Are You Wearing the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin Type and Tone?

Oil makes skin look and feel greasy, so opt for a product that has shine-reducing properties. “Ingredients like cyclomethicone and dimethicone absorb oil, giving skin a matte appearance,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Buy it: Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($65, sephora.com)

You avoided getting a sunburn, but now you have to deal with pimples. Gah! That doesn't have to be the case, though.

“Look for formulations that are labeled non-comedogenic,” says Zeichner. "This means that they won't clog pores and cause breakouts.”

Buy it: Neutrogena Clear Face Break Out-Free Liquid Lotion SPF 30 ($9, amazon.com)

You need something with extra moisture, no matter what time of year it is. “Choose a sunscreen with skin-hydrating and protecting ingredients to improve skin barrier function associated with dry skin,” says Zeichner. Look for things like glycerin, ceramides, fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid in the formula.

Buy it: AVEENO Protect + Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50 ($9, amazon.com)

RELATED: 5 Ingredients to Avoid if You Have Dry Skin

SPFs falls into two camps: chemical and physical/mineral. The former contains ingredients that absorb into the skin, while the latter has ingredients that sit atop the skin, creating a barrier. “Sensitive skin may be more at risk for reactions to sunscreen ingredients, so instead opt for a physical or mineral blocker,” says Zeichner. You’ll see titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide on the label.

Buy it: Avene Mineral Ultra-Light Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 ($28, drugstore.com)

“Mature skin has damaged collagen and elastin, with lines, wrinkles, and dark spots,” says Zeichner. “Look for sunscreens with added anti-aging benefits, to repair damage and brighten the skin.”

Buy it: Skinmedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 50 ($68, dermstore.com)

Nope, you’re not off the hook—you can burn (which puts you at higher risk of skin cancer) no matter the tone of your skin. Luckily, there are newer options out there that blend in seamlessly. “Products that fully rub in won't leave the skin with a white hue,” says Zeichner.

Buy it: La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Body Milk Sunscreen ($26, amazon.com)

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Since you’re more likely to burn than other skin types, always go for the higher SPF number, even though in theory, there’s little benefit above an SPF 30, says Zeichner. “Given that we don't put on as much as we should and we don't re-apply, starting higher is like a safety net to give the longest, highest quality protection possible,” he explains.

Buy it: Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen SPF 100 ($13, jet.com)