How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin

You know the struggle. You want to protect your skin from the sun (because, yes, sun damage is real), but every sunscreen you try either leaves your face feeling like sandpaper or somehow makes those dry patches even worse. It\'s frustrating, and honestly, it makes you want to skip sunscreen altogether. But here\'s the thing: you don\'t have to choose between sun protection and comfortable, hydrated skin. You just need the right sunscreen for your dry skin type. Why Dry Skin and Sunscreen Don\'t Always Get Along Your skin is already dealing with a lot. When you have dry skin, your skin barrier isn\'t holding onto moisture the way it should. Then you add a regular sunscreen on top, and it can make everything worse. Most sunscreens are designed for normal or oily skin. They\'re mattifying, lightweight, and quick drying. Great for some people, terrible for you. These formulas can actually pull more moisture out of your already thirsty skin. The result? Flaking, tightness, and that uncomfortable feeling that makes you want to wash your face immediately. What Makes a Good Sunscreen for Dry Skin When you\'re shopping for sunscreen with dry skin, you\'re looking for something that does double duty. It needs to protect you from UV rays AND give your skin the moisture it\'s craving. Here\'s what actually matters: The formula should feel nourishing. Look for words like hydrating, moisturizing, or for dry skin on the label. These aren\'t just marketing terms. They mean the product has ingredients that will help your skin hold onto water. Chemical or mineral? Both can work. Don\'t get too caught up in this debate. Some people with dry skin prefer chemical sunscreens because they tend to be more moisturizing. Others love mineral formulas because they\'re gentler. Try both and see what your skin likes. SPF 30 is your minimum. You\'ve heard this before, but it bears repeating. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays. That\'s the sweet spot for daily protection. Ingredients That Actually Help Dry Skin When you flip that bottle around and look at the ingredients list, here\'s what you want to see: Hyaluronic acid is like a drink of water for your face. It pulls moisture into your skin and keeps it there. Glycerin works similarly. It\'s a humectant, which means it attracts water to your skin. You\'ll find it in almost every good moisturizing sunscreen. Ceramides are the building blocks of your skin barrier. When you have dry skin, you probably don\'t have enough of these. A sunscreen with ceramides helps repair that barrier while protecting you from the sun. Natural oils like jojoba, squalane, or coconut oil add an extra layer of hydration. They create a protective seal that keeps moisture locked in. Shea butter and aloe vera soothe and soften dry, irritated skin while providing that nourishing feel you need. How to Apply Sunscreen on Dry Skin Here\'s where a lot of people go wrong. The way you apply your sunscreen matters just as much as which one you choose. Start with