El mejor protector solar para cada tipo de piel

It's a sunny double-edged sword: The sun's rays can be both beneficial and harmful to the skin. Some exposure to the sun is great for vitamin D production. But too much can lead to skin damage - and an increased risk of skin cancer.

So, keeping sunscreen on hand can be an incredibly smart move. According to the National Institutes of Health, sunscreen can help reduce the risk of developing skin cancer and, with regular usage, slow down the signs of aging caused by sun damage. It's also important to use other sun protection as well, like covering up skin and wearing a hat.

Read on for tips on finding the right sunscreen product for different skin types and lifestyles.

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Sunscreen for acne-prone skin

It’s good news for people with acne-prone skin: Some sunscreens contain ingredients that can be less likely to cause a breakout.

Connecticut-based dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, notes that some mineral-based sunscreens may work best for acne-prone skin. "Zinc oxide can actually contribute to anti-inflammatory properties and help with acne," she says. She also recommends lotions as opposed to creams and to avoid ingredients such as coconut oils - common in sunscreens - and silicones, such as dimethicone, because they can clog pores.

Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, recommends oil-free and pore-friendly sunscreens for acne-prone skin. "Many sunscreens available today contain mattifying ingredients" - ingredients that reduce oil and sheen. These can be helpful by blurring the pores and reducing shine, he notes.

Dr. Gohara likes La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Fluid for those who have acne, because “it’s cosmetically elegant, light, fast-absorbing and even blends well on dark skin.”

She also likes CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, which she notes is a good blend of moisturizer and SPF for morning use. "It's great at protecting against post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation," she says, which usually shows up as dark spots on the skin.

Dr. Zeichner likes La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dry Touch Face Sunscreen SPF 60 for acne-prone skin. He also recommends Cetaphil DermaControl - Hidratante con control seborreico, FPS 30 to help keep oil at bay.

Sunscreens for different skin types

Sunscreen for dry skin

Dr. Zeichner notes that people with dry skin should look for sunscreens that contain skin hydrating and repairing ingredients, such as ceramides or colloidal oatmeal. "The goal is to find moisturizing sunscreens that will protect the skin from UV [ultraviolet] light and maintain a healthy skin barrier."

Dr. Gohara recommends choosing creams instead of lotions, since creams often have higher oil content. "Look for humectants, such as hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, and avoid gel, foam and fragranced formulations," she notes.

A good choice with this in mind could be Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost SPF 30 for dry skin, because "it's loaded with humectants like hyaluronic acid, is easy to layer and brings water to the skin," Dr. Gohara says. She also notes that this formula blends well on darker skin, too.

Dr. Zeichner recommends Aveeno Protect Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen with SPF 30, which contains antioxidant oat. He also likes CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen, which is packed with ceramides.

Sunscreen for sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, Dr. Zeichner advises sticking with mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide alone or in combination with titanium dioxide. "These mineral filters are typically ultra gentle on the skin and do not tend to cause irritation," he explains. Dr. Gohara advises looking for fragrance-free formulations and avoiding chemical filters like avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate and oxybenzone. "Avoid botanicals, essential oils and other fancy additives at all costs," Dr. Gohara adds.

For sensitive skin, Dr. Zeichner recommends Eucerin Sun Sensitive Mineral SPF 50, which is formulated with zinc oxide alone. Dr. Gohara recommends a mineral sunscreen that's hypoallergenic, such as CVS Health Broad Spectrum Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion, which is made for sensitive skin with minimal ingredients.

She also likes Coppertone Defend Care Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50 Lotion, which is filled with glycerin and beeswax to help protect the barrier and keep irritants out.

Baby formulations are also good, Dr. Gohara adds, such as Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen with SPF 50. It features a hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested zinc formula that’s water resistant.

Sunscreen for oily skin

For oily skin, lotions instead of creams are your best bet, according to Dr. Gohara - and look for matte finishes and oil-free formulas. Dr. Zeichner advises looking for ultralight, fluid sunscreens, gels or stick options. "Heavy cream can weigh the face down, leaving your skin feeling heavy or greasy," he explains. "Many of the sunscreens labeled as 'sport' are great for people who have oily skin because they don't tend to drip."

Dr. Gohara recommends Neutrogena Clear Face Oil Free Sunscreen, which is oil-free and noncomedogenic and boasts a weightless texture. And Dr. Zeichner likes Bull Frog Water Armor Sport Quik Gel Sunscreen, which, due to its gel texture, works well for those with oily skin. Stick formulas are good here as well: Dr. Zeichner mentions Coppertone Sport SPF 40 Stick.

Sunscreen to combat signs of aging

Dr. Gohara explains that up to 90 percent of all visible signs of aging come from unprotected exposure to UV light. For the most protection, look for a sunscreen with a higher SPF and with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants.

Dr. Zeichner notes that if you have aging skin, you should opt for sunscreens that provide additional benefits beyond UV protection. "Many sunscreens contain brightening ingredients, like niacinamide, or blends of antioxidants that can reduce free radical damage and even the skin tone," he says.

He recommends Eucerin Sun Age Defense SPF 50, which features an antioxidant blend, and the niacinamide-packed RoC Multi Correxion Even Tone + Lift Daily Moisturizer SPF 30.

Sunscreen and eczema

When it comes to eczema and sunscreen, Dr. Gohara leans toward options that are similar to those she recommends for dry skin, while Dr. Zeichner favors formulas friendly to sensitive skin.

Dr. Gohara likes Eucerin Sun Advanced Hydration Sunscreen SPF 50 for those with eczema. This one is newer to the market and includes not just hyaluronic acid but humectants to moisturize the skin as well as multiple antioxidants, including vitamin C, "which can rejuvenate and protect the skin from UV rays and pollutants," she says.

Dr. Zeichner recommends Neutrogena Mineral UltraSheer Dry-Touch SPF 30, which is formulated with antioxidant vitamin E and is free of chemically active ingredients, including oxybenzone.

And there you have it! No matter what the skin type or concern, there are sunscreen options available that can be part of a comprehensive approach to protection from the sun.

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.