How To Choose An SPF Product For Oily Skin
The sunscreen industry has really stepped up its game in the past few years, leading to the development of specialized SPF skincare for any skin type!
If you have oily skin, finding the right product that will both provide protection from harmful UV rays and keep your skin looking satiny instead of greasy is important.
The best sunscreen is the one that you will actually use, so it’s worth it to invest in the products that suit you the best and make you feel great.
There are a few important factors to consider when evaluating skin care products for oily skin. The active ingredients are just as important as the inactive, or supporting, ones.
CHEMICAL OR MINERAL?
The two main types of SPF products are chemical and mineral.
When mineral sunscreen is applied to the skin, it begins working immediately because it creates a physical barrier between the sun and the skin. Zinc oxide and titanium oxide create a thin coating of sun-reflecting protection on top of the skin, preventing the UV rays from even getting into the layers of skin underneath.
Meanwhile, chemical sunscreen requires 15-25 minutes to soak into the skin so it can perform its sun-blocking duties properly. The chemicals soak into the skin, and from there they absorb the UV rays that also get into the skin. The chemical sunscreen transforms the UV light into heat which then escapes out of the skin into the air.
Both types of sunscreen have pros and cons when it comes to oily skin, and it largely depends on the supporting ingredients that are alongside the active sun-blocking ones.
Chemical Pros and Cons
The pros of chemical sunscreens in oily skin care are that, because the chemicals are specifically designed to soak into the skin rather than sit on top, they are less likely to leave a greasy look.
Chemical sunscreens tend to have a lighter weight and feel to them when applied to the skin, especially formulas made specifically for the face. It may also be easier to find non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) chemical formulas than mineral ones.
This type of SPF absorbs in, blending well into the skin, and leaving a silky feeling behind. Many formulas are oil-free, so they do not contribute to more oil on the skin.
The cons of chemical sunscreen are that some of the chemicals that block the sun can be irritating to the skin, causing even more oil production in some people. Additionally, some UV-blocking ingredients have been shown to be harmful to people and the environment, and for other ingredients, further testing is needed.
Aerosolised sunscreen sprays contain harmful chemicals as well.
Mineral Pros and Cons
Mineral sunscreens are generally safer than chemical sunscreens in terms of toxicity in the body and in the environment.
Many mineral sunscreens are also non-comedogenic, and the zinc and titanium oxides can create a mattifying effect (with the right formula) to help reduce the appearance of oil. Included ingredients like clay can help create that matte effect and absorb excess oils.
Mineral SPF can be applied as a powder, which is especially helpful for reapplication throughout the day on top of makeup.
The cons of mineral sunscreen for oily skin are that many formulas do tend to be thick and greasy. They might not blend into the skin well, and they can potentially make oily skin look even more oily. Also, mineral sunscreens are likely to leave a white cast behind, especially on oily skin. This is especially noticeable on darker skin tones.
Choosing The Right Sunscreen For Your Skin
There is diversity within the oily skin classification. Some people need ingredients with “drying” qualities to absorb oil, and some people find that that just makes their skin even more oily. It might take some experimentation to find the right product for your unique skin.
But, you can begin your search by choosing formulations made especially for oily skin that contain ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, clay, and dimethicone. You will also want to avoid sunscreen that contains added oils like jojoba and soybean oil, as these oils can just be too much when used as frequently as SPF should be used.
The best way to wear your sunscreen with ease when you have oily skin is to pair it with oily skin products during the other steps in your skincare routine.
Be sure to cleanse and moisturize with the right products that help keep your oil production under control, and this will help you feel more confident with whichever SPF products you choose.
No matter your skin type, it’s important to wear SPF every day, even if you don’t plan on being outdoors. The light that comes in through the windows can also damage your skin. Reapply SPF every 2-3 hours for the best protection, and wear SPF of at least 30.
Keeping your skin safe with SPF is vital and can help you ward off wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer.
