How to Choose the Rights Sunscreen According to Skin Type

Every person is unique, and so is every skin. The largest organ of the human body represents a vital barrier that protects our bodies from external elements such as sunlight, pollution, and bacteria. Different skin types not only have diverse characteristics but also specific reactions to the environment and needs. That's why, to ensure optimal care for your skin, you first need to understand its type. Today we will discuss precisely this issue in the context of sunscreen. Keep reading to find out how to discover the most suitable sunscreen product depending on your skin type.

Types of skin: How are they determined?

You may have wondered: what exactly determines the type of skin? The answer is simple: the amount of sebum it produces. In other words, the primary criterion by which skin

Normal Skin 

Normal skin is neither too dry nor too oily. It is characterized by small pores and a relatively smooth texture. This type does not have clearly defined flaws such as sensitivity, tendency to acne, spots, and redness. If you believe you have normal skin: congratulations! Most products are suitable for you.

Dry Skin 

Dry skin often appears dull, prone to irritation, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The lack of sufficient sebum causes it to lose water quickly, leading to a feeling of tightness and discomfort. Products developed for dry skin help retain moisture, providing it with a soft and elastic appearance.

Oily Skin 

Oily skin produces an excessive amount of sebum, making it shiny, especially in the T-zone of the face (forehead, nose, and chin). This skin type is prone to acne and other skin problems. That's why caring for it requires the use of non-comedogenic products that control sebum production without causing irritation.

Combination Skin 

Combination skin combines characteristics of both oily and dry skin in different areas. Areas with more oiliness are usually the forehead, nose, and chin, while the rest of the face tends to be dry. Products for combination skin should simultaneously hydrate dry areas and help control oiliness.

Sensitive Skin 

Sensitive skin is one that easily becomes irritated, reddened, or inflamed in response to environmental aggressors such as sunlight, cold weather, or chemicals. If you find that your skin reacts to certain products or conditions, you likely have sensitive skin. Gentle hypoallergenic products that minimize the risk of irritation are most suitable for you.

Does facial skin differ from body skin? The short answer to this question is: yes, significantly. Firstly, facial skin is thinner than body skin. For comparison, the epidermis of the face consists of 4-8 layers of corneocytes (a type of skin cell), while on the body, the layers are usually 11-17. Additionally, facial skin renews itself twice as fast as body skin. Another important difference is the number of oil glands. The highest concentration is found in the facial and décolleté areas. In other areas, they are much fewer. This is why even if you have oily skin on your face, your body skin is likely considerably drier. Therefore, it's good to consider the needs of your facial and body skin separately.

Sun Protection for the Body According to Different Skin Types Now that you know your skin type, let's discuss which sun protection products are most suitable for you. Making the right choice ensures that your skin is not only protected from harmful UV rays but also properly cared for.

Normal Skin: While normal skin usually tolerates most sunscreens, avoid those containing fragrances or other potential irritants. Use lotions with broad-spectrum protection that shield you from both UVA and UVB rays. If you have normal skin, you can confidently rely on eco-friendly lotions like Sun Like. They are crafted with care not only for your skin but also for the environment. They do not contain homosalate and octocrylene. The packaging is made from eco-friendly kraft cardboard with a 50% thinner slim cap.

Dry Skin: This type of skin requires daily hydration. Therefore, it's suitable to choose sunscreens rich in moisturizers, which include valuable ingredients like hyaluronic acid. These products help retain moisture, preventing further drying. Ideal for this purpose are two-phase lotions enriched with collagen and hyaluronic acid.

Oily Skin: The fundamental rule for oily skin care is that products should not clog pores. As mentioned earlier, body skin is rarely of this type. However, if yours is, we recommend opting for a dry oil sunscreen, which has a lightweight formula, absorbs quickly, and leaves no greasy film.

Combination Skin: For combination skin, it's advisable to choose formulas that provide hydration. Once again, two-phase lotions are an excellent choice here, as they absorb quickly without excessively greasing.

Sensitive Skin: If you have skin prone to irritation, choose sunscreens without fragrances, parabens, or other potential irritants. Sensitive skin is often prone to dryness, so we recommend a Sensitive moisturizing lotion. The formula is specially designed for sensitive skin and enriched with nourishing ingredients like beta-carotene, vitamins A, and E.

Fitzpatrick Scale Classification There is another criterion for classification. In the 1970s, American dermatologist Thomas Fitzpatrick developed a scale to classify skin types based on their reaction to ultraviolet radiation. It is determined by the amount of melanin pigment present - a substance that protects against UV rays. The dermatologist distinguishes 6 phototypes. Each of them has a different tolerance to sun exposure. The first four are characteristic for Europeans.