I hate Sunscreen But It Is Essential:
I think many people will relate to my hatred of sunscreen. I know that it is probably taboo to even state that I hate it and as a skincare blogger I am probably expected to get excited about sunscreen. However, it is a horrible product for many reasons.
However, I use it and so should everyone. This blog is intended to point readers towards less offensive sunscreen products so that you do use it (it is important).
I admittedly have been slack with sunscreen wearing. In Australia we are supposed to wear it year-round for its anti-ageing and skin protecting benefits. But so many of us do not wear it as much as we should because it is unpleasant. The good news is that there are products out there that do not clog pores, cause breakouts, ruin make-up, smell and leave a greasy, white haze across one’s face. See, there are so many reasons to dislike sunscreen!
Chemical sunscreens worry me for another reason besides making me feel greasy and attracting flies to my face (see another reason to dislike it). Our skin is our largest organ and I do not want to cover mine in chemicals. I am also loathed to go swimming wearing a chemical sunscreen and disperse chemicals into the ocean with its beautiful marine life.
Wearing Sunscreen Under Make-up:
When working in skincare my customers would often be reluctant to wear sunscreen especially with make-up as generally make-up does not sit as well on top of it. Customers often sought out foundations without sunscreen as it is known to cause flash-back when a photo is taken of a person wearing a foundation with sunscreen. Flash-back is not the re-living of a trip from eating mushrooms, it is when a person looks washed out in a photo from the filters in sunscreens. Another unacceptable side-effect of wearing it.
Luckily whilst working in skincare I discovered physical sunscreens, learned the benefits of using them and now they are all that I will use. It is so important to find a sunscreen that you actually will wear on a daily basis rather than buying a product that you hate using and therefore probably will not use much.
So what is the difference between a chemical and physical sunscreen?
Chemical:
Chemical sunscreen formulations offer broad spectrum protection through the use of synthetic, chemical filters. Topical application of these filters can prevent the damaging effects of ultra violet (UV) rays, including premature ageing. They tend to be lighter than physical sunscreens and therefore can sit better under make-up on drier skins. However they are usually sticky or greasy and are a nightmare for oily and combination skin types.
How it works:
The active ingredients used in chemical sunscreens act to neutralise the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, preventing them from penetrating the skin’s surface. Unlike physical sunscreens which offer immediate protection, chemical sunscreens require approximately 20 minutes for efficacy to kick in.
Physical:
A physical sunscreen uses mineral filters to offer broad spectrum protection from the sun by reflecting damaging ultra violet (UV) rays. Regular use of a physical sunscreen can prevent some premature ageing attributed to sun exposure. The most common active ingredients found in physical sunscreens are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Physical sunscreens used to come in the form of thick white zinc (I’m picturing the coloured ones from the 80s worn by children and cricket players). Luckily they have improved and many on offer come in matte formulas which make them sit well under make-up and much more desirable for oily and combination skin types.
How it works:
The active components of physical sunscreens work to protect against sun exposure by creating a barrier that physically blocks and deflects the sun’s rays to prevent them penetrating the skin’s surface. If applied as directed, topical application of a physical sunscreen allows for immediate protection. Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide offer broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Some of the best physical sunscreens:
Tried and tested these sunscreens are a matte finish so do not leave the skin feeling or looking greasy and sit well under make-up.
Fantastic sunscreen. Very high protection but it is a bit thick and it does leave a white film if you d0 not rub it in enough.
Radical Skincare Skin Perfecting Screen 30+
By far the best sunscreen to wear under make-up. It is completely matte in finish and does not cause any oiliness. It is my all-time favourite facial sunscreen.
Ultra Violette Clean Screen SPF 30 Mattifying Mineral Skinscreen
This brand is fantastic. Even their chemical sunscreen Queen Screen is free from oils and wears well under make-up. This mineral sunscreen is fantastic for oily and combination skin, has a matte finish and is non irritating.
JJ xx
