How To Find The Best Sunscreen For Your Skin Type

By now we all understand the importance of sun protection. After all, the “slip, slop, slap” motto has pretty much been burned into our brains. And whilst we’ve perfected our skin care routine for every concern, finding the right sunscreen for your skin type that doesn’t break you out or ruin your makeup can be a bit of a mission.

So we spoke to Emma Hobson, Dermalogica’s Director of Education, to learn exactly how to identify your skin type, as well as how to find the right sunscreen for it.

What is my skin type?

As luck (or biology) would have it, your skin type is determined by your genetics. Emma explains that your skin type is “categorised by assessing the amount of oil secreted by the skin. Your skin type doesn’t fluctuate much month to month, it will slowly and progressively change as you age.”

And unfortunately, if you’re a woman, your skin is also more likely to become drier post-menopause.

There are four main skin types, as explained by Emma:

Combination skin: “The T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) are more oily than the rest of the face, and you experience an oily shine down the centre. In the T-zone you may find some blackheads and congestion and occasionally the odd breakout. The skin on the rest of the face is fairly well balanced.”

Oily skin: “The skin on the entire face is generally oily. [This is due] to overactive oil glands. You can be congested and experience breakouts anywhere on the face.”

Dry skin: “The skin doesn’t produce enough oil. This is not to be confused with the skin condition of dehydration, when the skin is lacking in moisture (not oil). It is not common for young people generally to have dry skin; for the majority of people it comes with age. The skin often feels taught and tight, and you won’t have any open pores or an oily shine.”

Normal skin: “Not too much oil secretion and not too little, normal skin [is generally] perfectly balanced. No visible open pores, congestion, blackheads, redness or pigmentation, including freckles.”

Why is it important to use sunscreen specific to your skin type?

“In the past, many sunscreens contained oil, as well as comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients such as artificial colours,” says Emma. The bottom line? They were more likely to be contributing to breakouts. But as Emma explains, there are many SPF products today that feature feather-light formulations without oils.

“Sunscreens today are created not to simply protect the skin against UV rays,” Emma explains. “They are created to protect against oxidation from free radicals, as well as being treatment products to achieve good skin health, and work with your skin type and your skin condition for ultimate performance and results.”

The best sunscreen for your skin type

The best sunscreen for oily skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF50

As the oily-skinned among us know well, there’s a fine line between dewy glow and oily shine. To help keep the greasiness at bay, reach for a lightweight sunscreen with a matte finish. Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF50 has the all the best parts of their cult favourite moisturiser (read: hyaluronic acid and a non-greasy formula) with the added benefits of broad spectrum sun protection. What’s not to love?

Read more Neutrogena Hydro Boost® Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF50 reviews.

$11.99 at Chemist Warehouse

The best sunscreen for acne-prone skin: Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30

If you’re dealing with pesky breakouts or active acne, Emma suggests a matte, oil-free option with a non-comedegenic formula to prevent congestion. Try the Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30, an ultra-sheer sunscreen that keeps shine at bay whilst helping to soothe inflammation and redness.

$85 at David Jones

The best sunscreen for dry skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Cream Facial Sunscreen SPF50

Dealing with a Sahara desert-dry complexion? Opt for a sunscreen with nourishing lipids such as vitamin E and hydrators such as Hyaluronic Acid to keep your skin soft and nourished throughout the day. The La Roche Anthelios Ultra Cream SPF is specifically formulated for dry, sensitive skin, and is a tried and true favourite for the bh team.

Read more La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Cream Facial Sunscreen SPF50 reviews.

$28.99 at Chemist Warehouse

The best sunscreen for sensitive skin: Avene Suncare Aqua-Fluid SPF50+

Much like acne-prone skin, the best sunscreen for sensitive skin is one that is lightweight with a low-irritant formulation. Avene’s Aqua-Fluid sunscreen is enriched with their signature Thermal Spring Water to keep sensitive skin hydrated and protected without clogging your pores.

Read more Avene Suncare Aqua-Fluid SPF50+ reviews.

$24.99 at Chemist Warehouse

The best sunscreen for combination skin: Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum

Combatting a shiny T-zone whilst keeping the rest of your face hydrated is no easy feet. According to Emma, combo skin calls for “lightweight hydrating sunscreen. It can be oil free or with just a touch of oil. The key is hydration combined with antioxidants.” And Mecca’s new SPF serum does just that. The serum sunscreen includes niacinamide to boost your glow and liquorice root extract to target dark spots. Absolute magic!

$48 at MECCA

The best sunscreen for normal skin: Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Tinted Moisturiser SPF50

No skin concerns? No worries. This Invisible Zinc tinted moisturiser is the ultimate all-rounder. It’s a fragrance-free, cruelty-free formula with only one active ingredient, Zinc Oxide that forms a barrier on the skin to prevent UV damage. The best part? It’s water-resistant for two hours, making it the perfect SPF pick for beach days and poolside soirees.

Read more Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Tinted Moisturiser SPF50 reviews.

$27.20 at Woolworths

Best Body Sunscreen for Dry Skin: Reef Sunscreen Oil Spray SPF 50+

If your face is anything but dry, you might not know how to manage the *scaly* mess your body can become when dried out. Luckily you can kill two birds with one stone. Reef’s oil-based SPF easily sinks into your skin and gives it a helpful hydration boost while still protecting your skin from sun damage. Win, win!

Read more Reef Sunscreen Oil Spray SPF 50+ reviews. 

$18.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Main image credit: @mirandakerr

What skin type are you? Do you have a go-to sunscreen?