There was a time when it was acceptable to lather yourself in sun oil and sit out unprotected in direct sunlight. Not only did this advance ageing of our skin, but there was the devastating impact that skin cancers have had on many people’s lives. Therefore, it is now commonly accepted that we need to show more care and apply sunscreen, keeping out the harmful UV rays. What is not so well known is that certain chemical exfoliators and acid-based toners can leave your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so one type of sunscreen is not appropriate for all. 

With the summer upon us, it is time to choose the correct sunscreen and protect yourself from the power of those rays.

Sunscreen or bust!

Before we move through the different skin types, in turn, we need to address the elephant in the corner. Not everyone embraces sunscreen as it can give your face a nasty white shade, create sticky blotches and heighten the chances of a breakout of spots in already oily and sensitive skin. 

We hear you, but a temporary breakout or a white cast from the cream is better than the permanent damage from overexposure to the sun. SPF30 sunscreen will offer you 30 minutes of continuous protection while you are out and about this summer. Plus, if you plan ahead and find the best sunscreen for you and your skin, then you can look good while wearing the suitable cream. We are all about the win: win here.

So, let’s take you through the different skin types and find your perfect product.

Sensitive and damaged skin

For those with sensitive and damaged skin, constant application of sunscreen can irritate and inflame the skin. Being caught in the bind between the stinging and burning sensation of sunscreen and the potential damage of the sun, those with sensitive skin need to be more careful than most. There are simple, fragrance-free products available that will protect and moisturise and nourish the skin. 

While it is a good idea to keep sensitive and damaged skin out of the sun altogether, there are times when this is unavoidable.  Therefore, buying a product that protects and moisturises allows you to enjoy the outside without covering up with clothes.

Oily skin

We get it! Sunscreen makes a sticky mess out of already oily skin. Finding the right product is imperative here if you want to avoid the glare of a shiny face and the pain of an acne breakout. Nobody wants to look like they are copiously sweating and then find blotchy skin afterwards.

Again, it is about finding the right oil-free, matte sunscreens that will offer protection and combat these other skin issues. An ultra-lightweight formula can offer a matte finish without clogging the pores, and with added antioxidants, can help counter breakout-prone skin.

Tattooed skin

First things first, you need to wait between four and six weeks before applying any product to tattooed skin. Your skin needs to be fully healed from the process before exposure because the chance of infections and irritation is high. 

When you can apply sunscreen, you should go for a specialist sun protection product for tattoo protection and counter need for future touch-ups. It is worth remembering that direct sunlight on a tattoo at any point can cause the design to age prematurely, so an effective sunscreen is essential to ensure your ink zings.

Dull and dry skin

Typically speaking, a sunscreen on dull and dry skin will boost hydration, and rubbing in the cream will help with exfoliation, shedding dull and dead cells. Therefore, applying sunscreen is a great way to help make way for new and healthy skin. While any sunscreen will boost your skin’s hydration, you might want to choose one that offers an extra helping hand. It is worth remembering that choosing to expose your sun to the skin to get a tan won’t necessarily deal with the underlying cause of your dull skin. So slap on the sunscreen and tan gradually while protected.

Conclusion

It might be a pain to apply sunscreen when your skin is already a challenge to maintain, but protection is crucial for your ongoing health and wellbeing. Choosing the right product can support your skin with its other challenges and stop the damage caused by UV rays.