How To Choose The Best SPF For Your Skin Concern
January 1 | 3 minute read
Words by MECCA Memo
Now that’s settled, let's talk about SPF for your skin type and concern. Not too long ago, it was almost impossible to find a sunscreen that offered serious sun protection while also giving your complexion exactly what it needed – whether that was an extra dose of moisture for dry or dehydrated skin, or a mattifying effect for those veering into oily or combination-skin territory.
Today, innovation in sunscreen ingredients, formula, texture and finishes means there's now an SPF for every face and skin type. So, that excuse you had about sunscreen making you shiny or drying you out? No longer.
Here's how to find the right sunscreen for your skin concern.
Best Sunscreen for Dehydration
Your formula fit: Something in a cream form that you'll be able to layer over your regular moisturiser – this will give your skin a double hit of moisture, with a dewy and supple finish (perfect for under makeup). If you want to top up during the day, an SPF mist can do double duty by both hydrating and protecting.
Try:
Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral Face Crème
MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum
Naked Sundays SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Mist
Best Sunscreen for Pigmentation
Ingredients to look for: You have options! Choose a chemical or physical (also known as mineral) sunscreen, and it's up to you whether your SPF is spiked with additional skincare ingredients or not. The most important thing when treating pigmentation? Wear sunscreen every day!
Your formula fit: Take your pick – gel, lotion, serum or cream. You might want to customise the formula and finish depending on the seasons; maybe that's a lighter one in hot weather, and a thicker formula for the cooler months. Or choose based on your plans for the day – perhaps a mattifying SPF if you’re outdoors, or a radiance-enhancing finish if you’re off to brunch.
Try:
MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen
Go-To Nifty Fifty
Best Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin
Ingredients to look for: You'll want ingredients that will target and reduce skin's sebum (natural oil) production and ensure your pores aren’t clogged. Think: niacinamide, tea tree oil or chamomile. Formulas with white willow bark will help control shine and reduce the appearance of pores.
Your formula fit: A chemical sunscreen that’s lightweight and absorbs quickly; anything too heavy won't play nice with your skin. Also look for a matte or semi-matte finish, to tamp down greasiness and excess shine.
Try:
MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum Matte
MECCA MAX SCREEN SAVER SPF30
Best Sunscreen for Sensitivity
Ingredients to look for: Choose sunscreens made with proven skin soothers, like panthenol, madecassoside (made from Centella asiatica) or allantoin to keep skin calm and collected. Bonus points if they’re dermatologically tested.
Your formula fit: Fragrance and alcohol-free is paramount, and this skin type generally prefers a mineral or physical sunscreen, where the active ingredients (zinc oxide and titanium oxide) shouldn’t burn or sting the eyes and are not likely to cause a reaction.
Try:
Go-To Nifty Fifty Mineral
Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed.
