It’s almost Spring Break and like most of you, I am beyond excited. A break from class, daily homework and reading; it’ll be great. Now, I am headed to sunny Florida and as someone who often neglected sunscreen growing up, my suitcase is filled with sunscreen, cover-ups and hats. A few years ago, I was just too lazy to reapply sunscreen and make sure it all set in, but I know a lot of people who neglect it because it contrasts with their skin type. If you pick the wrong sunscreen, your face can feel greasy or dry or just uncomfortable. Here are some tips on what to look for in a sunscreen depending on your skin type.
Dry: Look for moisturizing sunscreens! These will help hydrate your skin while still protecting it from the sun. Some sunscreens contain alcohol, which can simply dry out your skin and drive you crazy. Try Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15.
Acne Prone: Acne-prone people should avoid sunscreen with a greasy texture, like most creams. Some people recommend using a sunscreen with alcohol in it because of its drying properties, but if you’re using an extensive acne cleanser, your skin might already be too dry. For acne-prone skin, your best bet is a light, less oily sunscreen. If all your skin can manage is a light lotion, be sure to wear a hat to help protect your face. Try Clinique Derma White Super City Block SPF 40.
Oily: Avoid greasy sunscreens and those with mineral oils. If you have oily skin, you know the last thing you want is more oil. Try DDF Matte Finish Photo-Age Protection UV Moisturizer SPF 30.
Sensitive: Try hypoallergenic and fragrance free sunscreen. The chemicals in some sunscreens can irritate your skin or cause your face to feel dry and itchy. That, in turn, can cause skin damage and increased redness and sensitivity. Try Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion SPF 60.
Fair: Use high SPF, preferably 30+ SPF! While everyone should use a high SPF, it is particularly important if you have very fair or light skin. Also important is reapplication.
Active: Waterproof, waterproof, waterproof! Reapply, reapply, and reapply! Try Skin Effects by Dr. Jeffrey Dover Sun Effects SPF 45 Continuous spray.
My skin is sensitive, so I make sure to have specific sunscreen for my face and often wear a hat. Regardless of your skin type, here are some things to be sure to do:
- Reapply! Especially after swimming or sweating.
- Sunglasses! I know it’s not your skin, but protect your eyes!
- Take time out of the sun! Put on a hat and a lightweight shirt, sit under an umbrella, and get out of the sun!
- Wash it all off at night! I suggest thoroughly washing your face after your day in the sun as well as showering and moisturizing.
- Aloe! If you get sunburned, use aloe or lotion to help heal the burns.
Have a fabulous Spring Break and make sure to wear sunscreen! Even on snowy mountains, you can get a sunburn, so stock up on sunscreen and find a cute hat! Your skin will thank you!
Check these sources out for more information!
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/sunscreen-for-all-skin-types
http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/choosing
http://skintypesolutions.com/index.php?option=com_article&view=article&id=147
Photo Sources:
http://www.hatstin.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/2222222222.jpg
http://www.fitsugar.com/What-Does-SPF-Mean-Which-Sunscreen-Right-Your-Skin-3173539