Sun-kissed Summer Skincare: Best Sunscreens to Perfectly Suit Your Skin Type

A summer essential that nobody should skip out on, sunscreen is a vital part of any daily skincare routine, no matter your skin type. Whether you are hitting the beaches to catch some salted sea breezes, strolling about along one of Hong Kong’s many nature trails, or simply brunching al fresco, it should be in your standard practice to slather up before heading into the sunlight.

Offering protection from UV rays and visible light, sunscreen is the magic lotion that wards off sun damage-induced skin cancer, all whilst slowing down signs of ageing. As a rule of thumb, opt for the creams and gels that have SPF30 protection or above, as anything lower is too weak of a protectant. If you are playing sports outdoors, or having a splash under the sun, go for SPF50 for full coverage and consider a water-resistant option for when you do water sports.

Still, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all product, so check out our tips below on how to pick the best sunscreen for you based on your skin type.

Normal Skin

Generally, people with normal skin can go for any type of high-quality sunscreen without skin irritation. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is a star choice, as it guards the skin against both UVB and UVA rays, the former a cause of redness and burns, with the latter being identified as a major reason for early ageing and even skin cancer.

For light-skinned folk, try an everyday sunscreen with SPF50 like the Shisedo Urban Environment Triple Beauty Suncare Emulsion SPF50+ PA++++ that also evens out the overall skin tone.

If you are naturally more tanned or have more melanated skin, count your blessings! Melanin has been said to inherently grant the skin better protection against the sun, though sunscreen is still very necessary to stay fully safeguarded. Tinted sunscreen is a great option that won’t leave you with that dreaded Chinese opera makeup-esque sheen.

For makeup wearers, CC sunscreens are a handy way to integrate them into your daily beat while getting the right sun-repellant coverage you need. Offered in 15 different shades, the Supergoop! CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream SPF 50 PA+++ is a choice that easily melds into your pre-makeup ritual.

Combination Skin

If you are tasked with the unfortunate mix of having to deal with sweat as well as a mix of dry and oily areas on your face this summer, (no) thanks to having combination skin, don’t fret. The answer to your woes is gel sunscreen, which offers a lightweight solution that doesn’t weigh down the T-zone whilst also providing enough smoothness for the drier parts of your skin.

You can never go wrong with the ultra-sheer Bioré Aqua Rich Watery Essence sunscreen regardless of where your problem areas appear. The smooth texture and glycerin make it feel like serum, avoiding the typical heavy feeling that might come with certain sunscreens. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid so that it won’t clog pores nor cause acne or dryness.

Oily Skin

Similar to sunscreens for combination skin, sunscreens geared towards oily skin tend to have a lighter consistency and are closer to a gel than a typical lotion. Aiming for sunscreen made with a water base and noncomedogenic (meaning non-pore-clogging) ingredients can alleviate the emergence of acne. Skip mineral sunscreens that use a zinc oxide base, and instead go for sunscreens made with natural ingredients for better oil control.

Supplying a non-greasy protectant with a touch of niacinamide to dull red spots, as well as a mattifying finish, the Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30 sunscreen is an allrounder for those who struggle with oily skin or are acne prone.

Dry Skin

The harsh summer heat and Hong Kong pollution can lead people with dry or flaky skin to feel extra parched. To lock in your skin’s natural moisture and protect against the sun’s piercing rays, try including your sun protection through an SPF infused moisturiser or sunscreen with hydrating active ingredients. A sunscreen that packs in hydration without leaving an oily feeling or white cast, Dr. Weil For Origins™ Mega-Defense Advanced Daily UV Defender SPF45/ PA++++ helps maintain an outer level of protection and moisture retention using botanical extracts.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is prone to have a reaction to products with fragrances and sometimes even preservatives. Active ingredients like zinc or titanium dioxide are several options that provide good coverage on a chemical level without causing irritation. A fragrance-free, broad-spectrum selection is the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid sunscreen, which comes in an easy-to-apply milky fluid that’s comfortable for those with delicate skin to wear.

In case you have a history of specific issues like eczema, rosacea, or certain skin allergies, it is recommended that you consult a dermatologist or physician for more personalised recommendations.