What makes it worth considering for dry skin?
The formula contains eight types of hyaluronic acid, plus glycerin, Ceramide NP and olive fruit oil. Glycerin is a humectant, an ingredient that increases the outer skin layer's ability to hold water. The product is positioned as a moisturising sun gel rather than a rich cream. Choose it if you want that format, but let the severity of your dryness decide whether you also need a thicker moisturiser.123
Can it replace your moisturiser?
A moisturising sunscreen can sit alongside a separate moisturiser, despite the product name already doing the work of an entire sentence. Dry skin lacks moisture in its outer layer, and moisturisers remain the main treatment. Ingredients that hold water and ingredients that slow water loss do different jobs: occlusives form an oily layer that helps keep moisture in the skin.234
Choose the extra moisturiser by the degree of dryness:
- For mild facial dryness, a lotion is an option.
- For moderate dryness, a cream is more suitable.
- For very dry, scaly areas, an ointment provides more occlusion, although it can feel greasy.
How should you apply it?
Use this order for your daytime routine:
- 1Wash with a gentle cleanser and gently pat your face dry. Use lukewarm rather than hot water.
- 2Apply any prescribed skin medicine or treatment after cleansing, following its directions.
- 3Apply your moisturiser if needed. Moisturisers generally work best on damp skin.
- 4Apply the Sun Gel last in skincare. Isntree directs you to pat it gently until absorbed. Cover exposed skin, including your face, neck and ears; applying sunscreen too thinly reduces protection.
- 5Apply makeup afterwards, if you wear it.
For an outing long enough to risk burning, general sunscreen guidance is to apply 30 minutes before leaving and again just before going out. Reapply every two hours outdoors, and straight after swimming, sweating or towel drying. Use shade and clothing as well as sunscreen.5
What should you check before buying?
Check the actual pack for SPF 30 or higher, protection against both UVA and UVB, and water resistance. Use a water resistant sunscreen when swimming or sweating. A moisturising description helps you choose for dry skin, but it is not a sun protection rating, however much space the name takes up. Isntree's global Watery Sun Gel is not available in the United States because of OTC regulations; its Daily Sun Gel is a different product.156
What if your dry skin stings or stays irritated?
If sunscreen stings or burns, switch to a fragrance free sunscreen whose filters are only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Avoid adding multiple extra skincare products to solve the discomfort, because too many products can irritate skin. Seek a dermatologist's advice if dryness remains troublesome, particularly with itching, inflammation or cracks. Those symptoms need more attention than choosing a sunscreen texture.346
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel for oily skin
For oily skin, look for a sunscreen labelled "noncomedogenic" or "won't clog pores" rather than choosing by the word "Gel" alone. Isntree describes a fresh finish, but that is a texture description, not a promise about breakouts. Oily skin with acne can still benefit from moisturiser, so oiliness alone is not a reason to remove it.167
Where this answer comes from
- 1Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel 50mlisntree-global.com
- 2Dermatitis. Emollientsdermnetnz.org
- 3Dry Skin (Xeroderma): Causes, Treatments, and Moredermnetnz.org
- 4Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?aad.org
- 5Sunscreen and sun safetynhs.uk
- 6How do I know if I'm using the right sunscreen?aad.org
- 7search.aad.orgsearch.aad.org