The Best Sunscreens for Dry Skin | As Featured in Allure

If you have dry skin, finding a great sunscreen can be a struggle. Dr. Mona Foad recently chatted with Allure to share her insights on the best sunscreens for dry skin types.

Are there key ingredients in sunscreens that people with dry skin should look for?

Dry skin is typically caused by the environment, aging, genetics, medication, and dehydration. When choosing a sunscreen for dry or sensitive skin, it’s important to find one that protects and hydrates the skin barrier. Consider ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid in your sunscreen. These ingredients draw moisture into the skin, helping to increase its water content and maintain hydration levels. Additionally, Shea butter and coconut oil are excellent for locking in moisture. They contain fatty acids, creating a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Occlusives like petrolatum or dimethicone also reinforce this barrier by forming a protective layer on the skin’s surface, which helps to retain moisture.

Dry skin can also be more sensitive, so I would look for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as opposed to chemical sunscreens. Furthermore, antioxidants like vitamin C or green tea offer extra protection against environmental stressors. At the same time, soothing ingredients, such as aloe vera or chamomile, can help calm any redness or irritation. This soothing is due to anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm redness and irritation, making them ideal for sensitive skin.

Are there any common sunscreen ingredients that people with dry skin should avoid?

If you have dry skin, it’s essential to select sunscreens that not only protect against UV damage but also provide hydration to prevent further moisture loss. Avoid ingredients like denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol. While they are often included in lightweight formulas, they can strip the skin of its natural oils. This is because they evaporate quickly, leading to increased dryness and irritation. Fragrances may irritate and also dehydrate the skin, due to their chemical composition. They often include various synthetic and natural compounds that may cause allergic reactions or inflammation. 

Additionally, while chemical sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate can work for many people, they may cause irritation and allergic reactions in people with sensitive or dry skin. Opt for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead. Perform a patch test to see how well your skin can tolerate these ingredients if you have not applied them before. 

Which type of sunscreen is generally better for dry skin?

For dry or sensitive skin, I recommend using a cream or lotion-based sunscreen. This is due to its hydrating properties and lower risk for irritation rather than gels or sprays. These formulas typically incorporate emollients and humectants, such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which attract and retain moisture effectively. In addition, I would look for sunscreens with mineral filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Mineral sunscreens work by sitting on the skin’s surface to reflect UV rays, making them gentler on sensitive skin. In contrast, gel, spray, and chemical sunscreens often contain drying agents like alcohol. These ingredients can strip the skin of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness by increasing transepidermal water loss. 

What role does SPF play in maintaining healthy, hydrated skin, especially for those with dryness?

SPF, or sun protection factor, measures how much we can protect our skin against UVB rays. We call these our “Burning Rays.” Protecting against UVA rays, which go deeper into the skin and can cause more aging and skin cancer, is also important. We call them our “Aging Rays.” UV rays accelerate aging through pigment formation and collagen breakdown. Daily sunscreen use can help prevent these premature aging effects, including dryness, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation.

For those with dry skin, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and make sure it has either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to help protect against UVA Rays. Using a cream or lotion-based formulation with hyaluronic acid will aid in moisture retention by preventing transepidermal water loss. This will help keep your skin resilient and well-hydrated. This dual approach not only safeguards against UV damage but also supports the skin’s health.

How often should someone with dry skin reapply sunscreen, and are there special considerations for reapplication?

It is important to reapply sunscreen about every two hours since the protective effects of sunscreen diminish with time. Water-resistant sunscreens are only effective for about 80 minutes. So, if you get in the water or get very sweaty, apply your sunscreen more frequently. Using a moisturizing sunscreen can provide additional hydration. However, make sure to use a broad-spectrum one with an SPF of at least 30. This will ensure you are protected against both UVA and UVB rays. Also be sure to apply the sunscreen liberally. You’ll also want to replace your sunscreen supply at least once a year. This is because sunscreens expire and are not as effective after this expiration date.

Can using a sunscreen with added hydration replace a traditional moisturizer?

While a sunscreen with added hydration can enhance moisture levels, it generally shouldn’t fully replace a traditional moisturizer, especially for those with dry skin. Layering a moisturizer underneath your sunscreen creates a protective barrier and helps prevent moisture loss.

Top Sunscreen Picks for Dry Skin:

Top Choice: EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40: This tinted moisturizer is perfect for those seeking a more even complexion. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and niacinamide to soothe and reduce redness. The added squalane restores the skin’s natural moisture and the vitamin C and E are antioxidants which help to combat skin-aging free radicalsI appreciate its lightweight feel and the fact that it doesn’t leave a white cast.

CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30: Enriched with three essential ceramides and niacinamide, this mineral sunscreen helps restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. Its hydrating formula locks in moisture, making it ideal for dry skin. Plus, it’s fragrance-free and non-irritating, perfect for sensitive skin types. It has also been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance and the Skin Cancer Foundation Daily Use Seal of Approval.

Colorescience Tint du Soleil™ Whipped Mineral Foundation SPF 30: This is an all-in-one foundation, anti-aging, and sun protection product.  Ceramides and milk lipids replenish the skin and provide hydration while collagen-building peptides and a multivitamin complex work to improve skin health with every application. Mineral-based Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide deliver SPF 30 defense to protect from sun and environmental exposure that cause skin aging.