Top Picks: Facial Sunscreens

Hi everyone!

Today I’d like to talk about all facial sunscreens which I tried since last year. I finished some products and I’m finishing last ones so I tested them for a long time. I hope I can give a complete view.

Nowadays it’s worldwide known that UV rays damage our skin, not only on the surface (wrinkles, spots, dried out skin), but they can give rise to skin cancer (constantly increasing). Plus, UV rays accelerate aging of cells: this mean you become old early.

In last few years solar radius become more and more intense, due to recovery of the solar. You can see from yourself: sun is burning a lot more intensely.

So, what could we do? Protect ourselves. And it doesn’t mean avoiding sun totally (it is good for vitamin D, bones and mood 🙂 ) but you shouldn’t expose during hottest hours for a long time. And wear always a sunscreen. When I say always, I mean *always*. Even in winter. Even when it’s cloudy. Because UV rays pass through any weather condition.

Obviously, fair skins risk a lot more. Since I am a pale beauty, I always choose a spf50+. I also have sensitive skin, so chemical sunscreens frequently don’t get along with my skin.

So, I tried 5 facial sunscreens: three with chemical sunscreens and two with mineral ones.

Avène Emulsion Very High protection spf50+: specifically for sensitive skins. Oil free, water resistant and photostable. Texture is quite thin (for being a sunscreen). It blends perfectly into skin without leaving any greasiness. After skin is dry, not oily and not bleached. My skin tolerated very well its chemical sunscreens: no breaking out problem and I have acne-prone skin. Love it, perfect for everyday use, especially in the city.

La Roche Posay Anthelios Fluide Extreme spf 50+: for sensitive and intolerant skin. Formulated with a less amount of chemical sunscreens. No scent, no parabens. Oil free. Very similar to Avène Emulsion, but it feels a little more heavy on skin. Great protection even in most extreme conditions. When you need perfect, long-lasting protection go for this one.

Bioderma Photoderm Max spf 50+ Tinted Cream: oil free, water resistant and photostable (chemical sunscreens). Well, when I bought it there weren’t already BB Creams. I wanted something with a bit of colour and this one has a very light shade, perfect for fair skins. I don’t like it too much: it’s a bit greasy and leave my skin a bit oily (not too much but previous products leave skin drier). Good protection though and no breaking out.

Bioderma Photoderm Mineral spf 50+: perfect for intolerant skins. 100% mineral sunscreens and photostable.  Oil free and water resistant. I simply love it. It left skin dry, without any greasiness; it blends well but it bleaches skin a bit (since I’m fair it’s not a problem). Perfect base for mineral make up. You can use it everyday without breaking out risk.

Lovea Face Cream Anti-Aging spf50: bio certifications, 100% mineral sunscreens, no parabens, water resistant. Delicious Monoi perfume. It bleaches a bit. It feels a bit heavy on skin and a little grease, even if skin is not too much oily. Though it’s not bad, I wouldn’t repurchase since I prefer previous products and I don’t know it it’s photostable.

I purchased all of these in France: since they’re all French brands I found the complete range of products at a lower price. I’ve seen that Avène also launched a mineral based line of sunscreens. In Italy you can now find Lovea at OVS. Avène, La Roche Posay and Bioderma are all pharmacy brands. I have to confess that I prefer much more these last ones: when it comes to sun protection I want to be sure about photostability and high-tolerance ingredients. It’s your skin, it’s your health: it’s important.