Does Mineral Sunscreen Dry Out Your Skin? Tips for Hydration

How Mineral Sunscreens Can Dry Out Your Skin

Mineral sunscreens have become increasingly popular in recent years as people look for options that are effective yet safe and natural. Formulated with active mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, these sunscreens sit atop the skin to deflect UV rays rather than being absorbed into the skin like chemical sunscreens.

While mineral options were once notoriously thick and chalky, newer formulations have managed to achieve a lighter texture that feels weightless on skin. However, some people still find that mineral sunscreens make their skin feel dry and tight throughout the day.

Why Mineral Sunscreens Can Dry Out Skin

There are a few reasons why mineral sunscreens are more prone to leaving skin dehydrated than chemical options:

• They contain drying mineral powders like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which can pull moisture from the skin over time.
• The minerals create a protective barrier on top of skin that can prevent natural moisturizing factors from reaching thirsty skin cells.
• Many mineral sunscreen formulas focus more on protection than hydration, lacking humectant, emollient and occlusive ingredients.

How To Keep Skin Hydrated While Using Mineral Sunscreens

Luckily, its possible to reap the benefits of mineral sun protection without having to deal with parched, uncomfortable skin. Here are some effective tips:

1. Apply to damp skin - Mist your face with a hydrating toner or essence before applying mineral SPF to help the skin better absorb the hydrating ingredients.
2. Layer a hydrator underneath - Try using a hydrating serum or gel-cream with hyaluronic acid under your sunscreen to boost moisture.
3. Use a moisturizing formula - Seek out mineral sunscreens made specifically for dry and sensitive skin types that contain hydrating oils and butters.
4. Mix with a face oil - Adding a drop or two of a nourishing facial oil to your mineral SPF helps counteract drying effects.
5. Reapply mist throughout the day - Set your mineral sunscreen with a hydrating face mist and reapply over makeup as needed.
6. Exfoliate regularly - Remove flaky dry skin with chemical exfoliators like glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid.
7. Use a rich night cream - Double up on moisture while you sleep by massaging a thick, creamy moisturizer into skin.

Ingredients To Look For In Hydrating Mineral Sunscreens

Reading sunscreen labels can quickly get overwhelming, but focusing on specific hydrating ingredients can help narrow down the options.

Some of the best moisturizing components to look for in mineral SPF formulas include:

Plant Oils

Soothing, lightweight non-comedogenic plant oils like jojoba, sunflower seed, camellia sinensis leaf and raspberry seed oils are fantastic at providing a moisture boost.

Hyaluronic Acid

This humectant ingredient is a pro at drawing in hydration to plump skin.

Ceramides

These lipids help reinforce the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss while locking hydration in.

Glycerin

A skin-identical ingredient, glycerin mimics whats naturally found in skin to pull moisture to the surface.

Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide calms inflammation to keep skin from drying out.

Shea Butter

The thick emollient softens and smooths for long-lasting moisture without clogging pores.

Tips For Applying Mineral Sunscreen Without Dehydrating Skin

In addition to using the right hydrating mineral SPF formula, application technique also plays a big role. Here are some best practices for avoiding dried out skin:

1. Prep With Water-Based Products First

Start your routine by applying any hydrating toners, essences and serums first so they have a chance to penetrate skin before applying your sunscreen. This helps maximize hydration.

2. Use About 1/4 Tsp For Face

Using too little mineral sunscreen can compromise protection and cause more rubbing and friction which can be dehydrating. 1/4 tsp is just enough to adequately cover the face.

3. Apply To Damp Skin

Misting your face with a hydrating toner helps the skin better absorb the moisture from mineral sunscreen formulas.

4. Gently Pat Into Skin

Instead of rubbing sunscreen in, gently patting it into skin prevents stripping natural moisturizing factors.

5. Set With Hydrating Mist

Finish by misting your mineral SPF with a hydrating face mist. This helps set makeup too.

6. Reapply Over Makeup As Needed

Rather than removing makeup to reapply sunscreen mid-day, mist your face first then apply SPF on top to preserve your look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Use a Moisturizer With Mineral Sunscreen?

Absolutely! Using a moisturizer underneath mineral sunscreen can help provide an added boost of hydration to keep skin supple and happy rather than tight and uncomfortable. Look for moisturizing gels and lotions that contain plenty of skin-repairing ceramides as well as glycerin and hyaluronic acid for a moisture punch.

What Sunscreens Wont Dry Out Your Skin?

Some good mineral sunscreen options to try include EltaMD UV Elements Broad Spectrum SPF 44, Supergoop PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50, COOLA Classic Face Organic Sunscreen Cucumber SPF 30 and Paulas Choice RESIST Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50.

What is the Most Moisturizing Sunscreen?

Some of the most moisturizing sunscreens include La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Hydrating Cream SPF 60, Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30 and UnSun Cosmetics Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 15. However, the best sunscreen ultimately comes down to your skin type and concern.

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.