Sunscreen is important for all skin types, but dry skin needs a little extra hydration. Here are the best sunscreens for dry skin, according to skincare experts.
8 Best Sunscreens for Dry Skin in 2023, from Doctors and Skincare Experts
Updated on May 31, 2023
There are multiple causes for dry skin. For some people, dry skin is due to an underlying condition, but for others it’s the result of circumstance—such as using harsh soap, exposure to chlorine or living in an arid climate. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, by the time we reach middle age—around 40—our sebum production drops and will continue dropping; by age 60 most people have dry skin. One rule that applies across the board: Dry skin requires extra care. Face oil can make a huge difference, as will using one of the best sunscreens for dry skin.
Dry skin can be itchy and uncomfortable and can put an individual at risk for infection and other complications, so it’s important to stay moisturized and see a board-certified dermatologist if necessary. Dry skin tends to get a bit more dehydrated in general—even more after a day in the sun—so you’ll want to look for sunscreen with extra humectants to keep skin moisturized. Here are dermatologists’ picks for the best sunscreens for dry skin.
1. No7 Restore & Renew Day Cream SPF 30
Joyce Park, MD, FAAD, founder of Skin Refinery, a virtual dermatology clinic, loves this hydrating moisturizer. “It contains ceramides and MATRIXYL 3000 PLUS™, which is No7’s age-defying collagen peptide-based technology,” Dr. Park says. This cream hydrates and reduces the appearance of wrinkles while also protecting skin against UV rays, making it a great multitasker.
2. Amarte’s Ultra Veil Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+
“Dry and post-menopausal skin deserves to look radiant and supple,” says Georgia Nixon, a licensed esthetician and skincare consultant. Nixon loves this sunscreen that applies light and dewy thanks to finely processed pure mica that imparts brilliance and shimmer while also being sheer and smooth. “There is also the added benefit of skullcap as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tyrosinase inhibitor,” Nixon says, “which is especially important to those who suffer from hyperpigmentation such as melasma.”
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3. EltaMD UV Restore SPF 40
“For dry or aging skin, my recommendation goes to this tinted or non-tinted daily-wear sunscreen,” says Douglas Henstrom, a dual board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Salt Lake City, UT. “It contains ginger root extract, which is known to improve skin tone, texture, and smoothness while reducing redness and discoloration,” Dr. Henstrom says. “This potent SPF contains powerful antioxidants for maximum protection and promotes a healthy complexion for sun-damaged or aging skin.”
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4. Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50
Hollywood esthetician Shani Darden says this Supergoop! pick numbers among the best sunscreens for dry skin. “It has an SPF of 50 and its hydrating enough to double as your daily moisturizer without causing any congestion,” Darden says. “It’s always my go-to sunscreen because it feels just like a moisturizer and leaves your skin glowing and hydrated.”
5. CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF30
Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, is dual board-certified in both dermatology and dermatopathology, but he doesn’t think skincare needs to be expensive. “CeraVe is inexpensive and high quality,” he says, recommending this product with enthusiasm.
6. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
This daily SPF actually works for all skin types, and it’s terrific for hydrating dry skin. “This superpower of skin-boosting goodness incorporates blue-green algae for hydration,” says Jeremy Brauer, MD, a NY-based board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, and founder of Spectrum Skin and Laser. “It also contains cerium, which helps filter blue light, and a moisture-binding plant fermentation film to protect against atmospheric pollution, providing skin with serious benefits.”
7. DRMTLGY Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46
Rahi Sarbaziha, MD, an LA-based board-certified integrative medicine doctor and aesthetics specialist loves this lightweight tinted sunscreen. “This is a great choice for those looking for hydration and a glowy finish,” Dr. Sarbaziha says. “Its formula helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, without leaving a greasy residue.”
8. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30
This sunscreen hydrates without feeling greasy. “This sunscreen is formulated with hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and plump the skin,” says Saulis Baniones, MD, a physician board-certified by The American Academy of Anti-Aging. “It’s also oil-free and won’t clog pores.”
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Sources
- Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD, President and Co-Founder, Modern Dermatology and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Yale New Haven Hospital
- Joyce Park, MD, FAAD, founder of Skin Refinery, a virtual dermatology clinic
- Georgia Nixon, a licensed Esthetician and skincare consultant at Protea
- Douglas Henstrom, a dual board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Salt Lake City
- Shani Darden, Hollywood esthetician
- Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, dual board-certified in both dermatology and dermatopathology
- Jeremy Brauer, MD, a NY-based board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, and founder of Spectrum Skin and Laser
- Rahi Sarbaziha, MD, an LA-based board-certified integrative medicine doctor and aesthetics specialist
