Best 10 Sun Protection Products for Oily Skin

Sunscreens are crucial in preventing wrinkles. They also help combat premature aging, leathery skin, brown spots, scaly patches, and even skin cancer. Studies show that approximately 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers (such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas) and 65 to 90% of melanomas are linked to UV radiation exposure. With over million new skin cancer cases diagnosed annually, one in five individuals will face this condition in their lifetime [source: Skin Cancer Foundation, American Academy of Dermatology].

Regardless of your skin type or tone, safeguarding your skin from harmful UV rays is a must.

Individuals with oily skin often struggle with acne and may use prescription medications that increase sun sensitivity. Using a generic sunscreen can exacerbate issues like clogged pores and breakouts. So, should you avoid the sun, risk skin damage, or endure these side effects?

Fortunately, brands have recognized the demand for sunscreens tailored to oily skin. However, these products can be harder to locate and often come with a higher price tag. (This is because cheaper sunscreen ingredients tend to be thick and creamy, which isn't ideal for oily skin.)

Ensure your sunscreen has an SPF of at least 15 (higher is preferable) and offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for terms like oil-free, water-based, and noncomedogenic, which indicate the product won't clog your pores.

Remember, skin protection isn't limited to sunscreen. Explore other options beyond the sunscreen aisle.

10: Don't Forget to Wear a Hat

Hats play a crucial role in effective sun protection, offering a hassle-free alternative to topical sunscreens that require frequent reapplication every couple of hours.

Selecting the right hat involves evaluating its brim size, shape, and material. While baseball caps or brimless hats shield the top of your head, they often leave your neck, ears, and parts of your face vulnerable. Opting for a hat with a wide, all-around brim enhances sun protection, safeguarding not just your head but also your chin, cheeks, nose, and the back of your neck. Research indicates that a tightly-woven hat with a brim of at least three inches provides an SPF equivalent of 7 for your nose, 5 for your neck, 3 for your cheeks, and 2 for your chin [source: Baron].

9: Sunscreens With Organic Absorbers

For most individuals, a sunscreen with SPF 15 is advisable (up to SPF 30 for those with fair skin or a tendency to burn easily). When applied correctly, it can block approximately 93% of the sun's harmful UVB rays. Remember to apply it 15 to 30 minutes before heading outdoors to ensure it has time to penetrate your skin.

Sunscreens generally fall into two categories: those that absorb UV radiation to prevent skin damage and those that block or reflect the rays. Chemical sunscreens, which contain organic ingredients, work by absorbing UV radiation.

Chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin to shield against UVA and UVB rays using compounds like avobenzone (Parson 1789), cinnamates, retinyl palmitate, salicylates, and benzophenones such as dioxybenzone, oxybenzone, and sulisobenzone. While these organic sunscreens are ideal for oily skin due to their lightweight, oil-free formulations, certain ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, and retinyl palmitate are being scrutinized for potential links to allergic reactions, cancer risks, and endocrine disruption.

8: Sunscreens With Inorganic Absorbers

Alongside chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV rays to protect the skin, there are physical sunscreens. These utilize inorganic filters like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to create a barrier that reflects and blocks harmful rays from penetrating the skin.

Despite their superior sun protection, physical sunscreens have not achieved widespread popularity. This is largely due to their thick, pasty texture and the white residue left by mineral ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. However, their unmatched protective benefits might outweigh the temporary chalky appearance they cause.

Physical sunscreens, which sit on the skin's surface rather than being absorbed, are an excellent choice for those with oily skin. They are non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and oil-free. Recent advancements have reduced their chalky texture, and they now come in various shades and innovative powder forms, making them particularly suitable for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin.

7: Gel, spray or lotion?

Do you still default to lotion when choosing sunscreen? The sunscreen market has expanded, and your go-to product might not be the most suitable for oily skin.

Lotions and creams are ideal for dry skin due to their moisturizing properties. Sprays are perfect for active individuals, offering quick and effortless application. Sticks are great for sensitive areas like the eye region, while wipes provide convenience for parents applying sunscreen to young children. For those with oily skin, gels are the best option as they are non-greasy and non-drying. However, gels may wear off faster, so frequent reapplication is necessary.

Currently, SPF ratings only indicate UVB protection and do not account for UVA protection. Regardless of the sunscreen format, always opt for products labeled as broad-spectrum or multi-spectrum to ensure comprehensive protection against both types of UV rays.

6: UV Protective Fabrics

As we recommend wearing a hat, sun protection isn't limited to lotions or creams. In fact, sun protection can be as straightforward as wearing protective clothing, which won't clog your pores.

Similar to SPF ratings for sunscreens, some clothing has a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating. A UPF 25 shirt, for instance, allows only about 1/25th (4 percent) of UV rays to penetrate the fabric [source: Skin Cancer Foundation].

UPF ratings depend on the fabric's characteristics. Loose-fitting, dark-colored, tightly-woven fabrics have the highest UPF values, effectively absorbing UV rays before they harm your skin. Some UPF-rated clothing even includes sun-blocking particles like titanium dioxide, commonly found in physical sunscreens, woven into the fabric for enhanced protection.

Special fabrics aren't essential for sun protection; chances are, your existing wardrobe already provides some level of defense. Even without a UPF label, garments that are loose-fitting, dark-colored, and tightly woven can shield you from UV rays. Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon are particularly effective. Don't forget basics like denim jeans, which boast a UPF rating of around 1,700, far exceeding the recommended UPF of 30 [source: Skin Cancer Foundation]. Well-maintained clothing offers superior protection, as worn-out or stretched fabrics, like a faded t-shirt, provide less coverage.

Enhance your everyday clothing's sun-protective qualities by adding a UVA/UVB-blocking agent to your laundry routine. This straightforward step can significantly increase the UV protection of your daily wear.

5: Expensive vs. Inexpensive Sunscreens

Contrary to popular belief, the price of sunscreen doesn't determine its effectiveness in shielding your skin from harmful UV rays. Higher costs don't necessarily equate to better protection.

A 2012 Consumer Reports study revealed that budget-friendly sunscreens often outperform their pricier counterparts in providing effective UV protection without the drawbacks of stickiness or greasiness. For instance, a high-end sunscreen priced at nearly $19 per ounce was less effective than options costing under $1 per ounce (as low as $0.59 per ounce). The takeaway? Consistency matters—stick with a sunscreen you prefer, as the best protection comes from regular use, not a hefty price tag.

4: Combination Sunscreens

For those with oily skin, applying sunscreen might seem counterintuitive, but skipping it isn’t the solution. Many cosmetic products now combine sunscreen with moisturizers or foundations, offering dual benefits. However, sunscreen remains a secondary feature in these products. As the American Academy of Dermatologists advises, "If you plan to spend more than 10 to 15 minutes in the sun, apply sunscreen beneath your makeup, even if the makeup includes SPF" [source: American Academy of Dermatologists].

Products that moisturize, fight aging, prevent acne, and protect against the sun can coexist without clogging pores. The key is to opt for multifunctional items. For instance, a sunscreen with insect repellent offers dual protection. Similarly, combining sun protection with antioxidants like vitamins C and E can provide anti-aging benefits. Be cautious with products containing alpha hydroxy acids, as they may increase sun sensitivity.

Regardless of whether you use combination products, applying them in the right order is crucial. Start with topical acne treatments or other skincare products to let their active ingredients penetrate. Follow up with a daily moisturizer or a moisturizer-sunscreen hybrid for optimal results.

3: Sunglasses

While sunscreen shields our skin, UV rays can harm our eyes and the sensitive skin around them, leading to burns, cataracts, macular degeneration, and both cancerous and non-cancerous growths. Sunglasses are essential year-round, regardless of the season or cloud cover. UV radiation triples in summer compared to winter, but protection is crucial even in colder months. At higher altitudes, UV exposure rises by 8 to 10 percent for every 1,000 feet above sea level. Additionally, reflective surfaces like water, snow, sand, and concrete can amplify sunlight’s harmful effects by up to 80 percent [source: Skin Cancer Foundation].

Not all sunglasses provide adequate sun protection. Ensure your lenses block 99 to 100 percent of both UVB and UVA rays. This is particularly vital if you prefer polarized, blue-blocking, mirror-coated, or other specialty lenses, as not all of them include UV protection.

2: Water-resistant and Sweat-resistant Sunscreens

For those who love spending time outdoors year-round or can’t resist summer days at the beach, sweat-resistant, water-resistant, or waterproof sunscreens are a must-have.

Despite their labels, waterproof or water-resistant sunscreens aren’t entirely impervious to water. They won’t provide all-day protection after swimming or sweating. A sunscreen is deemed waterproof if it remains effective for about 80 minutes in water or sweat, and water-resistant if it lasts around 40 minutes. Always reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or intense physical activity.

A common issue with waterproof sunscreens is their tendency to dry out the skin. They form a protective barrier to resist washing off and often contain alcohol for quick drying. While this is less problematic for oily skin, it’s still important to avoid excessive dryness.

1: Choose a Water-based Product

When selecting sunscreen for oily or acne-prone skin, the choice between oil-based and water-based formulas is crucial. Those with oily skin should opt for water-based, oil-free, and noncomedogenic products to avoid clogging pores.

To streamline your daily skincare routine, consider upgrading your daily moisturizer instead of adding extra products. Replace your oil-free, noncomedogenic lotion with one that includes at least SPF 15. Opt for a tinted version if you want to cover blemishes and even out your skin tone.