Personalized Protection: The Best SPF-Packed Sunscreen for Your Skin Type

If there’s something to never leave home without—aside from your cell phone and keys, of course—it’s sunscreen. Wearing a sunscreen every day—with a broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher—is a key step in your daily skin care routine, even on cloudy days. SPF is the only way to help protect your skin against the harsh, damaging effects of UV rays—among them, wrinkles, dark spots, and more serious consequences like skin cancer. While important for everyone, sunscreen isn’t always a one-sized fits all product. Instead of grabbing the nearest tube at your local convenience store next time you need to restock your sunscreen, try one that’s tailor-made for your specific skin type needs. We share our favorite facial sunscreens—for dry, normal, sensitive and oily skin—below:

Sunscreen for Dry Skin

When it comes to sunscreen for dry skin we love SkinCeuticals’ Physical UV Defense SPF 30. Created for the very dry, sensitive skin that some women experience post-procedure, this hydrating sunscreen moisturizes while it protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Plus, its protein-rich formula may even help improve skin barrier function.

Sunscreen for Normal Skin

When you’re a woman with normal skin, you’ve got your pick of the litter. When looking for a sunscreen, opt for one that pulls double-duty—read: a BB Cream. We love Lancôme’s Bienfait Teinté Beauty Balm. The antioxidant and vitamin-enriched BB Cream comes in six different shades and provides the skin with lasting moisture and lightweight, natural-looking coverage.

Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin needs a little extra TLC and for this skin type, we love La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios 50 Mineral Tinted Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid. This lightly tinted sunscreen is both paraben- and fragrance-free, making it a great option for sensitive skin.

Sunscreen for Oily Skin

The last thing you want to do is slather oily skin with an oil-based product. Instead, look for a broad-spectrum, oil-free alternative—like Vichy’s Idéal Capital Soleil SPF 45—that offers a silky, dry-touch finish.

After you’ve found the best SPF for your skin type, remember to apply and re-apply often for the best—and most protective—results!