Oily Skin? These Sunscreens Work Wonders on Even the Shiniest Faces

Sun protection for oil-prone faces.

Last Updated on April 21, 2023

As we all well know, sunscreen is the single most important step in any skincare routine – yet it’s the step we find ourselves frequently skipping.

The sun and UV rays are the main cause of skin ageing, which lead to decreased collagen production and elasticity, fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

With doctors now recommending not only wearing sunscreen on dark and cloudy days but even while indoors due to the UVA, UVB, and blue light from smartphones, computers, and TVs, it’s time to start taking this seriously.

We spend a fortune on facials, peels, laser treatments and more to reverse sun damage and yet it’s strange how we still forego that one simple step.

It’s time to start investing in good sunscreen. Like with all products however, it’s important to consider your skin type before investing in skincare.

For us oily skin types, sunscreen isn’t always the easiest thing to shop for, as its protective benefits can create a not so lovely greasiness on the skin.

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Thankfully things are a changing, and SPF sunscreens are now available in a range of light weight formulas, from gels, face mists, mattifying sticks and powders.

SPF’s are no longer heavy, greasy formulas that block your pores and cause breakouts. Long gone are the days of being a shiny mess, thankfully.

What to look for when buying SPF for Oily Skin

Firstly, you need to look for SPF’s that protect against both UVA and UVB rays, a minimum of SPF 30, this is regardless of your skin type.

Make sure it’s an oil-free SPF. While it sounds obvious, you’d be surprised by how many sunscreens for oily skin are actually filled with pore-clogging oils.

Avoid comedogenic ingredients that will clog your pores and can cause new breakouts, such as coconut oil, soybean oil, isopropyl myristate and isopropyl palmitate.

Mineral based sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are naturally less comedogenic than chemical sunscreens.

Look for certain keywords on the label, like ‘oil-absorbing’, mattifying’, ‘pore-minimizing’ or ‘non-shiny’, these will work better for oily skin.

Try to find Lightweight formulas such as gel-creams, serums and sheer lotions, these are an oily skin gals best friend.

It’s also a good idea for oily skin to combine your moisturizer and sunscreen steps into one non-greasy, lightweight formula, rather than applying two separate products.

Powder-based sunscreens can also be applied over sunscreen to keep you shine free throughout the day.

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Keep scrolling as we’ve rounded up the best SPF sunscreens based on the above criteria to suit those with oily skin.

Now you’ve no excuse to skip SPF in your skin care routine, hopefully applying SPF will become an enjoyable step in your morning skincare routine, rather than something to dread.

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