Sunscreen has emerged as one of the most important beauty essentials in the past few years. People have started to understand the importance of SPF and we could not agree enough. After all, all your skincare hard work is flushed the moment you decide to skip sunscreen and let the UVA and UVB rays win. But just like every other beauty product, sunscreens are also designed differently for different skin types. Today we’re focusing on dry skin – from how to choose the best sunscreen for dry skin to the right application method of sunscreen for dry skin.  

 

Tips on How to Choose Sunscreen: The Basics  

SPF in sunscreen stands for sun protection factor and the number following that indicates how potent it is to protect the skin. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is one that shields your skin from UVA and UVB rays, both. The PA+ signifies the level of protection you’d get against UVA rays. PA+ is low coverage, PA++ stands for moderate, PA+++ means high coverage and so on. Now, let’s find out which sunscreen is best for dry skin.  

Liquid sunscreens can be an umbrella term for gels, creams, or sunscreen drops. Most of these are ideal sunscreens for dry skin. Sunscreen cream for dry skin acts as another layer of moisturisation.  

 

Understand the Needs of Dry Skin 

Before you run to the store and grab a thick, cream-based sunscreen for yourself, let’s take a step back and try to understand your skin.  

Dry skin – not to be confused with dehydrated skin – is a skin type that lacks moisture. It often feels tight, rough or flaky, even when slathered with the heaviest of creams. Usually, dry skin is experienced when the skin barrier is compromised, and the ulterior layer of the skin is not able to retain any moisture in the skin. Ultimately, people with dry skin often notice premature wrinkles, fine lines and sagging due to the skin always being stretched out.  

Hence, it is important to take certain things into consideration when picking a sunscreen. 

  

Look for Hydrating and Nourishing Ingredients   

Your skincare regime has to include hydrating and moisturising agents to ensure your SPF does not crack apart throughout the day. Make sure your skincare routine is packed with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerine, and ceramides to repair the lipid barrier (the thing that keeps moisture sealed in your skin). Facial oils like argan oil in the night-time routine can also be a total game-changer!  

 

SPF Recommendations for Dry Skin   

Dry skin is already prone to wrinkling and exposure to UVB rays might speed up the process even more. So, always pick SPF30 and above; anything under 30 is negligible. In fact, the best sunscreen for dry skin that dermatologists recommend is SPF50 and more. And if you’re someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, SPF50 will be ideal.  

 

Top Sunscreen Options & How to Apply   

Now that we’ve understood dry skin better and its needs, let’s jump to our top picks for the best sunscreens in India for dry skin. 

 

#1 Pond’s Serum boost Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 

How to Choose and Apply Sunscreen | Top 5 Tips and More

A sunscreen in serum form. Need we say more?  

We all know that serums are known to work on the skin from deep within to repair, replenish and make skin better through and through. So, it’s nearly impossible to go wrong with a sunscreen serum! 

The Pond’s Serum Boost Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 is a broad-spectrum serum which blocks 97% of UVA and UVB rays. It’s enriched with niacinamide – a superhero ingredient that effectively soothes and hydrates skin. Niacinamide is also one of the superior ingredients that help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation. This serum works beautifully as a makeup base as well as the first step of hydration for daytime skincare routine. 

How to Apply Sunscreen  

  • Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser. 

  • Apply a few drops of the Pond’s Serum boost Sunscreen Serum on damp skin and massage it in.  

  • Make sure you apply a generous amount all over your face and neck. 

  • Don’t forget to apply around your eyes, but be gentle. 

  • Pat it in once the serum starts to absorb. 

 

#2 Pond’s Serum Boost Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 

How to Choose and Apply Sunscreen | Top 5 Tips and More

This is easily the best sunscreen for dry sensitive skin! It’s a broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains SPF50 with PA++ promise. Its non-oily and non-sticky formula makes it the best sunscreen for dry skin in summer in our books! We can confidently call this lightweight gel the best sunscreen for dry sensitive skin for its thin, easy-to-absorb texture. The thin consistency absorbs into the skin in no time and provides instant moisturisation. This sunscreen leaves no white cast whatsoever and has a radiant finish. What’s more? It’s one of the most affordable sunscreens in the Indian market and comes in two sizes.  

How to Apply Sunscreen  

 

#3 Lakmé Sun Expert SPF 50 PA+++ Ultra Matte Lotion Sunscreen

How to Choose and Apply Sunscreen | Top 5 Tips and More

Dry skin can also benefit from matte products, especially if you reside in super humid areas. Sweat can easily break down your sunscreen in no time and leave your skin bare even after all the effort. A matte sunscreen comes in handy in such situations. 

Lakmé Sun Expert SPF 50 PA+++ Ultra Matte Lotion Sunscreen is the ultimate sunscreen lotion for dry skin due to its ultra-nourishing yet non-greasy texture. It leaves the skin feeling matte and fresh, however, the creamy texture performs as a final step of moisturisation in your skincare routine. It’s super easy to blend and has no white cast. You can rely on this stunner to prevent you from sunburns and unwanted tanning! This can double as face sunscreen for dry skin and sunscreen lotion for dry skin. 

How to Apply Sunscreen  

  • Complete your skincare routine by applying the Lakmé Sun Expert SPF 50 PA+++ Ultra Matte Lotion Sunscreen all over your face and neck.  

  • Blend it in with your fingers and tap the product in once it starts to absorb.  

  • Re-apply every three to four hours for best results. 

 

#4 Pond’s Serum Boost Sunscreen Cream SPF 55

How to Choose and Apply Sunscreen | Top 5 Tips and More

This pick is for super-hot summer days. If you’re a college student who spends most of their time running around outdoors, pick this one ASAP. This Pond’s Serum Boost Sunscreen Cream comes with SPF 55 – Which means more protection than ever. It protects against UVA, UVB and even blue light. Bye bye, digital ageing! The niacinamide-rich formula brightens skin, fades dark spots and leaves a glowing finish behind.  

How to Apply Sunscreen  

  • Complete your skincare routine and apply a generous amount of Pond’s Serum Boost Sunscreen Cream SPF 55 all over your face and neck. 

  • Re-apply every three to four hours. 

  • Top it on Pond’s Serum Boost Sunscreen serum SPF 50 for added protection and skincare benefits. 

#5 Lakmé Sun Expert Tinted PA SPF50++ Spray  

How to Choose and Apply Sunscreen | Top 5 Tips and More

Can’t use sunscreen over makeup? Here’s something you’ll love. The Lakmé Sun Expert Tinted PA SPF50++ Spray is a unique spray sunscreen which can be sprayed on and acts as a tinted sunscreen. It unites re-touching makeup and re-applying sunscreen to give you the best of both worlds! 

How to Apply Sunscreen  

  • Spray the sunscreen on your palms and apply it all over your face and neck.  

  • You can also cover your eyes with a card and spray it directly on your face. Don't forget to blend it around your eyes! 

  • Re-apply every three to four hours. 

 

FAQs about Tips on How to Choose and Apply Sunscreen    

Q1: Do I have to reapply sunscreen if the SPF is high? 

Yes, you have to re-apply sunscreen regardless of the SPF. Your sunscreen is constantly fighting the UV rays and there comes a point your sunscreen eventually vanishes. So, it’s always best to re-apply. 

 

Q2: How much sunscreen should I use? 

Draw two stripes along your index finger and middle finger with sunscreen and you should have your perfect quantity. 

 

Q3: Do I need sunscreen in monsoons? 

Yes, you need sunscreen in every weather. Just because we cannot see sun rays on cloudy days, doesn’t mean the UV rays can’t harm us. Besides, digital ageing exists and it is always wise to wear sunscreen.