If you work outside, play outdoor sports, go running for fun, or just love outdoor adventure, you might have given some thought to how the sun is affecting your skin. Many people believe that having a base tan or naturally dark skin keeps you protected from sun damage, but this is a myth. In fact, protecting your skin from the sun is important for everyone, regardless of your skin type or color. However, it is also important to understand your skin type, how it reacts to the sun, and what type of sunscreen will work best for you.
Just like any skincare product, sunscreen can be made with many different ingredients and formulas. The substance, texture, thickness, strength, and scent of sunscreen may differ from one product to another, which is why some products are better suited for particular skin types. In this post, we will explain how to identify your skin type, which factors to consider when choosing a sunscreen, and how to pick the best type of sunscreen for you.
How to Identify Your Skin Type
No one knows your skin better than you do. You live with it every day, after all. Do you pay attention to how it feels, changes, or reacts to your surroundings and the products you use? For example, is your skin typically dry, oily, or normal? One easy way to figure this out is to observe your skin about 30 minutes after you shower or wash your face. If it feels tight and flaky, you probably have dry skin. If it looks shiny all over, you might have oily skin.
Does your skin break out or get irritated easily? You might have acne-prone skin if you constantly get blemishes. Or, if you have unpleasant skin reactions to various products, weather changes, or seasonal allergens, you may have sensitive skin. No particular skin type is better than another, but you should always take your specific needs into consideration when choosing a sunscreen.
How to Pick A Sunscreen for Your Skin Type
When picking a sunscreen, there are three “essentials” that most experts agree an effective sunscreen should have. Look for a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, broad-spectrum, and water-resistant. Broad-spectrum means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays, which are the two types of ultraviolet rays that reach the earth. Water-resistance helps protect you while you swim or sweat, but it does not mean waterproof, and you should reapply sunscreen after the amount of time shown on the label. These three benefits are important for all skin types. At Caribbean Breeze, all of our sun protection product lines offer these three essentials.
Dry Skin
For those with dry skin, moisture and hydration are the most important benefits to look for in your sunscreen. According to Prevention.com, sunscreens with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or ceramides work best for dry skin. You can also look for terms like “moisturizing” or “hydrating” on the sunscreen label.
Oily Skin
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, Derma Essentia recommends a water-based sunscreen, such as a gel, which will feel less heavy and is less likely to clog your pores. You may also see the term “non-comedogenic” on the label, which means it will not block pores. Gel sunscreen is also a great option for areas of your skin with more hair.
Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, you may be cautious about trying new products because you are unsure how your skin will react. When it comes to sunscreen, Derma Essentia suggests avoiding ingredients such as alcohol, preservatives, fragrances, and oxybenzone. In addition, Prevention.com says that the least irritating option is a mineral sunscreen, which uses ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to physically block UV rays. Look for terms like “sensitive skin” on the sunscreen label.
The way you prefer to apply sunscreen does not matter as much as the ingredients inside. Whether you like lotion, gel, or spray, the most important thing is to apply your sunscreen sufficiently and consistently. Caribbean Breeze is proud to offer our products as rub-on lotion, spray lotion, and continuous mist, so that you can choose your favorite option without compromising on quality.
Summary
With summer and sunny days coming soon, you might be aching to escape to the nearest body of water. All you vacationers and outdoor adventurers, regardless of your skin type, can enjoy your favorite activities with protection from the sun and peace of mind. If you have had bad experiences with sunscreen in the past, do not give up on the entire concept. Instead, look for sunscreen products that will better adapt to your unique skin.
Caribbean Breeze offers a variety of sun-protection products for all ages, skin types, and activities that are tested in real-life scenarios. In addition, our products are made with the safety of our oceans in mind. Check out our reef-friendly line of sunscreen at CaribbeanBreeze.com!