Sunscreen For Dry Skin: Best Sunscreen For Dry Skin| Nykaa's Beauty Book

When it comes to sunscreen, dry skin needs more than simply sun protection; it needs hydration, barrier repair, and moisture retention. Read ahead for 10 sunscreens that are more than just a shield against the sun for dry skin.

In This Story:

What To Look For In A Sunscreen For Dry Skin
Best Sunscreen For Dry Skin
Parting Thoughts
FAQs

If you are asked the classic ‘stranded on an island with just three things to take’ question, you’ll know sunscreen should definitely make it to the list. Of all the things in the world, this sun shield should be your constant. After all, skipping on sunscreen paves the way for dehydrated and prematurely ageing skin. Ugh.

If you are battling flaky skin, you need some next-level sun protector that won’t just shield your skin from UV rays but also impart moisturising benefits. Worried where you will find such dry-skin friendly sunscreens? Fret not, we’ve got you covered. But before that, let’s look at what ingredients and formulations to look for when you are on the lookout for sunscreens for dry skin.

What To Look For In A Sunscreen For Dry Skin

When looking for a sunscreen for dry skin, look for moisturising ingredients that replenish the lack of hydration on your skin. Here are some ingredients to keep an eye out for:

Hyaluronic Acid

A form of hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the skin, and when you use a product with this ingredient, it draws it from within your skin and hydrates the surface equally.

Ceramides

These are also natural lipids that help build the barrier function of the skin to improve water retention and protect against dry, cracked skin.

Glycerin

Glycerin is a great humectant that intensely hydrates your skin and prevents further moisture loss.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a natural moisturiser for dry skin. It protects the skin from sun damage, hydrates, and strengthens the skin barrier.

Best Sunscreen For Dry Skin

We’ve weeded through the formulas in the market to present our top picks from the best sunscreens for dry skin. Since dry skin is parched for hydration, from water-based to oil-based, from creams to lotions, there’s a wide range of products to choose from.

1. Sunscreen Cream For Dry Skin

If dry skin is your arch nemesis, invest in a sunscreen that moonlights as a hydrator like the Innisfree Hyaluron Moist Sunscreen. This ingenious formula feels like moisture bursting on the skin, providing a cool, hydrating sensation without feeling greasy. Its essence-like texture glides smoothly on skin and gets absorbed rapidly to protect skin from UV rays. The best part? It’s strong against the sun yet gentle on the skin.

2. Sunscreen Gel For Dry Skin

If you want to dodge the harmful UV rays, there’s no better way to do it than to join forces with Mamaearth HydraGel Indian Sunscreen SPF 50. Infused with Raspberry Oil that rejuvenates skin and Aloe Vera that lends hydration, this dermatologically tested formula keeps skin sun-safe and soft. Plus, this certified toxin-free sunscreen is free from artificial colours and parabens. We feel protected already.

3. Sunscreen Fluid For Dry Skin

Not up for slathering another layer of cream on your face? Enter: Earth Rhythm Daily Defence Mineral Sun Fluid - SPF 30. This potent fluid with its all-natural mineral ingredients protects the skin from the harmful UV rays and reverses existing sun damage. Here’s some more good news: This lightweight physical sunscreen is formulated without parabens, sulphates, mineral oils, phthalates and other questionable elements. Plus, it comes in a biodegradable bottle, so you can spare a thought for the environment.

4. Sunscreen Spray For Dry Skin

All your excuses for skipping the sunscreen can take a backseat. Dot & Key Watermelon Cooling Sunscreen Body Spray gives you the convenience to spray sunscreen on the go. Here’s the working team contained in this bottle: Watermelon prevents premature ageing, aloe vera soothes and detoxifies skin, and Vitamin E hydrates a dull complexion. Even better? This one won’t spill in your tote bag.

5. Brightening Sunscreen For Dry Skin

A double-duty sunscreen that even works at improving your complexion? Yes, please. Dr. Sheth's Ceramide & Vitamin C Sunscreen, specially formulated for Indian skin, protects against UVA and UVB rays while also reducing pigmentation. The Sunflower extracts repair damaged skin to reveal a healthy glow over time. As far as the finish is concerned, you can expect a matte look, and no, it won’t leave a white cast.

6. Mild Sunscreen For Dry Sensitive Skin

If your skin doesn’t agree with most sunscreens, try the Neutrogena Ultrasheer SPF50+. Here’s why you can count on this gentle formula: Suitable for sensitive skin, its hypoallergenic formula features naturally-sourced zinc oxide technology that offers broad-spectrum protection without stifling your skin. Oil-free and non-comedogenic, it will give your skin the calmness it has long sought.

7. Sweatproof Sunscreen For Dry Skin

If you are a miss sweats-a-lot, let Hyphen Matte Max Velvet Touch Sunscreen come to your rescue. Think of it as a sunscreen that refuses to be intimidated by overactive sweat glands. Non-greasy and lightweight, the formula delivers up to 8-hour broad-spectrum protection against harmful UV-A and UV-B rays. Not only that, this potent shield, researched by dermatologists, leaves your skin soft and supple after use. Bonus points for the overzealous antioxidants in the tube that help brighten skin tone.

8. Waterproof Sunscreen For Dry Skin

Don’t let an ordinary sunscreen come between you and your love for the beach. Jump into the waters with the Conscious Chemist Water Resistant Sunscreen, and rest assured, the sun shield won’t disappear with the waves. Formulated with broad-spectrum SPF 40, it protects skin from UV rays and photo ageing without leaving any greasy residue.

9. Anti-Pollution Sunscreen For Dry Skin

What’s better than a regular sunscreen? A sunscreen that also saves your skin from pollution. Kiehl's Ultra-Light Daily UV Defence SPF 50 PA++++ Sunscreen blocks out the finest of dust particles to keep your skin clear. Apart from blocking the UV rays, this formula also keeps premature ageing (RE: wrinkles) at bay. Brownie points for zero white cast. Oh, and did we tell you it’s water resistant?

10. Sunscreen Lotion For Dry Skin

If you’re looking for an ultimate skin protector that promises to be mild on your skin, we’ve found the one: Wishcare Sunscreen Body Lotion with SPF 50 . Featuring a balanced formulation of Thyme, Liquorice, and Soy Protein, it imparts a glow to your complexion whilst preventing tan, wrinkles, sunburns and pre-mature ageing. Oh, and you know how you feel all sweaty after slathering some sunscreen? Well, not anymore.

Parting Thoughts

There are a lot of sunscreens for dry skin on Nykaa, so look for formulations, ingredients, and functions that your skin needs before investing in a product that might not work for you. You can use a hydrating sunscreen, but using a moisturiser before provides extra hydration and nourishment your parched skin needs.

FAQs On Sunscreen For Dry Skin

How much SPF is good for dry skin?
First of all, if you have dry skin, ensure you are choosing sunscreen formulas which are hydrating. Try looking for an SPF of minimum 30 for better sun protection.
Can I skip moisturiser and use sunscreen?
Sunscreen and moisturisers are both irreplaceable and equally important. It’s necessary to apply a layer of moisturiser to keep skin supple and hydrated, and follow it up with a sunscreen that does the job of protecting the skin from harmful UV rays which can cause premature aging.
Is it okay to leave sunscreen on overnight?
There are specially formulated night creams which work at targeting skin concerns and improving your complexion as you rest. Sunscreens are ideally meant to protect you from the sun, pollution and other external aggressors during the day. Hence, it is recommended to cleanse your skin completely and get rid of sunscreen when hitting the bed at night.
What is the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50?
The difference lies in the percentage of sun protection. SPF 30 offers protection from around 96.7% of UVB rays, whereas SPF 50 offers protection from around 98% of UVB rays. Basically, the higher the SPF value, the lower the chances of UVB rays damaging your skin. Irrespective of how much a product claims, no sunscreen can provide 100% protection from UVB rays.
What’s the best kind of sunscreen?
There are various formulations available, such as gel, lotion, cream, fluid, spray, etc. More than the formulation, it’s the level of SPF, the amount of sunscreen and how often you use it that matters. Reapplying every two hours, especially after you have engaged in an activity of profuse sweating is key to ensuring all day protection from the sun. Here’s a lowdown on the best face sunscreens for dry skin:

The Ten Best Sunscreens For Dry Skin