How to choose the best sunscreen for oily skin that really works

When it comes to skincare, there are different needs of different skin types and one can pick and choose the most essential products for their daily routine. However, there’s one product that you CANNOT ignore, no matter what type of skin you have or what skin problems you’re juggling with. Yes, you guessed it right: it is a good sunscreen formula. Having a go-to, everyday sunscreen is absolutely non-negotiable and in this article, you’ll read about the benefits, correct application, and how to choose the best sunscreen for oily skin that actually works, without adding more weight to the skin.

 Benefits of using a sunscreen

There is always a lot of talk of investing in beauty serums and anti-aging skincare to keep the health score of your skin up and keep it looking young and fresh. The simplest thing, however, one can do in this regard is actually pretty simple- use a good sunscreen religiously every single day. The main function includes protecting your skin from harmful exposure to the UV rays of the sun and keeping them from penetrating your epidermis and creating skin problems and disorders. Here are all the ways that sunscreen comes to your skin’s rescue:

Fights visible signs of agingPrevents hyperpigmentation and sunspotsReduces the risk of skin cancerProtects skin from inflammation, redness and sunburnsMaintains the overall health of your skin

How to choose the best sunscreen for oily skin?

People with oily skin always have a tendency to skip out on moisturizers and sunscreens (especially during the hotter months) out of fear of making their skin appear oily and greasy. While it’s true that certain sunscreens do feel heavy on the skin (after all, they are creating an impenetrable, protective shield on your face), the trick lies in choosing the correct formula for your skin type. There are so many different types of sunscreens available in market: some are cream or lotion based which are more suitable for dry skin and, some are water or gel based, that don’t clog the pores of your skin and are ideal for oily skin. You will also find sunscreen oils, balms and foam formulations and even makeup products with SPF. One might need to do a little bit of hit and trial to see what kind of formula is working best for them.

Another factor to keep in mind while choosing a sunscreen is the SPF. You must have observed different sunscreen product packaging mentioning different SPF (Sun Protection Factor) values. For day-to-day usage, a minimum of SPF 30 is ideal. If your skin is extra sensitive and prone to sun damage, don’t think twice before picking up a product with SPF 40 or 50. If you spend most of your time outdoors, SPF 60 is ideal for your skin. *Tip: Most of us don’t use enough sunscreen or reapply it throughout the day so a higher SPF generally helps in making up for that.

In conclusion, the primary factor while choosing the best sunscreen for oily skin should be the formula, one that doesn’t add more oil to your skin and trigger breakouts.

How to apply sunscreen cream for oily skin for best results?

One of the most common doubts when it comes to applying sunscreen is what order to apply it in. To solve it once and for all, remember to put the sunscreen on a cleansed face, right before your moisturizer. It is also advised to dot the product directly on your face to allow maximum and even absorption. Another important thing to remember is to apply sunscreen daily (and ideally re-apply twice or thrice a day), irrespective of whether you’re going out or not because UV rays penetrate through your home’s glass windows as well. *Tip: Apply the sunscreen 15-20 minutes before stepping out for it to start doing its work on time.

What are some of the best sunscreens for oily skin in India?

 There is various sunscreen creams for oily skin available in the market. You can choose between different formulas, different SPFs as well as opt between chemical and organic products. Here are 5 of the best sunscreen for oily skin that won’t feel sticky or greasy on your skin and provide effective protection from the sun:

 1. Lakme Sun Expert Ultra Matte Gel SPF 50

A very popular product, this Lakme sunscreen for oily skin blocks up to 97% harmful UVB sun rays. The ultra-matte texture glides and spreads evenly onto the skin and feels very light and oil-free. The thin formula makes this Lakme sunscreen for oily skin ideal for everyday use.

2. Cheryl's Cosmeceuticals DermaShade Spray SPF 30

This antioxidant-rich sunscreen spray comes with dual benefits of sun protection as well as anti-aging properties. Active anti-oxidants such as Vitamin C and E prevent free radical damage and natural ingredients like sunflower, yogurt, aloe vera, and olive leaf keep the skin healthy and glowing.

 3. Kama Ayurveda Natural Sun Protection SPF 21

Containing naturally originating UV protectants such as Zinc Dioxide, this daily sun lotion from Kama is a blessing for oily skin. Natural glycerin and olive oil hydrate the skin without making it greasy while nutmeg-ginger-lime essential oils leave a fresh scent that lingers throughout the day.

4. Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+

This product is meant for oily skin and leaves it dry to touch and gives the skin a matte finish. This non-clogging, non-comedogenic formula comes with a special technology that allows its active ingredients to stay stable in the harsh sun and protect your skin against both UVA and UVB rays.

 5. Clinique Super City Block SPF 40

This oil-free offering from Clinique is great for daily use and comes with a light, weightless sheer formula and can even be used as a primer under your makeup. This product is particularly great for extra sensitive skin as it is free of parabens, phthalates and artificial fragrance.

So now you know everything about choosing the right sunscreen cream for oily skin and its correct application. We hope this article helps you find the best sunscreen for oily skin in India and these tips make a positive difference to your skin!