Sunscreen for Dry Skin: How Hydration and SPF Go Hand in Hand

If you have dry skin, you're probably used to reaching for moisturizers and lotions to help out. But there’s one step in your routine you shouldn’t skip if you want to keep dryness in check: sunscreen.

Dry skin produces less sebum (the natural oil that helps prevent moisture loss), so your skin can feel tight or rough and look dull or flaky. But when you build a routine tailored to your skin type (SPF included), you give your skin the daily support it deserves. Ahead, we’ll break down exactly how to do that.

Why Dry Skin Deserves Expert Sun Protection

No matter your skin type, sunscreen is a non-negotiable. Daily SPF helps shield your skin from UV rays that can cause premature aging, dryness, and dehydration. That’s why the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using an SPF 30 or higher every day, even when it’s cloudy.

It's important to reapply at least every two hours, and more often if you’re swimming, sweating or toweling off. Sun damage is sneaky, and dry skin can be more vulnerable to dehydration if it’s not protected properly.

What to Look for in a Sunscreen for Dry Skin

Ceramides

Ceramides are lipids (fats) that naturally occur in your skin. They help seal in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier, making them a hero ingredient for dry skin.

Hyaluronic Acid

Think of hyaluronic acid as a big drink of water for your face. It draws in moisture and helps your skin hold onto it, which can help your skin look more plump and feel comfortable.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) can help lock in moisture by enhancing the function of your skin’s lipid barrier, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Shea Butter

Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, shea butter can help lubricate the skin and create a barrier that keeps moisture in

3 Supergoop! Sunscreens for Dry Skin

At Supergoop! we know dry skin needs lots of love. Here are three favorites designed to hydrate while they shield your skin from UV damage.

Superscreen Hydrating Daily Cream SPF 40

Moisturizer is key for dry skin, and Superscreen makes it easy to get that hydration and daily sun protection in one simple step. This rich daily cream was made with dry skin in mind; it features a ceramide known to help restore skin's weakened moisture barrier, and algae extract which is rich in skin-essential lipids and amino acids to nourish skin. And, of course, it has expert SPF 40 to help protect against dryness caused by the sun. In fact, 98% agreed this product felt immediately nourishing*, and 100% agreed their skin felt more hydrated after using it.**

“This is the most hydrating SPF face cream I have ever tried" - Nivine

Glowscreen SPF 40

Looking for a little glow with your protection? Glowscreen is your go-to — and it’s great for dry skin! On top of broad spectrum SPF 40 protection, this multitasking primer is formulated with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture. In fact, it’s clinically tested to boost hydration by 78% after 8 hours***.

“Some sunscreens leave your skin dull and dry and this is the exact opposite. My skin feels hydrated, and this leaves that little glimmer that makes my skin look and feel great.” - Bettina

Glow Oil SPF 50 Body Oil

Dry skin doesn’t stop at your face. Glow Oil SPF 50 is an ultra-nourishing, non-greasy body oil that absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling smooth and hydrated with a radiant glow. It’s made with a blend of skin-loving oils — argan oil, grapeseed oil and meadowfoam seed oil — to nourish and help lock in moisture!

“I didn't realize how much I needed this in my life! It smells wonderful, feels great going on and makes my skin look dewy and hydrated!” - Tiffany

Is Mineral Sunscreen Better for Dry Skin?

Some people with dry or sensitive skin gravitate toward mineral-based sunscreen because they find it to be gentler. But the truth is, there’s no hard-and-fast rule for which type of sunscreen is “best” for dry skin. It’s about what keeps your skin comfortable. Just make sure you’re getting SPF 30+ protection and reapplying regularly!

Supergoop! Is Your Skin’s New Hydration Hero

We’re all about fun in the sun, but it’s essential for sunscreen to be a part of your daily routine to support dry skin. Whether you go for a rich daily cream, a glowy primer or an ultra-luxe body oil, there’s an SPF that can keep you protected and feeling comfortable. Dry skin deserves daily love, and we’re here to make it easy.

*Based on a consumer study with 52 participants after 1 product application

**Based on a consumer study with 52 participants after 2 weeks

***Based on an independent clinical study with 33 participants after 8 hours