Best Protection Under the Sun
Sunscreens are the most important and affordable investment in the skincare ritual. It protects against harmful UV radiation and prevents premature wrinkles and pigmentation.
Key aspects when considering your sunscreen protection based on your activities and skin condition. First is the SPF level of protection (SPF15-50) which is an element mostly communicated by all brands. Then it would be resistance to water (and sweat) as means to maintain you covered during your activities outdoors. Another key aspect, perhaps unknown to many consumers - is how the sun protection is achieved: physical or chemical. Physical sunscreens use mineral-based ingredients, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, and work by staying on top of the skin to deflect UV rays immediately. Chemical sunscreens contain chemical compounds that absorb UV rays. These include formulas like oxybenzone and octinoxate which convert UV rays into heat (may turn the face red), which then is released from the skin and scattered. While chemical sunscreens are thinner and easier to apply especially on the body, for the face area they can sting and create irritation, clogging pores and increasing breakouts and redness.
Many dermatologists recommend physical sunscreens to use on the face for its many benefits. It is also safe to use on babies, during pregnancy. Your skin is protected shortly upon application (unlike the 20 minute wait of chemical sunscreens), and less likely to irritate sensitive skin. It offers broad spectrum coverage, protecting from both UVA (aging long rays that reach the inner skin cells) and UVB rays (burning short rays that reach top of skin cells). Now available in tints, lightness, texture, and waterproof formula, the latest innovations in physical sunscreens have made it easy to apply and stay on the skin of both men and women alike. Whether you are going for a morning run, picnic in the park or to the beach – here are different options for your skin type and lifestyle outdoors.
Our Recommendations
Tinted Sunscreen for those On the Go
If you live a busy lifestyle and are looking for skin protection on the go, the lightweight mineral sunscreen by SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion SPF 50 makes for a great fit.
Coming with a sheer tint, SC Physical Fusion offers a beautiful fit for your face protection, avoiding the ‘pale’ look of a general sunscreen. With excellent coverage level, it spreads thinly (similarly to a tinted moisturizer) helping to even out redness and dark spots. It has a natural looking finish, so you can wear it all over like a sheer foundation. Lightweight, so you can wear it on the stickiest, humid summer days without feeling heavy and tacky. This mineral formula, made from a mix of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, is a physical sunscreen to deflect damaging UV rays. This sunscreen is paraben-free. It protects against UVA/UVB rays, and is also water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. Which means you can wear this for every day, working out or going to the beach.
It’s not a surprise that this sunscreen received Allure’s Best of Beauty Awards for multiple years and appears repeatedly on beauty experts “must have” lists. This tint blends well with fair to medium skin tones but may appear slightly grayish on darker skin tones. For a translucent sunscreen for all skin tones, try SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical SPF 50 which has the same great mineral formula without the tint. Remember to shake well before use.
Skin type - All
Oil & Sweat Reducing Sunscreen
If you live in a humid climate, perspire heavily or don’t want your makeup to slide around in the summer, SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50 may be a comfortable choice for you.
This sunscreen has a unique feather weight mousse texture which glides on easily and smoothes skin texture, helping pores look smaller. It has a medium universal tint with coverage level similar to a foundation, and dries to a powder finish to optimize make-up application. It is non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic so it will not clog pores or cause breakouts.
Enhanced with aerated silica technology, it is proven to maintain a matte finish even in hot, humid conditions. This physical sunscreen offers UVA/UVB protection so it is great for daily exercise outdoors as well as a helping you stay fresh during summer socials.
Skin type – Normal, Combination, Oily, Acne-Prone
2 in 1 Moisturizing Sunscreen
If your face is feeling sensitive and irritated by face masks, break outs or sunburn, this nourishing Lavender Protective Moisturizer SPF 17 may be for you.
This hydrating moisturizer with lavender helps to calm skin inflammation and to soothe the senses. Micronized zinc oxide guards against UVA/UVB damage while turmeric extracts fights free radicals to prevent sun spots. This natural sunscreen causes no redness, stinging, irritation and is gentle enough for sensitive rosacea skin types and children.
With this 2-in-1 moisturizer with sun protection, you can use this all year around. During spring and summer, you may choose to skip a separate moisturizer and keep life simple and light. Gentle enough to use on kids to start their UV protection early. But you are planning a long time outdoors, remember to reapply after 2 hours.
Skin type - Sensitive, Dry, Mature
