Let’s be honest. Sunscreen is not the easiest beauty product to love. It doesn’t deliver the same satisfaction an exfoliating scrub or the wow factor of a mascara that takes short, stubby lashes, and transform them into a full-on vavavoom. Plus, there’s that greasy finish and chalky residue — both of which have a tendency to cause clogged pores. Or is there?
If you consider protecting yourself from the sun more of a chore rather than a necessary step in your skincare regimen, chances are you just haven’t found the best one for your skin type. To save you from the sun damage that could be aging you, we’re rounded up our top picks for each skin type:
Normal Skin
Lucky you, if you fall under the normal skin type! You can basically use anything — except there’s several caveats. Try to opt for a coverage of at least SPF 30 daily, and higher SPF options for longer days in the sun. It should ideally be a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB sun damage.
SK-II Whitening Source Derm Definition UV Lotion is powered with SPF 50/ PA+++ to shelter your skin against UVA and UVB rays. Enriched with skin brightening and moisturizing agents, this brightening UV protector also prevents signs of aging such as dark spots caused by UV rays. With a creamy texture that leaves a smooth, non-greasy finish, your skin is intensely moisturized and protected from free radicals and other environmental stresses.
$88 (was $113), VIIMART.com (use code “GSS” at checkout to enjoy further 20% off storewide in June)
Dry Skin
The more liquid-y it is, the better off you are. Look for something that implies moisture and hydration as opposed to dry formulas. Try to opt for a daily moisturizer with SPF built in to provide added sun protection while you hydrate dry skin, or, choose a liquid-based sunscreen that spreads evenly under your make-up or facial moisturizer.
Innisfree Perfect UV Protection Essence Water Base is a refreshing and moisturizing sun protection essence that glides on effortlessly onto skin. Infused with sunflower oil and Jeju’s green tea, skin is protected against UV damage with SPF 50+ PA+++. That’s not all — the popular moisturizing ingredient, hyaluronic acid and ceramide provides abundant moisture to keep your skin moisturized and refreshed. For skin that has been exposed to environmental damage, it also helps to soothe skin.
$20 (was $23), VIIMART.com (use code “GSS” at checkout to enjoy further 20% off storewide in June)
Combination/ Oily Skin
It’s never fun to have shiny skin, but it’s even worse in Singapore, when sweat joins and you’re stuck with it. With combination/oily complexions, active ingredients matter less — it’s the formulation that’s key. If the greasiness is something that bothers you, opt for one with a matte finish and is non-comedogenic to avoid clogged pores and breakouts.
Avène High Protection Cleanance Sunscreen is a lightweight, mattifying sun protection fluid that hydrates and mattifies combination/oily, acne-prone skin and/or sensitive skin. With long-lasting stability and efficacy of SPF 50+, it offers high protection against UVA and UVB rays with no white residue. The presence of Avène’s iconic Thermal Spring Water provides extra soothing and anti-irritation while regulating excess oil.
$31.90 ($39.90), VIIMART.com (use code “GSS” at checkout to enjoy further 20% off storewide in June)
Sensitive Skin
Sunscreen can be real tricky here — there’s never an “in-between” product, it’s either a hit or miss. A rule of thumb for protecting sensitive skin: the fewer chemicals, the better. Opting for SPF options without skin irritants like alcohol, parabens and mineral oil helps prevent skin from erupting into redness, irritation and stinging.
Crème Simon Daily Defense UV Protector is a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen with SPF 50 PA++++ protection against UVA and UVB rays that isn’t oily nor sticky. With over 90% natural ingredients (none of the nasty chemicals listed above), it also acts as a moisturizing make-up primer to even skin tone for an anti-dullness effect.
$68, VIIMART.com (use code “GSS” at checkout to enjoy further 20% off storewide in June)
