What is the Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin?
It might surprise you to learn that you can still experience sunburn on cool or cloudy days as long as the UV index is three or more. Unfortunately, this often leads to a situation where many people put themselves at risk. It's always best to wear sunscreen whenever you're outdoors, but protecting sensitive skin can be difficult without the right products.
We’ve put together a guide on what to consider when searching for different types of sunscreen. Let's explore how to find the best sunscreen for sensitive skin.
Check the Ingredients
As you might assume, the list of ingredients will play a large role in finding the best sunscreen. It's best to look for products that have soothing and hydrating ingredients, such as aloe vera and hyaluronic acid. Many sunscreens for sensitive skin also have ingredients that can help protect skin integrity.
These include niacinamide, vitamin B5, and vitamin C.
Of course, you should check the full list of ingredients to ensure that you aren't allergic to anything the sunscreen contains. This will help prevent issues in the future.
Consider the SPF Rating
No matter how well your skin accommodates the product, it's essential to consider the SPF level of the sunscreen you choose. This is especially true for those who live in regions with sunny climates. For instance, sunscreen meant for people with sensitive skin won't be very effective if it has a low SPF rating and you live somewhere with a high UV index.
In general, it's best to focus on sunscreens that have SPF 30+ so you can get the best protection.
Choose a Safe Formulation
Not all sunscreens are created equal when it comes to formulation. Many of the issues that people with sensitive skin experience are related to the ingredients within the product. It's crucial that you avoid products that have harmful chemicals, alcohol, dyes, and parabens.
You should also focus on products that are fragrance-free. To take things a step further, you can also look for products that are dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic, and non-pore clogging. Put simply, prioritize sunscreen that has a short list of effective ingredients.
Research the Brand
Brand reputation will go a long way when it comes to making the right choice. Check out what other customers have had to say about the results they got.
Look for brands that have overwhelmingly positive customer feedback. Keep an eye out for certain details such as allergic reactions, ease of application, etc.
The brand you choose should also be easy to communicate with. It shouldn't be difficult to get in touch with a sales representative and learn more about the product you're interested in.
It's also worth noting that many brands offer promotional deals and discounts. If you plan on spending a lot of time in the sun in the near future, see if they have a rewards program for their products. This could help you save extra cash.
Pricing
When it comes to skincare products like these, you often get what you pay for. This means that choosing the cheapest possible option could do more harm than good.
For instance, let's assume that you're only willing to budget for low-tier sunscreen products. It would be difficult to find an option free of harmful ingredients. It may also be difficult to find a brand that you can trust.
This isn't to say you need to spend as much money as possible, though. There are many sunscreen products made for people with sensitive skin that cost more than they should. It's not uncommon to find an exorbitantly-priced sunscreen that isn't much better than some of the lower-tier options.
Check the brand, formulation, and list of ingredients before considering the price. More often than not, the best decision lies somewhere in the middle of the price range.
Water Resistance
Many people assume they don't need to consider water resistance if they don't plan on swimming. Large amounts of sweating can wash away sunscreen from your body, putting you at risk of harmful sun exposure.
Sunscreens that have a large amount of water resistance will prevent this. In fact, they often market themselves as being “sweat-proof.”
In general, it's best to assume that you will sweat even if you don't plan on engaging in physical activity. Something as simple as lying by the pool on a hot day could still cause issues with sunscreen that has low water resistance.
Best Practices
Apply sunscreen to all parts of your body that will be exposed to the sun. This includes your nose, neck, ears, and lips.
You should also remember to apply sunscreen to your hands and feet. Reapply at least every two hours. If you're sweating or swimming, you should apply more often (around once per hour should be fine).
Those with shorter hairstyles should apply sunscreen to their scalp if they don't plan on wearing a hat. To reduce your exposure to harmful UVA and UVB rays, minimize the time you spend in the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Find the Best Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin
Although it may seem difficult at first, finding the best sunscreen for sensitive skin is a much simpler process than many people expect. Consider the above information during your search so you can make the right decision for your needs.
Feel free to get in touch with us at Minou and Lily today. Our team is ready to help you find the best solution.
