Clean Sunscreen For Your Skin Type
Wearing an SPF is a must, however finding one that suits your skin type and tone isn’t always easy. We have found the best clean sunscreen for your skin type in this handy, quick guide.
We used to believe that sunscreen was just needed for sunny days. When you live in the UK or any country where the clouds are almost omnipresent, what’s even the point of applying an SPF? We are not ashamed to admit how very wrong we were! Having learnt that applying sunscreen (of at least SPF 30) should be a daily habit, as much as applying a moisturiser daily, if not more crucial.
An appropriate SPF protects your skin from the UV rays, which are still present even when the sun is not hitting your body and face. Not only does it minimise the risk of itchy sunburn, but it protects you from skin cancer (first and foremost!), and premature signs of ageing. Every single skin type will benefit from wearing an SPF, darker skin tones are just as susceptible to damage as paler tones. Applying sunscreen from an early age and onwards, is one of the best steps you can take to age naturally and gracefully. UVB rays are mostly responsible for sunburn and redness, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, causing lines and wrinkles. Did you know that UV rays can get to your skin even on cloudy days?
Know Your Skin Type
At the same time, finding the perfect sunscreen is a tricky job. We’re constantly reminded of those extra greasy, chalky looking, and pore-clogging formulas our parents used to smear on our skin as kids. However, SPFs have come a long way in the last few years. There are now so many different textures and formulas tailored to each skin type, as well as sheer options that won’t leave a white cast on darker skin tones. So here are our recommendations for clean, but effective sun protection, considering every skincare need. Is your skin oily, or sensitive? Maybe you class your skin as mature or prone to redness? Do you prefer a sheer sunscreen without a white cast? Or are you one of those lucky people that can put anything on? Whatever your ask, we have got you covered (pun intended).
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Best Sunscreen For Your Skin Type
Oily Skin
This one is a must for oily skin, or for skin types that tend to break out when using SPFs. It will not only leave you with zero shine, it will actually prevent it. This is a bestselling product from Ren Skincare, and offers UVA/UVB and blue light protection, with added antioxidants and a vegan, naturally derived formula. This 22% non-nano naturally derived zinc oxide formula provides protection from sun damage, cancer, and skin ageing. It is formulated for daily use, the zinc oxide sits gently on the skin’s surface as a barrier against sun damage and won’t clog pores, cause allergies or irritate sensitive skin. Yellow Passion Fruit protects from pollution, while Rice Extract leaves an all-day matte finish.
Dry Skin
This is one of skincare instant classics. It’s a clean, light-coverage, tinted mineral SPF 40 serum with great coverage and shade range. It’s a brilliant hybrid product, as it’s a serum that works as a light foundation too. This tinted SPF has a one of a kind formula that fuses skincare, makeup, and sun protection into one step. ILIA Skin Tint features SPF 40 coverage with mineral non-nano zinc oxide to shield skin from UVA, UVB, UVC, blue light, and infrared rays. It’s created with a blend of hyaluronic acids, plant-based squalene, and niacinamide that evens skin tone and softens fine lines. All of this makes it extremely moisturising and has a dewy finish. Plus it doesn’t contain coconut oil, which for many can cause breakouts and acne.
Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, £39.10, ILIA at Content Beauty
Sheer Sunscreen With No White Cast
This formula is perfect for those with darker skin tones that need an effective sunscreen with zero white cast. This sun protection cream is made by women of colour for people of colour. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, reef safe and natural. Black Girl Sunscreen have succeeded in creating a sunscreen for everyday use for every skin type, filled with natural ingredients. The sunscreen dries completely clear, so it’s perfect to use before any outdoor activity or even under your favourite makeup products. The SPF is also free from oxybenzone and octinoxate which are known to disrupt normal hormone function. The addition of avocado moisturises your skin and reduces signs of ageing. Soothing jojoba is also effective at treating sunburn, while hydrating and moisturising the skin.
Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, £19.99, Black Girl Sunscreen at Yard + Parish
Mature Skin
This intensely hydrating broad spectrum mineral sun offers protection suitable for both face and body. An SPF 50 is appropriate if you are looking to minimise sun damage as much as possible, and it has anti-ageing properties with immediate protection. The formula is coral and ocean safe too. It’s a sunscreen that strives to shield the complexion from harmful UVA and UVB rays as it nourishes and hydrates thirsty skin. This is because it’s formulated with a range of antioxidant-packed ingredients including; rosehip and calendula, aloe vera, and nourishing shea butter. Mineral protection is delivered by the inclusion of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which defend against UV rays that may be harming your skin.
Cellular Protection Sunscreen SPF 50, £39.95, The Organic Pharmacy
Sensitive
Named after a short-lived experiment to add a little extra sunshine to the British summer by moving the clocks forward an extra hour, this clean sunscreen is a good option for those who usually find wearing sunscreens irritating. The non-greasy, non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen is perfect for sensitive skin, and protects against UVA + UVB. It even sits comfortably under makeup. This is a reef-friendly formula making it great for a beach vacation too. As with the other options, it boasts blue-light and infra-red protection as well.
Combination Skin
This scent free sun cream from Green People is suitable for all skin types, even the very tricky combination skin type. In fact, it’s water repellent but non pore-clogging formula allows your skin to breathe. The effective, broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protection is easy-to-apply and it’s even suitable for sensitive skin & those prone to prickly heat. Organic aloe vera, green tea & edelweiss ingredients are rich in natural antioxidants to protect delicate skin. We love that this reef-safe sunscreen has a fully recyclable, renewable sugarcane packaging too, farmed on sustainable land and completely carbon-neutral. Green People is well known for supporting the Marine Conservation Society, the UK charity protecting our seas, shores & wildlife. 20p will be donated to the Marine Conservation Society from each sale of this product.
Normal Skin
This 4-in-1 multitasking BB cream blends zinc broad spectrum SPF 30 mineral coverage, and powerful antioxidant rich apple, grape and aloe botanical juices for a radiant, protected, even toned complexion. This SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Moisturizer is designed for all skin types but is beneficial for normal, dry or mature skin. A few lighter shades are available in the BB range too but we recommend the Sheer formula for darker skin tones. Its hydrating properties derive from organic plant oils of coconut, sunflower, jojoba, and plant-derived hyaluronic acid. Juice Beauty reef safe sunscreens are formulated without chemical SPF ingredients such as oxybenzone, which have been banned in Hawaii and Florida for harming coral reefs.
SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Moisturiser BB Cream, £30, Juice Beauty
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Disclaimer: The content of this article is for general advice only and should not be used as a substitute for professional healthcare or beauty advice. We make every effort to ensure we only recommend safe products however you should always do a patch test when trying new products. This post may contain affiliate links.
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