Read this to find the best SPF for your skin type

OK, now that we’ve settled that, let's talk about sunscreen for skin type. Previously, finding the right sunscreen for your skin (the one that would offer serious sun protection while also giving your complexion exactly what it needs) was a chore. Whether that was an extra dose of moisture if you have dry or dehydrated skin or a magnifying effect if you tend to veer into oily skin territory, it was never easy to find an SPF that precisely matched your skin type. But those days are long gone.

Innovation in sunscreen ingredients, formula, texture and finishes means there's now an SPF for every face. That excuse you had about sunscreen making you shiny or drying you out? No longer.

Here's how to find the right sunscreen for you and your lifestyle.

Ingredients to look for:

A sunscreen with hydrating and nourishing ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, ceramides or glycerin, will give thirsty skin an extra drink of water.

Your formula fit:

Something in a cream form that you'll be able to layer over your regular moisturiser – this will give your skin a double hit of moisture, with a dewy and supple finish.

Try:

MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum 

Skinstitut Age Defence SPF 50+

Ingredients to look for:

You have options! Choose a chemical or physical (also known as mineral) sunscreen, and it's up to you whether your SPF is spiked with additional skincare ingredients or not. The most important thing: wear it every day!

Your formula fit:

Take your pick: gel, lotion, serum or cream. You might want to customise the formula and finish depending on the seasons – maybe that's a lighter one in hot weather, and a thicker formula for the cooler months. Or, choose based on your plans for the day – perhaps a mattifying SPF if you’re outdoors, or a radiance-enhancing finish if you’re off to brunch.

Try:

MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen

Ingredients to look for:

You'll want ingredients that will target and reduce skin's sebum production and keep things in balance. Think: niacinamide, tea tree oil or green tea.

Your formula fit:

A serum, lotion, gel or water-based formula, and one that’s definitely oil-free! This will give you the protection you need, without the weight or heaviness your skin just doesn't want. And look for a matte or semi-matte finish, to tamp down greasiness.

Try:

MECCA MAX SCREEN SAVER SPF30 

Naked Sunday SPF50 Clear Glow Radiant Sun Serum

Ingredients to look for:

This skin type could benefit from sunscreens made with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial or exfoliating ingredients (think: Centella asiatica or AHAs), and ingredients that help to control oil production. It might also be a good idea to pick a sunscreen with some hydrating benefits; most acne treatments dry out the skin, so adding some moisture could help balance things out. 

Your formula fit:

Non-comedogenic, oil and fragrance-free, lightweight and water-based formulas are crucial as you don't want to block pores any further. When it comes to finish, a mattifying one could be good, but also don’t be afraid of dewy finishes if your skin tends to break out but doesn’t get overly shiny. 

Try:

Naked Sundays SPF50+ Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion

MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF30 Facial Sunscreen

Ingredients to look for:

Look for sunscreens made with proven skin soothers, like panthenol, madecassoside or allantoin to keep skin calm and collected. 

Your formula fit:

Fragrance and alcohol-free is paramount, and this skin type generally prefers a mineral or physical sunscreen, where the active ingredients (zinc oxide and titanium oxide) shouldn’t burn or sting the eyes and are not likely to cause a reaction.

Try:

MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum

Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF30

Something that you can leave on the bathroom vanity for everyone to use, or toss in your beach bag for fuss-free reapplication throughout the day, you’ll want something lightweight, non-greasy and non-whitening, packed with skin-loving ingredients like vitamin E and aloe vera.

Try:

Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF50+ with Vitamin E

Go-To Nifty Fifty

Why? Because we all have a pair, and our lips are just as vulnerable when it comes to skin cancer and they are often the one place we forget to apply SPF. This makes lip sunscreen a must for anyone who drives, sits by a window or goes outside… so, all of us!

Try:

Naked Sunday Glow + Go Lip Oil with SPF50+

MECCA COSMETICA To Save Lips Superscreen Protective Lip Balm with SPF50+ 

*ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed.