How to Choose a Sunscreen for Oily Skin

Even if you have oily skin, you still have to use sunscreen. Many people with oily skin forgo sunscreen, especially on their faces. However, everyone needs an SPF-formula sunscreen.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a lightweight and non-greasy sunscreen for an oily skin type. Take this approach if you have large pores representative of oilier skin. An oil-free sunscreen is also beneficial to those who have combination skin, with an oily t-zone (the center of the forehead, nose, chin and cheeks).

2. Evaluate a lightweight sunscreen. When shopping for an appropriate brand of sunscreen, seek one with matte oil control and sebum protection. Arizona Sun has greaseless sunscreen lotions that smell nice and contain antioxidants to help normalize your skin while it's exposed to the sun.

3. Visit Proactiv.com for an oil-free sunscreen that protects you from the sun and helps you prevent acne at the same time (see Resources below).

4. Determine your price range. Some light sunscreens are even designed for use on the face, scalp and body, with an SPF protection of 20. Some of these brands start at approximately $10 (Neutrogena) while upscale products range from $20 to $100 (La Roche-Posay).

5. Choose a chemical-free sunscreen with an SPF of 15 to keep excess oils away from your shiny skin. Such a formula will provide protection and help keep your skin hydrated, without using irritating chemicals like octinoxate and oxybenzone. Mineral-based products, such as those by Soléo Organics, create a delicate barrier on your skin that reflects the sun's harmful rays.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a gentle daily gel cleanser. A creamy face wash may leave a residue that can cause you to have oily skin. Wash your skin twice a day and use a blotting paper that is made to absorb oil without ruining sunscreen.
• Maintain your skin in addition to fighting the effects of the sun. Try a mask or body scrub appropriate for your skin type. A clay-based mask, used once or twice a week, and an organic body scrub will cleanse your pores (which often become blocked on those with oily skin).
• Avoid moisturizing makeup. Foundation for adult skin is usually formulated to be moisturizing, which means it contains oils and humectants that your skin doesn't need. Instead, choose an oil-free foundation.

Resources

• Proactiv website for moisturizer

[kaldrich88]

on 7/20/2009 This is my problem exactly, and unless I'm traveling I often forgo sunscreen b/c of it. Thanks for the advice! I definitely plan to buy some Neutrogena!