5 Ways to Choose Sunscreen for Dry Skin & Its Recommendations

Dry skin often requires extra care, especially when exposed to sunlight. Choosing the right sunscreen is an important step to maintain skin moisture while protecting it from UV exposure.

This article will help you understand how to choose the right sunscreen for dry skin, including essential tips for skincare to keep it healthy and hydrated.

Causes of Dry Skin

Before choosing sunscreen, it’s important to understand the factors that can cause dry skin. By understanding the causes, you can select products that help prevent further dryness.

1. Cold Weather and Dry Air

Cold weather and dry air, whether due to seasonal changes or air exposure from AC, can reduce the skin’s natural moisture. This happens because cold temperatures reduce the production of natural oils on the skin's surface. As a result, the skin loses water more easily, making it dry and prone to irritation.

2. Excessive Sun Exposure

Exposure to UV rays from the sun can also damage the skin's protective layer. When this layer is disrupted, the skin will lose moisture, causing face skin to appear dull and dry. Sunscreen helps prevent this effect, but it’s important to choose a sunscreen that doesn’t further dry out the skin.

Also Read: Sunscreen Functions and Benefits for Skin Health

3. Inappropriate Product Ingredients

Some skincare products contain harsh ingredients like alcohol, fragrances, or astringents. These ingredients tend to reduce the skin’s natural moisture and worsen dry skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Choosing products free from these ingredients will greatly benefit skin health.

4. Over-Exfoliating

Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, but if done too frequently or with harsh products, it can cause the skin to become dry and irritated. Excessive exfoliation strips away the natural oil layer on the skin’s surface, which helps retain moisture.

5. Not Drinking Enough Water

Hydration balance in the body significantly affects skin health. When the body is dehydrated, the skin also loses moisture because water plays an essential role in maintaining skin elasticity and firmness from the inside. Make sure to drink enough water daily to support skin hydration.

6. Aging Factors

As you age, the production of natural skin oils tends to decrease. This causes the skin to become drier and more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. Moisturizing products, including sunscreens with moisturizing ingredients, can help maintain skin health even as natural oil production declines.

Also Read: Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

Types of Sunscreens

There are three main types of sunscreen you can choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Knowing these types can help you find the best one for dry skin.

1. Mineral Sunscreen (Physical Sunscreen)

Mineral or physical sunscreens work by forming a protective layer on the skin that reflects UV rays. They usually contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are relatively safe and rarely cause irritation, making them a good option for sensitive skin. For dry skin, choose a mineral sunscreen that also contains moisturizing ingredients to keep the skin hydrated.

2. Organic Sunscreen (Chemical Sunscreen)

Organic or chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat, which is then released from the skin. Common ingredients in chemical sunscreens include avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone. This type of sunscreen typically has a lightweight texture and is quickly absorbed. However, for some people with sensitive or dry skin, it can cause irritation. Be sure to choose a chemical sunscreen free of alcohol or harsh fragrances to avoid drying out the skin.

3. Hybrid Sunscreen

Hybrid sunscreens combine both physical and chemical sunscreen methods. They provide protection by reflecting and absorbing UV rays simultaneously. Hybrid sunscreens often offer optimal protection with a comfortable texture on the skin. For those with dry skin, a hybrid sunscreen containing moisturizing ingredients can be an ideal choice because it offers both protection and hydration.

You can also read some other articles from L'Occitane related to “How to Choose Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin and Its Recommendations” and “How to Choose Sunscreen for Combination Skin and Its Recommendations”.

5 Ways to Choose Sunscreen for Dry Skin

Choosing the right sunscreen for dry skin requires attention to the ingredients and texture of the product. Here are some tips to help you choose the best sunscreen for dry skin.

1. Choose Sunscreen with Moisturizing Ingredients

Sunscreen for dry skin should contain moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides. These ingredients help keep the skin hydrated throughout the day by locking in moisture at the skin’s layers. You can also look for products containing aloe vera or natural oils that can soothe the skin.

Also Read: Moisturizers for Dry, Oily, and Combination Skin

2. Avoid Ingredients That Irritate the Skin

Some sunscreens contain alcohol, fragrances, or other harsh chemicals that can irritate and dry out the skin. For those with dry skin, it’s important to select sunscreens that are free from these ingredients. Alcohol-free and fragrance-free sunscreens are safer for dry and sensitive skin.

3. Use Sunscreen with Cream or Lotion Texture

The texture of sunscreen also affects how comfortable it feels on your skin. For dry skin, choose sunscreens with cream or lotion textures, which are richer and work like moisturizers. Creams and lotions are generally more effective at retaining skin moisture than sunscreens with gel or spray textures.

4. Choose Sunscreen with Adequate SPF and PA or Broad Spectrum Label

For maximum protection, choose sunscreens with a high enough SPF (SPF 30 or higher) and labeled as broad spectrum. Broad spectrum means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. This protection is important to prevent skin dryness and premature aging caused by sun exposure.

Also Read: Sunscreen Benefits for Premature Aging

5. Use Sunscreen with Natural Ingredients

Sunscreens with natural ingredients, such as aloe vera extract, grape seed oil, or green tea extract, can offer additional benefits for dry skin. These natural ingredients not only help protect the skin from the sun but also provide soothing and moisturizing effects without causing irritation.

Recommended Sunscreens for Dry Skin from L’Occitane

Sunscreen products from the premium French brand L’Occitane have been formulated using extracts from natural ingredients to suit a variety of skin types, including dry skin. Here are the recommendations:

Reine Blanche - Illuminating UV Shield SPF50

L'Occitane Reine Blanche Illuminating UV Shield is a sunscreen with SPF 50 and a satin finish that makes the skin appear brighter and even-toned. The natural extracts from Meadowsweet flowers and white mulberry make L'Occitane Reine Blanche Illuminating UV Shield not only protect the skin from harmful UV rays but also brighten the complexion.

Choosing the right sunscreen for dry skin requires special attention to its ingredients and texture. By considering the causes of dry skin and understanding the types of sunscreens available, you can find a product that offers maximum protection while maintaining skin moisture.

Finally, remember that keeping your skin hydrated doesn’t rely solely on sunscreen. Be sure to drink enough water every day, choose gentle skincare products, and avoid excessive sun exposure.