Is Dry-Touch Sunscreen Right for You?
Key takeaways:
Sunscreen is an important, everyday tool for protection against skin damage and skin cancer.
Dry-touch sunscreens work just like traditional sunscreens, but they have a lighter, drier finish.
Some types of dry-touch sunscreens are also less likely to leave a white cast.
No matter the season, spending time outside exposes your skin to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you’re not protecting your skin, this could increase your risk of skin cancer. Anyone can get skin cancer. In fact, it’s estimated that 1 in 5 people in the U.S. will develop skin cancer before the age of 70.
Thankfully, there are many ways to protect our skin and prevent skin cancer. These include sun-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunscreens.
But if you cringe thinking about the sticky feeling of some sunscreens, then you may be excited to learn about dry-touch sunscreen.
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How does dry-touch sunscreen work?
Dry-touch sunscreen — like other sunscreens — provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens can contain chemical (organic) substances, physical (inorganic) substances, or a combination of both. They block, absorb, or reflect UV rays.
Chemical sunscreens contain substances like:
Oxybenzone
Octinoxate
Octisalate
Avobenzone
These chemicals absorb the UV radiation and convert the energy into safer, lower energy wavelengths. This saves your skin from the harmful effects of the UVA and UVB rays.
Physical sunscreens are also known as mineral sunscreens. They act as a reflective layer on the skin. The most common ingredients in physical sunscreens are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
How is dry-touch sunscreen different from traditional sunscreen?
Dry-touch sunscreen works like other sunscreens to prevent UV rays from affecting the skin, but it feels different. It’s easy to use and leaves the skin feeling dry to the touch, rather than sticky or tacky. It doesn’t feel greasy or leave a white, pasty residue on your skin.
Pick the sunscreen that’s right for you. Learn about the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens.
Make it a habit. Why dermatologists say you should wear sunscreen every day.
Cover all your bases. Here are five ways to protect your skin in addition to wearing sunscreen.
In addition, dry-touch sunscreen is non-comedogenic, meaning that it won’t clog your pores. So it can be a good choice for many skin types.
What are the advantages of dry-touch sunscreen?
There are many reasons to reach for dry-touch sunscreen.
“Dry-touch sunscreen can be a great go-to sunscreen, especially during hot and humid summer months,” said Dr. Maria Robinson, a board-certified dermatologist. “The lightweight and non-greasy formula absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a sticky or oily residue.”
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“Depending on the type, dry-touch sunscreens are also less likely to leave behind a white cast, making them a good option for all skin tones,” she added.
If you’re looking for a sunscreen that has a smoother finish, while still protecting you from harmful UV radiation, dry-touch sunscreen may be for you.
Who should use dry-touch sunscreen?
Dry-touch sunscreen seems to be safe for everyone, including children, said Dr. Brian Clista, a general pediatrician
“But like any sunscreen, dry sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours and after kids have been swimming or sweating,” Dr. Clista said.
How to choose the right sunscreen
When choosing a sunscreen, it comes down to personal preference. But if you have oily skin, sensitive skin, or acne-prone skin, you may benefit from dry-touch sunscreen over a physical sunscreen. The dry-touch sunscreens are usually formulated so that they do not clog pores. But experts recommend reading the ingredient label just to be sure.
Whatever you choose, Dr. Clista points out some things that you should look for in all sunscreens:
Broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays
SPF of at least 30
Water resistant
Doesn’t contain para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which can cause skin reactions
The bottom line
Sun protection can reduce your risk of skin cancer and skin aging. Many people want to protect their skin, but they don’t enjoy feeling greasy or sticky after applying sunscreen. Dry-touch sunscreen may be a great option that provides important UVA and UVB protection, while leaving your skin feeling dry and smooth.
Why trust our experts?
References
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2024). Sunscreen FAQS.
Malin, Z. (2020). The best sunscreens for acne-prone skin, according to dermatologists. NBC Select.
Sander, M., et al. (2020). The efficacy and safety of sunscreen use for the prevention of skin cancer. Canadian Medical Association Journal.
Skin Cancer Foundation. (2024). Skin cancer facts and statistics.
