Sunscreen is now such an important part of our skincare routines that its literally impossible to scroll through your feed without someone reminding you to apply it before heading out. Sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer and premature ageing. It also prevents sunburns and helps maintain an even skin tone if you are not a fan of involuntary tanning. So, let’s take a look at which sunscreens work best for dry skin.
5 best sunscreens for dry skin
A good sunscreen should help protect against all kinds of exposure like UVA and UVB rays. Opt for a sunscreen whose SPF (sun protection factor is) is between 15 to 30. That means it will block between 93% to 97% of UV rays. The best sunscreen is that which has high SPF for dry and sensitive skin. Fortunately, there are several easily available sunscreens in India.
- Lakme Sun Expert Tinted Sunscreen
- Pond's Bright Beauty Glow SPF 15 Day Cream
- Lakme Peach Milk SPF24 Sunscreen Lotion
- Simple Kind To Skin Protecting Light Moisturiser
- Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport
- How to correctly apply sunscreen
- FAQs on sunscreen for dry skin
Lakme Sun Expert Tinted Sunscreen

Previously, one of the biggest reasons why people avoided sunscreens was the white residue that made your skin look patchy. Well, no more. There are now products like the Lakme Sun Expert Tinted Sunscreen 50 SPF that not only absorbs 97% of UVB rays but also gives a natural finish to the skin.
Pond's Bright Beauty Glow SPF 15 Day Cream

Do you want to treat blemishes formed from exposure to the sun? No need for additional treatment as the Pond's Bright Beauty Glow SPF 15 Day Cream treats dark spots, as well as acts as a sunscreen. This anti-spot cream has vitamin B3 required to lighten blemishes, as well as SPF15 which stops dark spots from forming in the first place. Defend yourself from the UV rays, as well as blemished skin with this cream as the ingredients act as a protective barrier and also deal with dry skin, hyperpigmentation and redness.
Lakme Peach Milk SPF24 Sunscreen Lotion

Are you tired of applying moisturiser and sunscreen separately every time before you head out? The Lakme Peach Milk SPF24 Sunscreen Lotion has peach milk extract for nourishing your skin, vitamin C for even skin tone and SPF24 that deflects UV rays. It also offers 12-hour protection, a soft glow and prevents that white, patchy appearance on the skin.
Simple Kind To Skin Protecting Light Moisturiser

This sunscreen kills two birds with one stone as it is one of the best moisturisers for dry skin, as well as protects against harmful UV rays. The Simple Kind To Skin Protecting Light Moisturiser has SPF15 and lasts up to 12 hours which means no need to constantly reapply. It is also loaded with vitamins B5 and E to hydrate dry skin. On top of it, it also has a natural finish and is free of parabens and harsh chemicals. And if you are someone who has dry skin but is also prone to acne, this sunscreen is non-comedogenic which works well for all skin types.
Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport

If you are a sporty or active person, the Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport sunscreen is for you. It keeps the skin hydrated (as it is loaded with hyaluronic acid) without making it greasy and is also water-resistant even if you suddenly get a desire to take a dip in the swimming pool. It also contains SPF50 and liquorice extract to soothe the skin against the heat and defend against the harmful rays.
How to correctly apply sunscreen

Taking a dash of sunscreen and simply rubbing it across your face is not enough. There are a lot of common mistakes that deter the sunscreen from unlocking its full potential to defend from UV rays and also moisturise your skin. From applying sunscreen 30 minutes before you head out to using it with makeup, here’s how to correctly apply sunscreen.
- Get to applying sunscreen 30 minutes before you actually head out. Squeeze out a dollop of sunscreen on your palm and generously apply it to the exposed parts of your body like your neck, ears, shoulder, hands and calves.
- For your face, squeeze out a coin-sized portion of sunscreen and apply evenly. Do not forget your lips as they are equally sensitive and susceptible to being the source of skin cancer.
- If you are using makeup, apply the sunscreen after your primer and before your foundation or base.
- If you are engaging in heavy physical activity like running or exercising, reapply sunscreen every two hours.
FAQs on sunscreen for dry skin

1) Why are not all types of sunscreen suitable for dry skin?
Some of the ingredients for the standard sunscreen can dry out the skin if it is already dry which is why a lot of skincare experts recommend putting moisturiser and then sunscreen. If you have dry skin, opt for sunscreens that have a nourishing element like the ones mentioned above.
2) Should I wear sunscreen even if I am indoors?
Unless you are spending time in a bunker, you will be exposed to the sun’s rays throughout the day. This means that even a cloudy sky, window and curtain cannot stop the UV rays from making it to the interiors and reaching your skin. Apply sunscreen even if you work or spend your day indoors.
3) Should I wear sunscreen daily?
Yes. Wearing sunscreen only in the summer does not protect your skin from the year-round exposure to the UV radiation from the sun’s rays. Remember to wear sunscreen every time you head out even if it is to travel from your home to your office.
Written by Lopa K on 1st Jun 2022