How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin Type
Sunscreen isn’t just a summer essential—it’s one of the most effective daily products you can use to protect your skin from premature aging, sunburn, and long-term damage. But not all sunscreens are created equal. Choosing the right sunscreen for your skin type ensures better protection and a more comfortable experience.
Here’s a guide to help you pick the best sunscreen based on your skin type:
1. Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
What to Look For:
- Oil-free or "non-comedogenic" labels
- Lightweight, gel-based, or fluid textures
- Matte finish or sebum-control formulas
Recommended Ingredients:
- Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (mineral filters)
- Niacinamide (anti-inflammatory and helps regulate oil)
Avoid:
- Heavy creams
- Alcohol-heavy sprays
Pro Tip: Mineral sunscreens can double as a primer if you're wearing makeup.
2. Dry or Sensitive Skin
What to Look For:
- Cream-based or moisturizing formulas
- Added hydrating ingredients
- Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic labels
Recommended Ingredients:
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Glycerin
- Ceramides
Avoid:
- Alcohols and synthetic fragrance
Pro Tip: Choose a sunscreen with added SPF lip balm for full coverage.
3. Combination Skin
What to Look For:
- Balanced formulas (hydrating yet lightweight)
- Multi-benefit products that adapt to both dry and oily zones
Recommended Ingredients:
- Silica or starch to control T-zone oil
- Hydrators like aloe vera or panthenol
Pro Tip: You can use two different sunscreens—a mattifying one for oily areas and a hydrating one for dry spots.
4. Normal Skin
What to Look For:
- Any well-formulated sunscreen that feels good on your skin
- Broad-spectrum protection with at least SPF 30
Pro Tip: Go for antioxidant-enriched sunscreens to add daily environmental protection.
5. Darker Skin Tones
What to Look For:
- Transparent or tinted sunscreens to avoid white cast
- Hydrating formulations that blend easily
Recommended Ingredients:
- Iron oxides (help with hyperpigmentation)
- Niacinamide
Pro Tip: Tinted mineral sunscreens offer both UV and visible light protection, which is especially useful for preventing discoloration.
Final Tips:
- Choose "broad-spectrum" SPF to protect against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays
- Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating
- Use enough: about 2 fingers of product for the face alone
At PharmaC, we offer a curated range of sunscreens for every skin type—whether you're oily, sensitive, or somewhere in between. Explore our collection and find your perfect match.
Your skin deserves year-round care, not just seasonal protection.
