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    3 rules to live by when choosing sun protection for the face

    20 Oct 2017 11:00 AM | Posted by
    bh's Kristy Bradley's picture
    bh's Kristy Bradley
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    Now that the weather has warmed up, sun protection is a top priority! As a beauty editor, I often hear women say that they don’t apply a separate sunscreen everyday because they don’t like the way it feels on their skin – it’s too greasy, or it causes breakouts on sensitive skin.

    But with so many different types and formulations to choose from – including facial sunscreen for sensitive skin – there are no excuses for not wearing sun protection every single day! To help make it a little easier to find The One, we spoke to medical manager at La Roche-Posay, Jenifer Nguy, to put together a checklist for how to choose a sunscreen. Here’s what to look for...

    1. A formulation that’s specifically designed for the face

    Considering the skin on your face is much thinner and more delicate than the rest of your body, it needs to be treated differently. “It’s actually one of the most vulnerable areas of your body, as it’s largely uncovered, and it’s where you see the first signs of ageing,” explains Jenifer. “So it’s best to use a dedicated facial sunscreen as they’re specially formulated to protect the delicate skin on your face from the signs of sun-induced ageing and pigmentation.”

    Sunscreen that’s not made for the face is often thicker in texture and harder to apply. It may also create a white mask effect that looks terrible under foundation. The solution? Make specially formulated facial options your go-to. They’re usually lighter in texture, so they’re great for wearing under makeup and absorb into skin quickly and easily.

    That’s why at bh, we’re loving the new La Roche-Posay ANTHELIOS XL Ultra-light SPF 50+. This product is formulated by La Roche-Posay for even the most sensitive skin. The texture is super light so it glides over the skin easily. We put it to the test and compared it against a different sunscreen for the body, to show the difference in how it looks on the face. As you can see, the La Roche-Posay ANTHELIOS XL Ultra-light SPF 50+ absorbs easily into the skin, while the body sunscreen sat on top of the skin and left behind a white residue.

    2. A non-comedogenic formula

    Don’t want to risk a breakout? That’s another great reason to avoid using body sunscreens on the face! They can contain comedogenic ingredients that can block pores and cause pimples. Facial sunscreens are formulated with non-comedogenic ingredients that shouldn’t cause pesky pimple breakouts. We put the La Roche-Posay ANTHELIOS XL Ultra-light SPF 50+ to the oil test by comparing it to another body sunscreen. You can see the La Roche-Posay version is well absorbed with no shine, while the body sunscreen appeared greasy and shiny on the skin.

    3. A sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum SPF protection

    There are two types of UV rays that can cause damage to your skin: UVA and UVB. According to the World Health Organisation, while both UVA and UVB can cause skin cancer, UVA can also bring on premature signs of ageing. UVA penetrates deep enough to break down collagen in the skin, which leads to the development of deeper wrinkles over time. The good news: A broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen can help protect your skin against both types of UV rays.

    Do you use a sunscreen specially formulated for the face? Do you apply sunscreen to your face every day?

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    ThisIsMe 13 Aug 2019 12:55 PM

    I hear mixed things about it so still on the fence until I read more about it.

    MrsRobinson 18 Jan 2018 11:33 AM

    I still found LRP to be glossy - I imagine I put more on than would have been on the lady in the photograph. I think Anthelios is becoming or will become cult though, it is good. As my skin is sensitive, I can't seem to beat the French dermatology water-based brands for looking after it.

    Shop A Everyday 14 Jan 2018 5:29 PM

    Yes use a good brand, it is worth it

    Ethelinde 14 Jan 2018 12:35 AM

    LRP is a pretty decent sunscreen choice. I don't entirely agree that formulas for the body are not suitable for the face. I've found that to be untrue from experience and it depends on the brand. I have tried A LOT of sunscreen brands...

    Sally10 13 Jan 2018 2:42 PM

    I haven't tried this brand before - I use Clinique City Block.

    Hayley644 13 Jan 2018 10:26 AM

    I use Olay complete care 30+ SPF on my face which is a moisturiser containing SPF. I never get burnt when I use this and prefer it to a sunscreen on my face.

    Emma741 13 Jan 2018 12:46 AM

    I've been using this sunscreen for a few years now after a long and tough search for something that would not cause an allergic reaction to my super sun sensitive skin. This is amazing. Very lightweight, dries matte and so gentle on my skin. I always feel very protected using this. I just wish the alcohol content was lower. I will still continue to use this but am now on the hunt for a zinc based sunscreen.

    jayne.braithwaite 12 Jan 2018 6:13 PM

    I enjoy a mineral sunscreen for face and body. They have come a long way since the days of feeling and actually being greasy and heavy. I am currently enjoying the Sunsense Sensitive Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 50 + which is a zinc oxide sunscreen. Its 4 hrs. water resistant, great for face and body, not greasy, goes on easily, absorbs well and doesn't break me out or sting.

    Yes when first applied to the face it does look white - but - after massaging in well the white cast soon disappears completely.

    Makeup applies really nicely over the top (not that I wear a heap of makeup), and for a 200g tube is only $13 at Chemist Warehouse. Even better :-)

    Yohanna 12 Jan 2018 4:29 PM

    Love that huge brim hat though! Need one more for outdoor work. Spf creams are so irritating, needing to be applied every 2 hours and I have to be out almost all day in and out, mostly out. Problem is I sweat so much that I sweat any sunscreen out

    cwingy83 12 Jan 2018 4:26 PM

    LRP one of my fav sunscreen to get

    Chrystalage 9 Nov 2017 10:20 PM

    The brand is a little pricey but has really good quality products. My dermie likes this brand of S/S

    sootyblack_14 9 Nov 2017 9:30 AM

    I use WotNot as an all over sunscreen and I've found it be very effective!!!

    Shop A Everyday 8 Nov 2017 6:31 PM

    I like a separate one for the face so it's not oily and extra light

    Sally10 7 Nov 2017 9:01 PM

    I use Clinique's City Block, and this is a great product for sensitive/eczema prone skin like mine.

    onlyoni 7 Nov 2017 12:48 PM

    I hate the feel of sunscreen, so if the LRP is super light and absorbs well then I might need to try this one.

    Simone 4 Nov 2017 9:48 PM

    Geez I never thought to think about all these things previously, thanks for the tips

    blackkittykat 4 Nov 2017 9:36 PM

    I need to get a specific face sunscreen; a tinted one would be great.

    joannachiem 4 Nov 2017 3:52 PM

    bb creams with sunscreen is my go to

    lynx 3 Nov 2017 5:51 PM

    These days I am after the more natural variety with less of the chemicals. I see Moogoo have a more natural one I might look into.

    Anita2 3 Nov 2017 9:09 AM

    Very interesting article. I use a sunscreen everyday in my foundation. I have used just a general sunscreen in the past your article raised an interesting point.

    olga692 3 Nov 2017 1:46 AM

    The few products I have tried from this brand have impressed me so far. Might have to look into trying this one as I hate a greasy sunscreen!

    kiri 2 Nov 2017 8:50 PM

    The correct Sunscreen is crucial for the face, but also a wide brimmed hat to restrict the amount of UVA & UVB rays.

    CLWoods 2 Nov 2017 7:13 AM

    I should definitely look into getting a better sunscreen!

    MelissaFay89 2 Nov 2017 12:15 AM

    Such a great brand!

    skye_nicole_ 1 Nov 2017 4:36 PM

    I have always struggled with trying to find a sunscreen that doesn't make my already oily skin feel even oilier so I would love to give this sunscreen a go especially after seeing how well it absorbs into the skin.

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