No matter what type of skin you have, everyone should take care of your skin from the harmful UV rays. But unlike normal skin, it’s not as easy to find an UV sunscreen that will work well for oily skin. Among people with oily skin, many avoid the sunscreen and risk of creating oil and breakouts. This reluctance is a dangerous sun protection gap for whom it is hardest to protect, since oily skin is every bit as prone to sun damage, premature aging and skin cancer as oil-free skin.
The good news is that the good skin has taken this trend by the nose, also formulating skincare for oily skin types. The purpose of this article is to find out what to think of when choosing sunscreen for oily skin, to get products that effectively protect its skin from sun damage, but don’t increase its sweat gland production at the same time.
Learning about Oily Skin and Suntan Problems
Excess sebum is produced by oil skin because of active sebaceous glands. It’s a natural oil with fending off skin damage — too much of it, however, can cause a shiny complexion, acne or enlarged pores. Heavy occlusive sunscreens often just compound these issues by creating an environment on the skin’s surface that traps oil underneath and is then hard left for breakouts.
If you are aiming to purchase a sunscreen for oily skin, the aim is to hunt a formula that preserves an acceptable measure of UV cover without desobliging your skin. An oily skin concern product should be controlled shine and light in weight, not clog pores, and the better the product, the more it will have to offer in other way for oily skin needs.
Top Things to Look For in Oily Skin Sunscreen
Oil-Absorbing Ingredients
Ideally, the best sunscreen for oily skin has ingredients that can absorb excess oil throughout the day. Products with silica, an excellent oil absorbing substance that doesn’t feel heavy, should be looked for. Besides kaolin or bentonite, clay minerals are good for controlling shine without drying out the skin.
Mattifying Agents
Ingredients found in ‘mattifying’ sunscreens reduce shine and are what make layered sunscreens labeled as ‘mattifying.’ These formulations commonly consist of silicones or powders that offer a smooth matte finish on the face. The microspheres of many modern oily skin sunscreens absorb oil and diffuse light thus minimizing the shine that is typical of oily skin.
Non-Comedogenic Formulations
In a sunscreen for oily skin, perhaps the most critical feature to find are non comedogenic formulation. The word with this term refers to the product that you can specifically found not to clog the pores thereby reducing the risk of breakouts. While “non comedogenic” doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t have issues, these products usually don’t contain ingredients that are typically heavy and pore clogging in traditional sunscreens.
Light Hydrators
Even oily skin needs hydration. Try to find sunscreens with lightweight moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin. They are humectants that pull in water into the skin without adding oil and compensate for normal moisture loss, without adding oil that contributes to shine.
Chemical vs. Mineral Sunscreens for Oily Skin
Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and converts them to heat. Most formulations are lighter on the skin, are more easy to blend and don’t leave a white cast – perfect for daily use. Modern gel or fluid chemical sunscreens for oily skin tend to be matte; many of them dry to the touch.
Chemical sunscreens have their advantages if oily skin is the concern — they are usually lighter feel, easier to use and more invisible applied. Yet, certain chemical filters may cause a flare up of sensitive skin or worsen acne in some individuals.
Mineral Sunscreens
Mineral (physical) sunscreens simply create a physical barrier to keep the UV rays away from your skin. Normally, the active ingredients, usually zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, sit on the surface of the skin. Newer formulations have addressed the heavier more likely to leave a white cast, micronized particles and tinted options.
For oily acne prone or sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens are more apt to be less likely to irritate or cause breakouts. For healthy oiled skin, dermatologists recommend using mineral options for those who suffer from inflammatory acne or rosacea.
Sunscreen Formats Best Suited for Oily Skin
Gel and Gel-Cream Formulations
Hot news in the world of oily skin types is that gel sunscreens have made sun protection a piece of cake. Looking almost weightless on the skin, these water based formulations are effective without feeling wet and greasy. Drying quickly to a non sticky finish, oil controlling ingredients are usually part of the formula. Both gel-creams and hybrids provide a bit more hydration that oily skin craves while still being easy to apply.
Oil-Free Lotions
There are oil free lotions that are specially made to cater to the need of an oily skinned individual. They offer a nice balance of protection without feel too greasy. The products typically choose lighter moisturizers that aren’t exacerbating of the oiliness.
Powder Sunscreens
Powder sunscreens, on the other hand, offer a good option for touchups during the day without disturbing makeup or adding additional layers. Mineral UV filters provide these convenient products in a loose or pressed powder format for easy application and to absorb excess oil.
Additional Beneficial Ingredients
Niacinamide
For oily skin, supplemental benefits are available in sunscreens containing niacinamide. This ingredient has strong sebum regulation properties, can solidify the skin barrier and reduce enlarged pore appearance, making this ingredient perfect to be incorporated into sunscreens for oily skin.
Salicylic Acid
Some sunscreens that are made for oily skin also contain low concentration of salicylic acid, which helps in exfoliating inside the pores and breakages that could lead to clogging and blemishes. These sun protecting sun screens address frequent oily concerns in an active approach.
Antioxidants
Sunscreens containing antioxidants such as vitamin E, green tea extract or resveratrol should be looked for. These ingredients also have added environmental protection and soothing benefits that can aid in managing the inflammation associated with oily, acne prone skin.
Conclusion
Finding the right sunscreen for oily skin may take some trial and error, but the payoff is worth it for the health and all around appearance of your skin. The best oily skin sunscreen is one that offers the protective factor yet is lightweight, noncomedogenic and won’t increase shine or trigger breakouts.
When choosing a sunscreen for oily skin, oil free, non comedogenic and with mattifying properties will be priority. Assess your skin’s specific needs and select products that are tailored to address concerns such as acne control, redness reduction, extreme oil control and sun protection.