Which sunscreen has a less greasy finish in humid weather?

Which texture should you choose?

A gel is a sensible starting point for oily skin, rather than treating every rich cream on the shelf as a compulsory audition. Oil free and alcohol based sunscreens are also options for an oily complexion. These are general texture choices, not a promise that a particular sunscreen will stay matte in humidity.13

Sunscreens come as lotions, creams, gels and sticks, because apparently one shelf category was not enough. Choose the format around your needs: gels also suit hairy areas, while a sunscreen stick is useful around the eyes to reduce dripping.23

Does less greasy mean less likely to clog pores?

If you have oily or acne prone skin, look specifically for noncomedogenic or "won't clog pores" on the sunscreen label. Do not use texture as your only shopping filter. High humidity and oily or greasy personal care products can increase the risk of comedonal acne, the small bumps caused by pores blocked with oil and dead skin cells.24

How should you apply it on a humid day?

1. 1Check the label before applying. Choose water resistance if you expect to sweat or have contact with water, and follow the product's directions.
2. 2Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors. Cover all exposed skin, including your face, neck, ears and exposed scalp.
3. 3Use enough. For the face, use at least 1 teaspoon. Most adults need about 1 ounce to cover skin not covered by clothing.
4. 4Reapply approximately every two hours outdoors, and after swimming or sweating. Reapply after towel drying or when sunscreen has rubbed off.

Do not solve a greasy finish by spreading sunscreen more thinly: too little reduces protection. The SPF rating is tested at a specific application thickness, so a lighter texture is the better shopping target than a lighter application. For prolonged exposure with a risk of burning, UK guidance advises applying sunscreen 30 minutes before leaving and again just before going out.57

What does water resistant actually mean?

On US sunscreen labels, water resistance means the product has been tested to remain effective for either 40 or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating. Check which duration your bottle states. No sunscreen is waterproof, and water resistance does not remove the need to reapply. Keep the container out of direct sun and excessive heat while you are outdoors.6

Should you switch to mineral sunscreen?

Mineral, chemical and hybrid sunscreens can all protect you when they meet the protection checklist. If sunscreen stings or burns, choose a fragrance free formula whose sunscreen filters are only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. If white residue bothers you, try a matching tint; tinted sunscreen also adds protection against visible light that can worsen dark spots.23