "non-comedogenic". This label means that it contains no ingredients that could promote blemishes.
Recommendations for Oily Skin
Geek & Gorgeous – Zero Feel SPF 50
12,90 €
12,90 €
with the code
-0%
Latest lowest price: 12,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
The Purest Solutions – 50+ SPF UVA/UVB Dry-Touch Protection Mattifier & Oil Control Moisturizer Sunscreen
23,90 €
17,92 €
with the code
-25%
Latest lowest price: 19,79 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
The Best Sunscreen for Blemish-Prone Skin
For blemish-prone skin, it is equally important that you use skincare products and sun protection that are labeled "non-comedogenic". Formulas that are too rich can clog pores and thus lead to increased blemishes.
Therefore, opt for light formulas – the recommendations for oily skin can be just as suitable for you here.
Recommendations for Blemish-Prone Skin
Acnemy – Zitcontrol SPF 50
Pure Glycerin Face Serum Mini
Zitclean Mini
18,90 €
16,06 €
with the code
-15%
Latest lowest price: 15,92 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
The Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin can exist due to a weakened skin barrier, but also due to skin conditions such as rosacea, neurodermatitis, or similar. Here you should especially make sure to choose mild formulas that are free of fragrances, parabens, alcohol, and other potentially irritating active ingredients.
For a skin condition, it is also worthwhile to select skincare products in consultation with a dermatologist.
Recommendations for Sensitive Skin
Beauty of Joseon – Relief Sun Aqua Fresh Rice + B5 SPF 50+
21,90 €
18,61 €
with the code
-15%
Latest lowest price: 21,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Transparent Lab – Ultra Fluid Cica Sunscreen
Pure Glycerin Face Serum Mini
Zitclean Mini
19,90 €
19,90 €
with the code
-100%
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
The Best Sunscreen for Combination Skin
Combination skin exhibits characteristics of both oily skin (e.g., an oily T-zone) and normal to even dry skin. Therefore, it's important to choose a moisturizing sunscreen, for example with hyaluronic acid, that is also particularly light and leaves an invisible feel on the skin without being too heavy.
Recommendations for Combination Skin
NERDS. – Lightweight Hydrate UV Defense Lotion SPF50
17,90 €
15,21 €
with the code
-15%
Latest lowest price: 17,89 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
SKIN1004 – Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick
25,90 €
22,01 €
with the code
-15%
Latest lowest price: 20,72 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Transparent Lab – Invisible Sunscreen SPF50+
Pure Glycerin Face Serum Mini
Zitclean Mini
19,90 €
19,90 €
with the code
-100%
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
The Best Sunscreen for Normal Skin
For normal skin, choosing a suitable sunscreen is actually the easiest - yet it should be rich in nourishing ingredients to simultaneously moisturize your skin.
Recommendations for Normal Skin
Bondi Sands – SPF 50+ Everyday Face Lotion
12,90 €
10,32 €
with the code
-20%
Latest lowest price: 9,02 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
ROUND LAB – Birch Juice Tone-up Sunscreen
21,90 €
18,61 €
with the code
-15%
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
The Best Tinted Sunscreen
With tinted sunscreens, you get a great 2-in-1 solution – it protects your skin and at the same time ensures an even complexion thanks to the tint.
Transparent Lab – Mineral Tinted Sunscreen
Pure Glycerin Face Serum Mini
Zitclean Mini
24,90 €
24,90 €
with the code
-100%
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
BLONDESISTER – 2 IN 1 NATURAL BEAUTY TINTED CREAM SPF15
32,90 €
32,90 €
with the code
-100%
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
What Should You Look for in a Good Face Sunscreen?
A good facial sunscreen should primarily offer reliable broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB radiation.
While UVB rays are mainly responsible for sunburn, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute, among other things, to premature skin aging. Therefore, pay attention not only to a high sun protection factor but also to adequate UVA protection.
Chemical or Mineral Sunscreen for the Face?
Sun protection is fundamentally differentiated between organic (chemical) and mineral UV filters. Organic UV filters absorb UV radiation and primarily convert it into heat.
Modern filters such as Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S), Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus) or Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinul T150) enable high and photostable UV protection and are often combined.
Mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide also protect by predominantly absorbing UV radiation and reflecting or scattering a smaller portion.
They can be a good option if you prefer mineral sun protection. Depending on the formulation, however, mineral sunscreens can leave a slight white film on the skin.
Whether a chemical or mineral sunscreen is better for you ultimately depends on your personal preferences and your skin. More important than the type of UV filters is that the sun protection offers reliable UVA and UVB protection, suits your skin type, and feels so comfortable that you enjoy using it regularly.
How Much Sunscreen Does One Need for the Face?
To ensure your face is adequately protected from UV radiation, you should absolutely adhere to the correct application. This includes the right amount: Ideally, use 1 to 1.5 grams of sunscreen for your face – which corresponds to two to three finger lengths of product.
Apply the sunscreen evenly approximately 20 minutes before sunbathing or exposure to the sun, and reapply every two hours to maintain protection. This also applies to water-resistant products! However, these are the right choice if you exercise outdoors or go swimming.
How to Apply Face Sunscreen Correctly
- Apply morning skincare
- Use sunscreen as the last step of your skincare routine
- Spread evenly on face, neck, and ears
- Allow to absorb briefly before applying makeup
- Reapply throughout the day
Learn more about sun protection and how to optimally use it throughout the day and when sunbathing in our blog post How often should you reapply sunscreen?.
Common Mistakes with Facial Sunscreen
- Using too little product: Two to three finger-lengths is the optimal amount to adequately protect your face.
- Only wearing SPF in summer: You should use sunscreen on your face all year round to protect your facial skin from UV damage and premature aging.
- Forgetting neck and ears: These two areas (as well as your hands) are exposed to the sun all year round – so it's important to protect them from UV radiation too.
- Not reapplying sunscreen: Reapplication is very important to maintain protection – especially after swimming, sweating, and drying off.
- Using SPF in makeup as the sole sun protection: This alone is not enough, as uniform protection is not guaranteed and an SPF of 15 or 20 is too low.
- Choosing a product solely based on skin type instead of personal feel: Choose from my recommendations the sunscreen that suits your skin and your personal preferences!
I hope this blog post about choosing facial sunscreen has helped and pleased you. Please let me know if you have any comments or questions about it.
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