Find the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin Type

We all know the benefits of wearing sunscreen. You protect your skin from harmful UV rays and reduce the risk of getting skin cancer.

But even with all the education available to people about the need to wear sunscreen everyday, many have not yet caught on for the simple negative stigma sunscreen on your face often carries in some people's minds. The most common stigma is that sunscreen is oily and adds unnecessary grease to your face. Other people feel that sunscreen does not moisturize in the same way as a regular moisturizer and to put regular lotion plus suntan lotion on is too much of a burden.

But the cost-benefit of wearing sunscreen on your face far outweighs the possible burden. Plus, as more cosmetic companies get on board and manufacture their own versions of sunscreen, the more possibilities you have to find a sunscreen that fits with your skin type.

Here is a list of lotions that work with a variety of skin types and hopefully you can find that works just right with the chemistry of your skin type.

Oily Skin
Heavy-Duty: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 100+ Neutrogena was probably one of the first mainstream, drugstore lines that began carrying sunscreen specifically made for the sensitive facial area. You can put this on, and your skin will quickly absorb it without leaving behind any sort of residue or buildup. It doesn't have any irritating fragrance, but if you're ultra-sensitive to fragrances - this does have a very light scent to it like that of traditional sunscreen.

I say this is heavy duty, because of the SPF number. If you don't plan on spending most of the day outside, you may not need to go for such a high SPF that is waterproof and contains helioplex.
Price: $8 at any drug store

Clarifying: DERMAdoctor Ain't Misbehavin' is good if you've got breakouts that need to be taken care of, but you still want protection from the sun. Key ingredients such as witch hazel and willow bark will take care of your blemishes, while also blocking out the sun with an SPF 30 formula.

I wouldn't say that this is good as a stand-alone, get rid of your acne medication. In fact, you should probably use your regular cleansers or topical products to address that, but this is a good sunscreen that is sensitive to those with breakouts. I would also carry around oil blotting papers to use throughout the day.
Price: $30 at www.dermadoctor.com

Moisturizing: Aveda Dual Nature Face Protection SPF 15. While I don't particularly care for the price tag, Aveda's Dual Nature sunscreen does do the trick for those blessed with the oily yet dry skin combination. Sometimes you just have to fork over a little more to get the right product for your skin chemistry.

This is oil free and non-comedogenic. It doesn't clog your pores but does provide moisture relief to thirsty skin. This is good if you sit in an office all day since the SPF is kind of low.
Price: $60 at Aveda (malls or lifestyle centers)

Breakout Prone: Chanel UV Essentiel is good if you tend to breakout on your face. Chanel addresses uneven skin tones, while also protecting your skin from the sun. This goes on so smoothly and leaves a matte finish that can allow you to skip the added layer of foundation (or can be worn under foundation). It is extremely light-weight and doesn't feel greasy. The price is another thing though. If you have the money to regularly splurge on $48 sunscreen, then by all means....
Price: $48 at makeup counters

Sensitive Skin
Redness/Irritation: Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 is good for those with skin that irritates easily. If you tend to be allergic to most products or you skin is already irritated from something (like a rash), this is the right sunscreen for you. (In fact any sort of skin irritation can usually be soothed by an Aveeno product).

This sunscreen contains ingredients such as oatmeal and soy which work to sooth skin that is irritated (possibly from excessive dryness). An added plus, is that it is oil free.
Price: $17 at any drug store

Back to Basics: Coppertone Water Babies sunscreen can be good for some people with sensitive skin for similar reasons to why some people with sensitive hair often use Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo. It does not have much of a fragrance and can be a low-priced start if you're just beginning the search for a good sunscreen. Apply sparingly as it isn't necessarily meant for the face, but it is gentle on those with sensitive facial skin. The additional plus is that you will be able to find high SPF for meaningful protection from the sun's rays.
Price: $8 at any drug store

High Protection: Vanicream Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 36 to 60 is good for those looking specifically for something with a high SPF. Most sensitive skin sunscreens come in the SPF 15 range, which is fine if you're indoors most of the day. But, if you're not, try Vanicream.

It doesn't have fragrances or dyes that often trigger skin irritation. Plus, the formula specifically contains transparent zin oxide and other ingredients that eliminate that white film that some sunscreens can leave behind on your face (often telling that you're wearing sunscreen).
Price: $15 at www.dermadoctor.com

Utility: Clinique Sun-Care Lip/Eye Stick SPF 30 is something I'm sure other companies will eventually come out with, because it just make sense. The solid-form sunscreen comes in stick form making it easy to transport everywhere and easy enough to slick more on if necessary. This product is made especially for the lip and eye areas, which are ultra-sensitive as compared to other areas of your face. In dry times, we often resort to slathering on our regular chapstick to compensate, but at least with this formula you are also addressing the sun issue.
Price: $16.50 at any makeup counter or Sephora

Dry Skin
Sensitive: Eucerin Extra Protective Moisture Lotion SPF 30. Eucerin products are good for anyone with sensitive skin conditions, period. But the fact that the company now offers sunscreen is a new bonus for those with seriously dry skin. This one is made especially for the face - unlike those combo face and body lotions out there today. And just like its line of regular moisturizers, this one is thick enough to wipe out dryness, but does not leave an oily film behind that screams to everyone you're overcompensating. I say this is the drug store equivalent to pricier moisturizer-sunscreen lotions out there today.
Price: $10 at any drug store

Wrinkles Away: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Lotion. Everyone, including dermatologists, rave about La Roche-Posay. The secret ingredient that sets this sunscreen apart from others? It's something called Mexoryl that acts as a shield from the sun to fight off UVA rays (which cause wrinkles).

This one is especially good for those with dry skin because I've noticed that it works well in places like Las Vegas where it is a particularly dry climate without creating extra weight on your face. It's a little bit pricey, but easy to find at just about any drugstore.
Price: $26 at any drug store

Added Protection: Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion is good for everyday use if you are not exposed to the sun all day. What's great is that fights off both UVA and UVB rays (many sunscreens only take care of the UVB rays) and has antioxidants and amino-peptides to prevent aging from the sun.

There's a light fragrance from this, but nothing overwhelming or irritating. However, if you have ultra-sensitive skin, you may want to stear clear of this
Price: $17 at any drug store