HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SUNSCREEN FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE
With the perils of sun exposure making sunscreen a vital part of daily life in Australia, SPF selection is an important step – no matter your skin type. Whether you’re dry skin, oily skin, combination or normal skin or acne-prone skin, the right broad-spectrum sunscreen will ensure you’re comfortably protected – helping to prevent premature ageing and sun damage, while reducing the risk of skin cancer.
For sunscreen to fit seamlessly into your daily routine, however, it also needs to combine well with your existing skincare products, suit your skin type and have the texture and finish you prefer. There IS a lot to consider, but this go-to guide to choosing sunscreen will make daily sunscreen wear a breeze. Don’t head to the pharmacy without it!
WHY SUNSCREEN IS YOUR ANTI-AGEING SECRET
From painful sunburn to pigmentation and skin cancer, the effects of sun on the skin are well documented. Damaging skin cells’ DNA 1, UV radiation is also a leading cause of premature ageing – particularly UVA radiation.
Accounting for 95% of the ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth’s surface 2, longer wavelength UVA rays are distinct from UVB rays in that they are present at consistent levels throughout the year. They are also able to penetrate glass and cloud, which makes sun protection important all year round. Even on cloudy winter days.
SUNSCREEN FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Is sunscreen uncomfortable for you to wear? If so, it’s time to switch to a range specially formulated for sensitive skin. Created for all types of sensitive skin, from acne-prone to dry, La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios range delivers very high broad-spectrum sun protection, without the sensitive skin next-day consequences.
All Anthelios sunscreens are non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) and free from parabens. Products are either fragrance-free or formulated with low concentrations of hypoallergenic fragrance to enhance the usage experience. Lightweight and comfortable to wear, they have an invisible finish on the skin, ensuring no white cast, patchiness or unwanted shine occurs.
A combination of physical/mineral and chemical UV filters are used to deliver sunscreen formulas that combine optimal protection with pleasing textures that are easy to apply and comfortable to wear. The blend of UV filters and antioxidants ensures comprehensive protection against both UVA & UVB protection and environmental aggressors.
Unsure which Anthelios sunscreen is for you? Read on.
SUNSCREEN FOR OILY SKIN & ACNE PRONE SKIN
It’s essential that any sunscreen for oily skin be non-comedogenic – meaning it won’t clog pores. This is particularly important if your oily skin is also acne prone. An oily skin sunscreen should also be free from overly nourishing ingredients, with a lightweight, non-greasy formula that is easily absorbed.
Ticking all these boxes is our Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+. A broad-spectrum, oil-free sunscreen, it provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection for oily and acne-prone sensitive skin, with anti-shine ingredients for a comfortable, invisible finish. As glycerin hydrates, mattifying ingredient AirliciumTM combats shine caused by sweat, sebum and humidity.
Dermatologically tested, with a light hypoallergenic fragrance compatible with sensitive skin, it is also available in a tinted version. With an easily blended universal tint, Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+ delivers all the benefits of the original, while also unifying the complexion for a natural glow.
SUNSCREEN FOR DRY SKIN
Individuals with dry, sensitive skin will benefit from a more nourishing sunscreen, especially if skipping the moisturising step. In the La Roche-Posay range, that means reaching for the Anthelios Ultra Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+. Delivering very high broad-spectrum protection, this moisturising sunscreen utilises intelligent polymers to lock oil within its formula for even coverage and a non-greasy finish.
Dermatologically tested, Anthelios Ultra has a fragrance-free, anti-eye stinging formula for sensitive skin and eyes. With hydrating glycerin and soothing La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, it helps protect against free radical damage with antioxidant Baicalin. Meanwhile, the chemical and physical filtering system helps defend skin against damage caused by sun exposure.
For those wanting an all-in-one SPF/moisturising/light coverage product, there is Anthelios Ultra BB Cream SPF 50+. Ideal for daily use with or without makeup, this BB Cream for dry skin is nourishing yet lightweight, with a universal tint to even out the complexion. Delivering advanced broad-spectrum protection, it contains micro pigments that adapt to your skin tone. In addition to chemical UV filters (which absorb UV radiation), it utilises the physical sunscreen titanium dioxide to protect against damaging rays.
SUNSCREEN FOR NORMAL TO COMBINATION SKIN
While not requiring a product that controls oil or intensely moisturises, normal to combination skin will benefit from a light, non-comedogenic sunscreen that is ultra-comfortable for daily wear. Newly reformulated and renamed, Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ is La Roche-Posay’s lightest sunscreen formula ever – so there’s no excuse not to make it part of your daily routine!
Non-comedogenic, non-greasy and non-eye stinging, the fragrance-free, dermatologically tested formula (an update of the best-selling Ultra-Light) is ideal for sensitive skin and eyes. Utilising Netlock technology, the broad-spectrum sunscreen delivers very high UVA and UVB protection in a feather light, non-oily formula. Imperceptible on the skin, the Invisible Fluid absorbs instantly and wears seamlessly under makeup.
For an even, radiant complexion, try the Anthelios Tinted Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+.
WHEN TO APPLY SUNSCREEN - HOW TO LAYER SKINCARE & SPF
If you’re wondering whether to apply sunscreen before or after moisturiser, you’re not alone. The general rule of thumb is this: apply moisturiser first on clean dry skin, then sunscreen, then makeup – allowing a few minutes between layers for each product to settle into the skin.
If also using a face serum (and an antioxidant serum is an excellent idea!) the correct order is serum, moisturiser, sunscreen, and makeup.
By now you’ve hopefully gathered that sunscreen is the number one anti-ageing product you should apply each morning. The second to consider? A Vitamin C serum. A potent antioxidant, Vitamin C helps neutralise free radicals from external aggressors, enhances collagen production, and brightens the skin for a more radiant complexion. Typically well tolerated, a Vitamin C serum pairs beautifully with sunscreen products and, in fact, helps form a comprehensive skin protection program.
Combining Pure Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) with salicylic acid and Neurosensine for a smoother, brighter, more refined and even complexion, Vitamin C 10 Brightening Serum is an antioxidant serum designed for daily use on sensitive skin. Apply underneath your Anthelios sunscreen each morning. (Note: The serum is not recommended for acne-prone skin.)
Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight.
References
1.Skincancer Foundation: UV Radiation & Your Skin
2.World Health Organization (WHO): UV Radiation.
SHOP SUNSCREENS FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE
Anthelios Ultra Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ 50ml
Lightweight Moisturising Sunscreen For Dry Sensitive Skin
Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+
Lightweight Face Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin
Anthelios Tinted Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+
Sheer Finish Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin
Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ 50ml
Non-Greasy Mattifying Face Sunscreen For Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+ 50ml
Mattifying Tinted Sunscreen For Face Suitable To Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
RELATED SUN SAFETY ARTICLES
Stay In Touch
