SPF 30 or SPF 50? Mineral or chemical? Cream or gel?
Choosing sunscreen can feel overwhelming, especially when every product promises something different. The truth is, the best sunscreen depends on your skin type. Oily skin needs a different formula than dry or sensitive skin, and picking the wrong one can lead to breakouts, greasiness, or poor protection.
This guide will help you understand your skin's needs and match them with the right formula. You'll find clear, useful tips here, from decoding SPF numbers to understanding ingredients and picking textures for oily or dry skin.
So let’s make sunscreen simple, once and for all. Your skin deserves that kind of clarity.
Why Sunscreen Matters More Than You Think
Many people treat sunscreen like an occasional product, saved for beach trips or summer holidays. In reality, UV rays affect your skin every single day. Even on cloudy mornings, while driving or sitting near a window, your skin is exposed to invisible damage.
These rays break down collagen, lead to early signs of aging, trigger pigmentation and raise the risk of skin cancer. Skipping sunscreen even occasionally leaves your skin vulnerable to long-term damage that builds slowly but leaves a lasting impact.
Applying sunscreen every morning is one of the simplest ways to protect your skin’s health, tone, and texture. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF, use the right amount and make it a daily ritual. Consistency here leads to fewer fine lines, stronger skin, and protection that builds over time.
Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreen: Which One Works Better for You?
Two Paths to Protection
Sunscreens fall into two major categories: physical and chemical.
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Physical sunscreens (also called mineral sunscreens) use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These sit on the surface of your skin and act like tiny shields, reflecting UV rays.
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Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, which is then released from the skin.
Which One Should You Use?
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Go for physical sunscreens if you have sensitive skin, rosacea, or are prone to redness. They’re usually better tolerated and start working immediately upon application.
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Try chemical sunscreens if you prefer lightweight, blendable textures that don’t leave a white cast. Due to their water-resistant nature, they're better for swimming and sports.
If you want the best of both worlds, try hybrid formulas that blend both types. They offer balanced protection without compromising on texture.
Choosing the Best Sunscreen for Your Skin Type
Every Skin Type Has Specific Needs
Sunscreen for Oily Skin
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Look for gel-based, matte finish, non-comedogenic formulas.
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Avoid heavy creams or oils.
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Ingredients to look for: niacinamide, zinc, green tea, salicylic acid.
Try: True Derma Luxurious SPF 50 Gel
Sunscreen for Dry Skin
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Go for hydrating creams or lotion-based formulas with a dewy finish.
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Ingredients to look for: ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E.
Try: True Derma Luxurious SPF 50 Cream
Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
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Stick with fragrance-free, alcohol-free, mineral-based sunscreens.
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Look for calming ingredients like cica, aloe vera, squalane, and zinc oxide
Sunscreen for Combination Skin
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Choose lightweight lotions or hybrid formulas that hydrate dry areas without clogging oily zones.
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Look for balance—ingredients like niacinamide, rice water and green tea.
True Derma all Product Range: Shop Now
SPF and PA Ratings: What Do They Actually Mean?
Breaking Down the Numbers
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SPF (Sun Protection Factor) refers to how well a product protects your skin from UVB rays, which cause sunburn.
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SPF 30 filters out about 97% of UVB radiation.
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SPF 50 blocks around 98%.
What About PA Ratings?
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PA ratings indicate the level of protection against UVA rays—the ones responsible for long-term damage and ageing.
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PA+ = Some UVA protection
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PA++++ = Extremely high protection
So, SPF 50 or SPF 30?
If you spend hours outside, opt for SPF 50 PA++++, especially in high UV zones or beach environments. For everyday indoor use, SPF 30 PA+++ usually works well, as long as you reapply it regularly.
What Ingredients Should You Pay Attention To?
Good Ingredients to Look For
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Zinc oxide & titanium dioxide: Physical UV blockers
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Niacinamide: Reduces redness and acne
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Hyaluronic acid & glycerin: Hydrate dry skin
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Ceramides: Restore the skin barrier
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Green tea & cica: Calm inflammation
Avoid These (if you can)
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Oxybenzone: Known to disrupt hormones and irritate skin
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Fragrance and alcohol: Common irritants, especially for sensitive skin
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Parabens: Preservatives with potential long-term concerns
Tip: Always patch test a new sunscreen, especially if you have reactive skin.
How to Apply Sunscreen Properly (Most People Get This Wrong)
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Apply 15 minutes before stepping out.
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Use two fingers' worth for the face and neck.
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Reapply every 2 hours or immediately after sweating, swimming, or towel-drying.
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Don’t skip the ears, lips, neck, hairline, and hands.
Helpful Tools:
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Sunscreen sticks for touch-ups
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Sunscreen sprays for body reapplication
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Sunscreen mists for use over makeup
Everyday Sunscreen Habits That Protect Your Glow
Little Things That Go a Long Way
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Keep a travel-sized sunscreen in your bag or car.
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Use a separate sunscreen for your face if the body SPF feels too greasy.
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Layer sunscreen as the final step in your AM routine.
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Pair sunscreen with hats, sunglasses, and SPF-safe clothing for full protection.
Your Skin Deserves Better. Choose Smart. Start Today.
You don’t need another half-used bottle sitting in your drawer. You need sunscreen that suits your skin, feels good to wear, and makes you want to apply it daily.
Check our dermatologically approved range from True Derma:
Alongside this, our True Skin collection is built for everyday use, with SPF 50 PA++++ formulations that balance strong protection:
Start protecting your skin with intention. And you’ll thank yourself 10 years from now.
TrueSkin all Product Range: Shop Now
