Find Your Perfect SPF: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Sunscreen for Your Skin Type

Wearing sunscreen is important – but so is choosing the right one. While many options can offer protection from the sun, choosing the wrong sunscreen for your skin type may prove to be ineffective and can lead to further issues down the line, such as clogged pores.  

Understanding Sun Protection and Skin Types

SPF stands for sun protection factor and is a way of measuring how long sunscreen can protect you from the sun’s rays.  

Of course, the recommendation of daily SPF is universal for every skin type. That said, different people will often feel most comfortable with different textures and formulas. Whether you have oily, dry, sensitive or combination skin, we’ve broken down the ways you can make sure you’re using the best sunscreen for you. 

Did You Know Sun Exposure Contributes to Skin Ageing?

As well as being important for your health, SPF sunscreen is a key part of any skincare routine. Chronic sun exposure can accelerate visible signs of ageing such as dark spots and wrinkles, but a high-quality sunscreen can mitigate some of this impact.  

For example, in a six-month clinical study, our recommended daily-use sunscreen was found to correct visible signs of ageing including wrinkles, sunspots and rough texture.

How To Choose Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

If you’ve got sensitive skin, you might be a bit wary of introducing a new product into your skincare routine. Fragrance-free options are a great place to start to avoid unnecessary irritants, and mineral-based formulas can be a safer bet. Our two top-rated sunscreens for the face, Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++ and Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++, both offer a gentle touch and are suitable for sensitive skin. In fact, they’ve been specifically designed with sensitive skin in mind.

How to Choose Sunscreen for Oily Skin

If you’ve got oily skin, you’re probably looking for a product that won’t leave a greasy residue or exacerbate shine. Non-comedogenic and oil-free formulations, like our Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++, are made to avoid blocking pores on your skin, which is perfect for anyone worried about acne. Applying this ultra-light and fast absorbing SPF ensures your skin is protected without clogging it up.

Sunscreen Solutions for Blemish-Prone Skin and Dry and Combination Skin

If you’ve got combination skin or are finding it’s dry or blemish-prone, hydrating options can help soothe as well as hydrate. Blemish-prone skin will benefit from non-comedogenic options, while people with dry skin should look for formulas enriched with moisturising agents. So, as you choose a sunscreen for combination skin, look for lightweight sunscreens that hydrate without increasing oiliness.

Advanced Sun Protection with Kiehl's 

Debunking Sunscreen Myths

Even if you don’t spend a lot of time outdoors or you’re more prone to tanning than burning, SPF is important. One common misconception is that dark skin doesn’t need sunscreen, but the reality is that the health and texture of dark skin can still be damaged by sun exposure.

This holds true even in the winter months; the sun can still strike even if it’s chilly or looks overcast.

Another big misconception is that those with vitamin D deficiency should forgo sunscreen to try and soak up some extra rays. While sunscreen can, of course, block sunlight, there are other ways to boost vitamin D levels such as supplements or dietary changes.

Sun Care Tips

Once you’ve chosen your perfect sunscreen, make sure you’re getting the most of it with the correct application. Your sunscreen for your face should be applied before your makeup (but after your moisturiser) and needs time to absorb before you go out into the sun. Remember to top-up throughout the day, roughly every two hours depending on your activities. 

Choosing the right sunscreen for your skin type can help improve your skin’s appearance while ensuring you get maximum protection. Take a look at the full range of Kiehl’s sun protection products and SPF skincare to find the one that matches your needs.