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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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    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.

    Nicoler112 1 Nov 2017 2:30 PM

    This does look like great sunscreen

    Sunshine3 27 Oct 2017 12:31 AM

    all 3 points are very true if you want a sunscreen that works for you but you also got to look at its ingredients.

    You beauty 29 Oct 2017 10:01 PM

    LRP is one of my favourite sunscreen for face,, I normally have few in rotation on daily basis,,brands I favour are, LRP, Nivea and Neutrogena.

    ray_jay 25 Oct 2017 5:49 PM

    I understand what it means by sunscreen for face but honestly some of the sunscreens I've used for body have been better than the face ones plus much cheaper too. Some face ones have broke me out terribly.

    ray_jay 25 Oct 2017 5:47 PM

    Great article and this sunscreen is one of my favourite non physical sunscreens to use on the market. As an avid sun screen user for ten years , for me, the top three things I look for are 1. What are the main ingredients in the sunscreens and percentage 2. What is the uva and uvb protection, do they have enough of both 3. How does this sit under makeup / will it last the day.

    Margaret 322 24 Oct 2017 11:47 PM

    Great, informative article, the La Roche Posay sounds like an ideal sunscreen. We really need to protect our faces. This sounds good. Some sunscreens feel so oily and suffocating on my skin. This seems less oily.

    veronicanguyen 24 Oct 2017 2:22 PM

    Great post! I love using foundations that have SPF in them already!

    Gilded 24 Oct 2017 1:48 PM

    I like the design of the bottle.

    shaper 24 Oct 2017 12:42 PM

    I didn't realise that I should have been using s special suntan cream for my face...maybe that's why I have wrinkles ( if only that were true, and it wasn't just my age!!) But thanks again BH for pointing us in the right direction.

    Meedee 24 Oct 2017 9:09 AM

    I do use sunscreen on my face every day. I have not tried this brand but would love to. At the moment im using a 50+ sunscreen from Auscreen. Its a dry touch one and works ok but it does tend to make my foundation act up so I try and only use this one for when im home and not going anywhere that requires makeup.

    Beautybabe140194 23 Oct 2017 11:19 PM

    Great information. I tend to just wear a hat and use just foundation...will have to try a face sunscreen.

    Temporary Princess 23 Oct 2017 10:05 PM

    I've used some La Roche Posay products on the face before and loved it!

    skincare junkie 23 Oct 2017 8:25 PM

    I tried on my hubby's neutrogena one which is "non-comedogenic" and for oily/acne skin, but it was so drying!!

    Dilettante 23 Oct 2017 8:00 PM

    Facial sunscreens are something I really need to try more of. I really hate that greasy feeling from regular sunscreen so hoping to find something light and effective. Got a few to put on the list after this article and the comments!

    voievoda 23 Oct 2017 4:40 PM

    I actually use this sunscreen and I still get super oily using it :( And because it makes me oily, I breakout. So frustrating. On the brightside, it's the least oily suncream I've ever used. Wish I could find something non oily though

    anakiee 23 Oct 2017 3:43 PM

    I never thought of having a different sunscreen for my face. I have always used my body one SPF50 but will definitely be trying this one now. Thanx BH for the information. Informed people make better choices!

    ThisIsMe 23 Oct 2017 12:54 PM

    I always use normal sunscreen on my face! Didn't even know there was an actual "face one" I generally use a tinted moisturizer with SPF anyway but when I go to the beach or pool I use the body one!

    hdemi 23 Oct 2017 12:19 PM

    I really want to try this, more so now after hearing it shouldn't cause break outs!

    thelifeoflaura 23 Oct 2017 9:45 AM

    I've only ever heard good things about La Roche Posay sunscreen!

    Jenniqua 23 Oct 2017 9:38 AM

    I think it is very important to use a sunscreen on your face that is specifically designed for the face. You will only end up with clogged pores and a very uncomfortable feel.

    Belindarella 22 Oct 2017 7:17 PM

    I was lucky enough to be on the trial team for LRP! It is a great sunscreen & im pretty fussy & sensitive! Definitely worth a try..

    Snailor 22 Oct 2017 5:15 PM

    Is this a new release? I've tried the original version but found it left me with a white cast on my face!

    HeidiJoann 22 Oct 2017 3:45 PM

    Love that this article describes the importance of a broad spectrum sunscreen, and the difference ways that UVA and UVB ray are harmful. The amount of times I had to explain this to clients when I worked in skincare was insane. It's definitely something to be in the know about, not just for protecting your skin from anti aging, but for protection against skin cancer.

    CLWoods 2 Nov 2017 7:14 AM

    That's so interesting, I never knew about that before, it should be spoken about more, when it's something a serious as, well cancer, it should definitely be common knowledge!

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