Consider your skin type
Regardless of your skin type, Dr. Lee says reaching for a non-comedogenic sunscreen is a good idea. (After all, no one wants to deal with clogged pores or exacerbate acne.) That said, some formulas are better for dry skin than oily and vice versa. If you lean dry, try opting for sunscreens that include hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to boost your skin’s moisture. These sunscreens, like the Supergoop Every. Single. Face. Watery Lotion SPF 50 can amplify the effects of your moisturizer to keep your skin smooth, plump, and comfortable throughout the day.
On the flip side, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you’re better off selecting mattifying or ultra-lightweight sunscreens that don’t leave you feeling like a grease pool midday. The Starface Clear as Day SPF 46 is one of our all-time top choices for oily skin.
Choose between mineral or chemical
There’s tons of debate over whether mineral or chemical sunscreen is better. Truth be told, both will protect your skin from the sun’s rays, so as long as you’re wearing any SPF you’re doing a great job! Still, it doesn’t hurt to know the difference between the two.
Mineral sunscreens utilize mineral filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the most common) to create a shield over your skin. Dermatologists often recommend these types of sunscreens because they tend to be much gentler than chemical formulas. However, they’re not always the most pleasant to apply: Mineral sunscreens have a reputation for feeling heavy and leaving a white cast, although there are plenty of options on our list that are incredibly lightweight and blend beautifully into skin.
Rather than mineral filters, chemical sunscreens use chemical filters (including avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene). These chemicals sink into skin, where they absorb the sun’s rays and convert them to heat before releasing them from your skin.
Again, whichever type you use comes down to personal preference. Dr. Jacobs says that more non-comedogenic sunscreens are mineral rather than chemical—which is something to keep in mind.
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