Dewy vs. Matte Sunscreen: Which is Right for Your Skin?

Srishty Singh profile
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December 23, 2022

5 min read

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Just as you begin to understand the value of wearing sunscreen, you become aware of its wide variety. Utilizing a sunscreen created specifically for the skin type is crucial because every person's skin is unique. If you're interested in learning which sunscreen is the best for dry skin, keep reading the post! Before we get to the different types of formula, let’s refresh our knowledge on sunscreen and its many benefits  

What Is Sunscreen?   

In simple terms, SPF 50 sunscreen forms a shield that shields your skin against the harmful effects of UV rays.   

While sunscreens are now available in stick and powder formats, we are rallying for the OG cream-based variant for your vanity. Apart from dewy and matte, sunscreens can also be categorized as physical and chemical. Here’s how you can distinguish between the two -  

Physical sunscreen: Made with zinc oxide or titanium, this sunscreen forms a protective shield on the dermis to reflect harmful UV radiation.  

Chemical sunscreen: On the other hand, packed with active ingredients, a chemical sunscreen absorbs harmful UV rays. 

What are the benefits of wearing sunscreen?  

1. Reduces sunburns: A potent sunscreen blocks UVB rays that cause sunburns.

2. Defers premature ageing: Exposure to UV rays depletes the collagen and elastin levels in your skin, resulting in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet. Avoid these premature signs of ageing by using sunscreen

3. Alleviates pigmentation and dark spots: UV rays also lead to unregulated melanin production and distribution through your skin. Results? Pesky dark spots and pigmentation. Keep these skin concerns at bay with a potent sunscreen formula.

Related Article: Detailed Guide on Benefits of Wearing Sunscreen

What’s Dewy Sunscreen?

Sunscreens with a dewy finish are created for people with normal to dry skin. They typically have a lotion-like texture designed to leave the skin with a dewy sheen. Dewy sunscreen infuses moisture into the skin and makes it radiant. Niacinamide and other vital vitamins are present in the dewy finish sunscreen and aid in shielding the skin from UVA and UVB rays. This aids in minimizing and preventing the effects of radical damage. 

The Best Dewy Sunscreen  

If you are scouting the web for the best Dewy Sunscreen, you’ve landed on the right page. Foxtale’s innovative formula bestows a beautiful dewy effect on skin while ensuring 360-degree sun protection. A Godsend for folks with dry or sensitive skin, this sunscreen contains D-Panthenol and Vitamin E that ensure multi-level moisturization. Results? Smooth, supple skin all day! Niacinamide in the SPF also brightens the skin with time. 

How To Use Dewy Sunscreen? 

Step 1- Cleanse your face with a hydrating face wash that is gentle and hydrating. Our in-house formula contains humectants Sodium Hyaluronate and Red Algae Extract that improve your skin’s water-holding capacity. Moreover, the gentle surfactants in the formula also make it a great makeup remover. 

Step 2- Moisturize your skin. Use Foxtale’s Hydrating Moisturizer with Ceramides. The non-greasy formula contains Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer and Olive Oil that bind moisture molecules to your skin. Moreover, Ceramides help double down on hydration and avert harmful aggressors from the skin. 

Step 3- Take 2 fingers worth of the dewy Sunscreen and apply it to your face and neck. 

Step 4- Wait for 15-20 minutes before stepping out. 

What’s Matte Finish Sunscreen?

Is a lightweight sunscreen on your Wishlist? Undoubtedly, a matte sunscreen will keep your skin concerns at bay. It rapidly penetrates the skin and hydrates it. It effectively wards off UVA+UVB radiation and repairs free radical damage to the skin. For oily and combination skin, this is ideal. 

They are known to be lightweight and are really easy to apply to the skin. The sunscreen that guarantees the ideal matte finish, is lightweight, and has moisturizing properties is the best matte sunscreen

The Best Mattifying Sunscreen  

All oily skin gals, listen up! Foxtale’s Mattifying Sunscreen is a game changer. The Niacinamide formula cuts excess sebum and prevents clogged pores while ensuring infallible sun protection. The quick-absorbing formula reduces dark spots and pigmentation while administering an even skin tone. Our oily skin sunscreen also contains Pro Vitamin B5 that keeps your skin moisturized and protects it from environmental aggressors. 

How To Use Matte Sunscreen? 

So, let’s understand how to use sunscreen for oily skin?

Step 1- Use Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash to gently cleanse your skin. It contains Salicylic Acid that absorbs sebum, minimizes pores and prevents whiteheads, blackheads and acne. 

Step 2 - After you clean and dry your skin, take a small amount of Oil Free Moisturizer and gently massage it into your skin. It contains Niacinamide, which helps regulate excess oil and supports a healthy skin barrier. These qualities make it excellent for oily and acne-prone skin. The formula also includes Hyaluronic Acid and Marine Extracts to boost your skin’s water-holding capacity. It will thoroughly hydrate your skin without feeling greasy or heavy.

Step 3- Take 2 fingers worth of the Matte Sunscreen and apply it to your face and neck 

Step 4- Massage it well until the sunscreen is completely absorbed into your skin. 

Difference Between Dewy and Matte Sunscreen

Feature

Matte Sunscreen

Dewy Sunscreen

Primary Finish

Oil-free, polished, soft-focus

Radiant, glowing, "glass skin"

Best For

Oily, combination, or acne-prone skin

Dry, dehydrated, or dull skin

Key Ingredients

SPF 70 + Niacinamide + Provitamin B5 + Peptides

SPF 70 + Niacinamide + Provitamin B5 + Peptides

Primary Benefits

Controls shine and excess oil

Adds moisture and fresh bounce

Makeup Interaction

Acts like a blurring primer

Acts like a hydrating base

Which One is Right for You?

When choosing a sunscreen, it helps to think about how your skin behaves through the day and the finish you are most comfortable wearing. Most people search based on a specific concern, such as oil control, dryness, or overall skin appearance. So, picking the right texture can make daily sunscreen use much easier.

Choose a Matte Finish if:

- You struggle with excess oil by midday.
- The pores are visible on your skin.
- You live in a hot, humid climate, which makes your skin greasy.
- You want a sunscreen that sits well under makeup without slipping.

Choose a Dewy Finish if:

- Your skin feels tight or dehydrated.
- You notice flaky or dry patches around the nose or cheeks.
- You prefer a natural glow or the popular “glass skin” aesthetic.
- You want your sunscreen to double as a skin-comfort step.

The right choice is the one that matches your skin’s daily needs.  You are far more likely to use sunscreen if it feels good on your skin. This is what truly keeps your skin protected from the sun.
 

Related Article: 
1. Difference Between Sunscreen Vs Moisturizer
2.  Common Myths About Sunscreen
3. Guide on Beach Routine

The Conclusion

Both dewy and mattifying sunscreens can be useful depending on your skin issue. The key line is that, regardless of the one you choose, it's crucial to reapply it every 2-3 hours to maximize its efficacy.

FAQs

1. How to know which skin is suitable for matte and dewy finish sunscreen?

Ans: If your skin is oily, mattifying sunscreen will be the most suitable. While dewy sunscreen will work wonders for you if you have dry skin! 

2. How many times should we apply sunscreen?

Ans: In general, sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, particularly after swimming or sweating. You might not need a second application if you work inside and are seated away from windows.

 

3. Which is better dewy or matte sunscreen?

Ans: Both sunscreens are known to tackle different skin concerns. Depending on your skin type, you can select the sunscreen of your choice.

 

4. How do I choose the right sunscreen?

Ans: Choose a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor(SPF) between 15 to 25+ as it will protect your skin from sun exposure. Along with that, avoid choosing a sunscreen that is greasy or sticky as it will cause your skin to sweat easily.

 

 

5. What is the key distinction between dewy and matte sunscreen?

Ans: Dewy sunscreen creates a radiant, hydrated finish, making it a great fit for dry skin. On the other hand, matte sunscreen for oily skin bestows an oil-free matte effect, perfectly suited for folks with oily or combination skin.  

6. Should I use dewy sunscreen if I have oily skin?

Ans; You can use dewy sunscreen for oily skin. However, to effectively control shine, we recommend using a mattifying formula. Foxtale’s Niacinamide- infused Matte Finish Sunscreen curbs sebum production and prevents clogged pores, whiteheads and blackheads while enhancing your skin’s radiance.  

7. Can I apply dewy sunscreen before a full face of makeup?

Ans; Yes, dewy sunscreens create a smooth, radiant canvas for makeup application. These formulas work well with liquid and cream foundations for a refreshed look.  

8. How do I reapply sunscreen on my makeup?

Ans; Dunk your makeup sponge in a generous amount of sunscreen and gently dab it on your face. Use a light hand to avoid smearing or smudging your makeup.  

9. Do matte sunscreens feel heavy on application?

Ans: No. Matte sunscreens are lightweight, non-greasy and quick absorbing. Try Foxtale’s Mattifying Sunscreen and see it for yourself. This innovative Matte formula contains Niacinamide to help cut the excess shine on your face and prevent clogged pores.  

10. What ingredients should I look for in dewy sunscreen?

Ans; Look for moisturizing ingredients like D-Panthenol, Vitamin E and Niacinamide that seal water content in your skin.   

11. What is the best sunscreen for daily wear, matte or dewy?

Ans: The best sunscreen for daily wear depends on your skin type and its concerns. If your skin type is oily, make BFFs with Foxtale’s Mattifying Sunscreen. Alternatively, folks with dry or sensitive skin can try our Dewy SPF with D-Panthenol and Vitamin E for sustained moisturization.  

12. What is the best sunscreen for combination skin?

Ans; Folks with combination skin can try Foxtale’s Mattifying Sunscreen or Ultra Matte Sunscreen. Both these formulas help regulate sebum production while ensuring long-lasting hydration for the skin. Additionally, our Ultra-Matte Sunscreen doubles as an efficient primer to cloak blemishes and minimize pores.

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Passionate about beauty, Srishty’s body of work spans 5 years. She loves novel makeup techniques, latest skincare trends, and pop culture references. When she isn’t working, you will find her reading, Netflix-ing or trying to bake something in her kitchen.

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