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Come summer and most beauty conversations veer towards *drumroll* ‘Sunscreen’; yep, that elusive magic shield that defends our skin from those harmful UV rays and prevents fine lines, hyperpigmentation and skin cancer. However, given the fact that sunscreens have been around for years now, you would think the space might have got a tad too boring, wouldn't it? Well, thankfully, not just yet!
The past few years have seen an influx of innovative sunscreen protection formulations and different types of sunscreen products – the likes of travel-friendly sprays, non-greasy potions and au natural SPF, etc., in the beauty space. The 2025 versions dare we say, are way cooler; think SPF protection for your tresses and lips, next-level formulas that even impart additional benefits – luminosity, hydration, and even a faux glow (Hey Glitter sunscreens) rivalling that of a highlighter, and last but not least, SPF-infused makeup.
Trust us when we say this: these babies will actually make you look forward to applying sunscreens and will make sun protection feel uber luxe!
Types Of Sunscreen
Read on to learn about the latest sunscreen trends to watch out for this season!
1. Anti-Pollution Sunscreen
In a world of anti-pollution skincare and makeup, why should anti-pollution sunscreens be left behind? While sunscreen has always been non-negotiable when you are stepping out, one that contains anti-pollution ingredients can protect your skin from environmental stressors (known to speed up ageing and loss of collagen) – perfect for maintaining overall skin health. Our pick: The Murad Environmental Shield Essential-c Day Moisture Broad Spectrum Spf 30 PA+++, that’s water resistant, perfect for balanced, oily, combination, dry, sensitive skin types, non-sticky, and prevents environmental aggressors such as fine dust particles from adhering to your skin both indoors and outdoors.
2. Glitter Sunscreen
There’s something about glitter that makes us say ‘hellz yea’; and when it comes to the promise of extra sun protection, there’s nothing much stopping us. Welcome to the world of sparkly iridescent sunscreens that will make you unleash your inner mermaid and put those highlighters to shame. Consider a product such as MCaffeine Shimmer Sunscreen Spray with benefits of skin-loving antioxidants, Vitamins, and SPF 50 (no less), this sunscreen is packed with coffee and caffeine that illuminates your skin with a deep glow and with the hydration of squalene and hyaluronic acid, it helps retain lost moisture.
3. Ocean-Safe Sunscreen
Attention, beach bums! Ever thought of how your sunscreen might affect Nemo? Well, according to recent reports, sunscreen ingredients such as Oxybenzone and Octinoxate have been linked to disruption of aquatic life and increased coral bleaching. The best sunscreen product is physical or mineral sunscreens that typically feature zinc or titanium oxide, which sink and become part of the ocean sediment instead of dissolving in the ocean. We recommend the Derma Co Ultra Light Zinc Mineral Sunscreen With SPF 50 PA+++, next time you want to swim with the dolphins.
4. SPF For Your Tresses
What if I tell you that sunscreen application shouldn’t stop at the hairline? Breaking news: UV rays can make hair brittle and frayed, not to mention make your scalp susceptible to skin cancer (yikes). What you need is a product like the Deconstruct Keratin Treatment Hair Serum with SPF 50 that offers hair protection from frizz, sun, and heat, and provides a shield against UV damage, pollution, and colour fading from sun exposure. The 1% Argan Oil deeply nourishes and hydrates, promoting softness, the 2% Macadamia Oil provides heat protection and boosts elasticity and moisture retention, and the 6.5% Octocrylene acts as a UV filter, protecting hair from environmental damage.
5. Kiss Sun Damage Goodbye
Did you think we would forget about the lips? Never! Lips are very susceptible to sun damage since they are fragile and don’t have oil or sweat glands to moisturise or protect them either. Protect and nourish your lips with the goodness of Hyphen All I Need Lipscreen SPF 30 Lip Balm, which is power-packed with vitamins E and C, Kojic acid, pomegranate oil, and avocado oil to keep your puckers hydrated and free from sun damage.
6. Powdered Sunscreen
Don’t dig sunscreens in a liquid form or have really oily skin? We give your powdered SPFs that are made from highly refined minerals such as Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and Iron Oxide (the very same particles that you find in your regular mineral sunscreens) – offering a high level of broad-spectrum protection; oh and they basically feel as if you have got nothing on your face, honey. We recommend the Lakme Sun Expert Ultra Matte SPF 40 Pa+++ Compact that spreads effortlessly on your skin and gives it an ultra-matte finish.
7. SPF-Infused Makeup
This is actually a very important conversation to have, given our rising global temperatures and humidity, we actually need to incorporate SPF in all our products, may it be haircare, body care, or even makeup. Here we have 10 SPF-infused makeup essentials for sun-struck beauties that you need to check out in detail. If not all your makeup, at least your primer, foundation, and compact, needs to be SPF-induced. We recommend using a tinted sunscreen that not only protects but also evens out your skin like lightweight makeup.
8. Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreen
Don’t we all know how paranoid pregnant mothers can get when it comes to skincare, makeup, and other products that need to be applied to their skin? For those new moms, there is a pregnancy-safe sunscreen that is formulated with highly effective, photostable filters such as tinosorb S, uvinul A plus, and uvinul T-150 that are further boosted by reef-safe titanium dioxide. Our go-to recommendation is the Minimalist SPF 60 PA ++++ Sunscreen - Pregnancy & Lactation Safe For Sensitive Skin.
Parting Thoughts
Do you want to know which sunscreen suits best for your skin best? Check out: The Best Sunscreen Lotions To Protect You From Sunny Days. Until then, check out all the different types of sunscreen that will make your day an extra bit shiny. From glitter sunscreens to powered sunscreens, there’s a formulation for everyone.
FAQs
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What are the different types of sunscreen for application?
When it comes to application, you can get sunscreen in different types:
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Recommend sunscreens for different skin types.
Every skin type requires sun protection, but not every skin type needs the same formulation, hence, there are sunscreens enriched with niche ingredients that suit specific skin types.
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Why is sunscreen important?
A sunscreen creates a filter around that skin that protects you from the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun that can cause pre-mature ageing, skin cancer, skin damage, and even dark sun spots. A sunscreen creates a protective barrier around the skin and minimises pigmentation, discolouration, and barrier damage.
