The ABCs of SPF: Oily Skin
It's no secret that everyone needs to wear sun protection.
All of us.
Yes... you, too.
I'm looking at you Mr "My Melanin Is All I Need".
You are not Marvin Gaye & melanin is NOT Tammi Terrell.
As someone who has oily skin & large pores it can be very difficult for me to find sun protection that isn't too heavy and doesn't clog my pores. A majority of SPF products have Titanium Dioxide & Zinc Dioxide; mineral ingredients that serve as the "physical" protection in sunscreen (physical protection means they reflect UV rays, preventing their absorption into the skin). Many sun protection products have one or both minerals present to ensure the product protects against UVA, UVB, & Infrared rays (this is commonly referred to as broadband protection). The catch is, Titanium & Zinc Dioxide can lead to breakouts and increased blackheads for those of us with oily skin & large pores. That factor can deter oily skinned folk like myself from consistently wearing SPF. Lucky for y'all I've done extensive research on the subject and have compiled a list of lightweight, oily-skin-friendly sun protection products. Click on the image to learn more about each product. I've worn every one of these SPFs... swam in them, sweat in them, tested the limits of my Titanium Dioxide allergy with them... all for you. It's because I'm committed.
Nandi did that so hopefully you'll go through that because, damn it, you need to be wearing sunscreen.
This lightweight, broadband physical SPF helps to keep oily skin matte by absorbing excess oil & minimizing the look of large pores.
Great for sensitive skin or folks like me with a Titanium Dioxide allergy. This broadband SPF moisturizer has Zinc Dioxide as it's physical SPF as well as antioxidant-rich olive polyphenols. Best part? No white cast!
Supergoop 100% Mineral Invincible Setting Powder (SPF 45)
This pure mineral setting powder can be used to set your makeup in the morning or throughout the day to keep shine at bay while increasing your protection against UV Rays. Travel and sensitive skin-friendly, it comes in four different shades from translucent to deep for a wide array of skin tones. All this for $30? Sign me up.
One of my favorite sun care products on the market! This serum can be worn under moisturizer but is hydrating enough to be worn alone when humidity gets out of control.
My drug store go-to. Aveeno's Protect + hydrate has colloidal oatmeal to hydrate & keep away irritation so it's great for sensitive skin. While moisture-rich it's not heavy and doesn't clog my pores. I never go on vacation without it.
