The beautiful season is back: it's finally time to play outside and enjoy the great outdoors... with the right sun protection! But how do you make the best choice based on your skin type? Here are a few tips to help you!

The Right Sun Protection for Every Skin Type

Each skin type has its own characteristics that influence your choice of sunscreen or sun lotion. A perfect formula for oily skin could be too light for dry skin, while a rich cream could clog the pores of acne-prone skin. Let's discover together the best options for each skin type.

◆ What Are the Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin?

Oily skin naturally produces more sebum, often creating an unwanted shiny effect, especially with an unsuitable sunscreen. If you have oily skin, look for a lightweight texture and an oil-free moisturizing formula with a matte finish. In addition to absorbing excess oil throughout the day, a sunscreen suited to oily skin can limit shine and control sebum production without clogging pores.

» To avoid

Rich or highly nourishing formulas, which may leave a greasy film on the skin and accentuate the shiny effect.

◆ What Protection for Dry Skin?

Dry and thirsty skin needs rich, creamy, and smooth sunscreens containing hydrating agents such as hyaluronic acid (which retains up to 1,000 times its weight in water), glycerin, ceramides, or shea butter.

» To avoid

Gel formulas, dry-touch, alcohol-based, or overly astringent products, which can accentuate skin dryness and cause tightness, in addition to preventing your skin from staying supple and soft.

◆ What Formula to Choose for Acne-Prone Skin?

The best sunscreens for acne-prone skin are those with a non-comedogenic formula, which means the protection is specially formulated not to clog pores, thus reducing the risk of breakouts.

Oil-free formulas enriched with silica or mattifying powders can also transform your sunscreen into a regulating treatment, for more radiant skin throughout the day.

» To avoid

Overly greasy creams, which can promote blackheads and blemishes.

◆ What Are the Options for Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive or reactive skin needs a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 40 to ensure more effective protection against UV rays that can worsen redness, irritation, or skin reactions.

If you have sensitive skin, opt for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formulas that contain mineral filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These mineral sunscreens work by reflecting UV rays on the skin's surface, thus limiting their interaction with the epidermis.

» To avoid

Formulas containing alcohol, fragrance, or harsh chemical filters, which can cause redness or discomfort.

◆ What About Dark Skin?

If you have dark skin, it's best to opt for a sunscreen with a lightweight and easy-to-apply formula that absorbs completely without leaving visible white traces on the skin's surface.

» To avoid

Thick and whitish sunscreens that often don't blend well into the skin and tend to give dark skin an ashy appearance.

What's the Best Sunscreen for the Face?

Facial skin is thinner and more exposed than skin on other parts of the body, making it particularly vulnerable to the sun's effects. Make sure to choose a cream specially formulated for the face, with a lighter and non-comedogenic formula, offering broad-spectrum protection.

Do you wear makeup? Opt for a fluid, gel or powder texture that integrates easily under or over your makeup. You can also use a tinted sunscreen.

» To avoid

Greasy or thick formulas designed for the body, which can cause discomfort, clog pores, or give the skin a shiny effect.

Need Anti-Aging Sun Protection?

A good sunscreen is one of the best allies for combating signs of skin aging. For optimal anti-aging protection, you need to prevent the harmful effects of UV rays while supporting the repair of existing damage. Choose an SPF of at least 50 to maximize protection against photoaging.

How to Choose the Right Sunscreen?

Beyond simple protection against sunburn and UV rays, a good sunscreen must adapt to your skin characteristics to offer you comfort and effectiveness throughout the day. Here are four essential criteria for making an informed choice.

1) Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

The sun protection factor (SPF) indicates the percentage of UV rays blocked by the product. The higher the index, the greater the level of protection. In short, it's your first line of defense against the sun's rays.

What's the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50?

Choose an SPF of at least 30 to block nearly 97% of UVB rays responsible for sunburn. For fair skin, children, or prolonged sun exposure, opt for an SPF of at least 50.

Looking at this table, you might think there isn't a big difference between an SPF of 15, 30, or 50. However, these few points are very important during prolonged exposure to the sun's rays.

2) Broad-Spectrum Protection

Opt for a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection, which protects against both UVA rays (premature aging) and UVB rays (burns). Broad-spectrum protection ensures optimal protection to preserve your skin's health.

3) Water Resistance

Water-resistant products are essential for hot days spent at the beach or around the pool, as well as for sports activities that cause perspiration.

4) Texture

The ideal texture for your sunscreen varies depending on your skin type. Choosing the right texture can make all the difference between a cream you love wearing every day and a product you'll leave aside.

What's the Best Sun Protection Option for Children and Toddlers According to Dermatologists?

Children's delicate skin requires sun protection adapted to their age. Starting at 6 months of age, the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) recommends pediatric mineral broad-spectrum formulas with SPF 50+, hypoallergenic and water-resistant, as they are less likely to cause irritation on toddlers' delicate skin. Sunscreens based on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are ideal because they remain on the surface without being absorbed by toddlers' fragile skin.

Other Good Practices for Toddlers' Sensitive Skin

• Avoid applying sunscreen to babies under 6 months: their skin is too sensitive.
• Keep your toddler in the shade and limit their direct sun exposure as much as possible.
• Dress your baby with a wide-brimmed hat and long, loose clothing covering arms and legs.
• Plan outdoor outings early in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun's UV rays are less powerful.
• Apply about a teaspoon of sun protection for a child's face and more for the body, not forgetting the ears, neck, and tops of feet.
• Ask your pharmacist to recommend a sunscreen suited to your toddler's skin.

When to Apply Your Sunscreen?

• Apply your water-resistant sun protection often when doing sports activities, as sweat reduces its effectiveness.
• Reapply cream after swimming.
• Reapply a generous layer of sun protection at least every two hours (you rarely apply too much)!

Your Cosmetician is there to Help You Make the Right Choice

Choosing the right sunscreen for your skin type is essential for effectively protecting your skin health. Whether you have oily, dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin, remember that the best protection is the one you will happily apply every day.

Our cosmeticians are your trusted specialists who can guide you in making this important choice. Thanks to their in-depth knowledge of different skin types and available formulations, they can recommend the sunscreen that is perfectly suited to your specific needs. Feel free to consult them for personalized advice and to discover the products best suited to you and your family.

Last update: March 9, 2026

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