How Sunscreen Can Dry Out Your Skin and What to Do About It

How Sunscreen Can Dry Out Your Skin

Sunscreen is an essential product to protect your skin from sun damage and lower your risk of skin cancer. However, certain sunscreen ingredients, formulations, and application mistakes can often leave your skin feeling dry, irritated, and stripped of moisture.

Causes of Sunscreen Drying Out Skin

There are several reasons why sunscreen may dry out your skin:

Alcohol Content

Many sunscreens contain alcohol which helps the product dry fast and feel weightless on skin. However, alcohol is very drying and can remove natural oils.

Fragrance

Fragrances added to sunscreens for scent can irritate sensitive skin types and cause redness and dryness.

Chemical UV Filters

Ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene can be absorbed into the skin and cause free radical damage leading to dryness.

High SPF

The higher the SPF, the greater concentration of UV filters. This can make the sunscreen feel heavy and drying on the skin.

Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide

Physical blockers like zinc and titanium sit atop the skin, reflecting UV rays. This can leave a chalky, drying effect.

Infrequent Reapplication

Failing to reapply sunscreen as directed can lead to sunburns which are extremely drying to the skin.

Not Using Moisturizer Underneath

Applying sunscreen directly on dry bare skin without a moisturizer base layer can draw moisture out of the skin.

Signs Your Sunscreen is Drying Out Your Skin

Here are some signs that your sunscreen may be causing dryness or irritation:

Flaking or Peeling Skin

If your skin starts flaking off in patches, its likely very parched from your sunscreen.

Redness

Visible redness, particularly on sensitive areas like the cheeks, is indicative of irritation from drying ingredients.

Itchiness

Feeling itchy all over after sunscreen application can signal your skin is too dry and inflamed.

Tightness

A tight, taut feeling across your skin that feels like it might crack is a big sign of dryness.

Rough Texture

If your once-smooth skin now feels rough and almost sandpapery, lack of moisture is likely the culprit.

Increased Oil Production

Excess oiliness from skin overcompensating for dryness caused by sunscreen.

Accelerated Aging Signs

Fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots worsen and multiply faster from repeated drying.

Tips to Prevent Sunscreen Drying Out Your Skin

Here are some tips to avoid sunscreen drying and irritation:

Choose Hydrating Formulas

Look for sunscreens specifically formulated for dry or sensitive skin. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter, aloe, and ceramides boost hydration.

Use Mineral Sunscreens

Mineral SPFs with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are less likely to irritate than chemical filters. Opt for micronized versions that rub in more easily.

Apply a Moisturizer Underneath

Smooth on a hydrating moisturizer like a facial lotion, serum or SPF moisturizer before applying sunscreen to buffer skin.

Avoid Fragrance

Steer clear of scented sunscreens. Fragrances, whether natural or synthetic, often provoke dryness and irritation.

Read Labels for Alcohol

Check ingredient lists and avoid sunscreens containing alcohol denat, benzyl alcohol, ethanol, methanol, and SD alcohol which will dehydrate skin.

Use Cream or Lotion Formulas

Creams and lotions provide more moisturization than sprays or gels which feel lighter but dry faster.

Apply 15 Minutes Before Sun Exposure

Put on sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside to allow it to fully absorb into skin.

What to Do if Your Sunscreen is Drying Out Your Skin

Stop Using It

Discontinue use of any sunscreen that seems to be excessively drying or irritating your skin.

Switch Formulas

Experiment with different sunscreen brands, ingredients (mineral vs. chemical), formats (lotion, stick, etc) and fragrance-free options to find a less drying match for your skin type.

Use Sparingly on Dry Areas

Avoid applying drying sunscreen directly on sensitive dry areas like the lips and around eyes. Just do one thin layer.

Apply a Hydrating Serum Underneath

Serums with hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides can boost moisture levels before sunscreen application.

Mix With a Facial Moisturizer

Combine sunscreen and facial moisturizer in hands then apply together to hydrate while protecting.

Reapply Moisturizer Throughout Day

Bring hydrating moisturizer or face mist with you to re-moisturize skin as needed after sunscreen reapplication.

Exfoliate Regularly

Gently exfoliate 2-3 times a week to remove dry, flaky skin so your sunscreen can absorb better.

Use a Rich Night Cream

Apply an extra thick, nourishing night cream after cleansing to combat daytime sunscreen dryness.

Drink Extra Water

Stay well hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily to counteract sunscreen drying effects.

Best Moisturizing Ingredients to Look For

Combat sunscreen drying effects by looking for these moisturizing ingredients:

Hyaluronic Acid

Powerful humectant that binds and holds moisture in skin.

Ceramides

Help strengthen and maintain skin's protective moisture barrier.

Glycerin

Natural plant-derived humectant that draws in water to soften skin.

Shea Butter

Thick emollient that coats skin in nourishing fatty acids and vitamins.

Jojoba Oil

Plant oil similar to skin's natural sebum that provides hydration without clogging pores.

Aloe Vera

Soothing botanical extract full of hydrating compounds that reduce irritation.

Sunflower Seed Oil

Light, non-comedogenic nutrient-rich oil that strengthens and smooths skin.

Best Sunscreen Formats for Dry Skin

These sunscreen types tend to be most moisturizing for dry, sensitive skin:

Lotions

Hydrating, creamy liquids that sink in well. Look for formulas with shea butter, ceramides, antioxidant vitamins.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.