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8 skin-friendly sunscreens to try for your face and body
COVER STORY / 2020-06-24
By now we all pretty much know that a good sunscreen is one of the most important and non-negotiable aspects of your daily skin care routine. Besides protection that it provides against UVB and UVA rays, there are more reasons to wear one throughout the day. A low-chemical, gel based or mineral sunscreen for face is usually the most ideal for all skin types. The thing is, chemical sunscreens can easily irritate your skin, possibly disrupt your hormones, and are known to contain toxins that can kill coral. Now imagine, if something can kill coral, then what it could do to your skin.
First things first. Just like not all that glitters is gold, not all the products packaged as “natural” or “organic” are necessarily the right product for you. Infact, often, these products are not natural, organic and regulated by the FDA. Sorry to pop your bubble, but this is reality. So how do you know what’s actually in your sunscreen? Well, you just need to flip the bottle over and read the label carefully. Anything in moderation is almost fine. Expect some chemicals in the ingredient list, don’t panic. Often the fraction of these chemicals are minute in their formula. For example, Zinc and Titanium dioxide are safer ingredients that you don’t need to think twice before slathering them on your skin, unless they are present more than 20% in a product. Common chemical sunscreen ingredients that you should avoid include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octinoxate, homosalate, and octocrylene.
Now, we don’t know who needs to hear this but – yes, you need a sunscreen every single day. You’re still exposed to the potentially harmful UV rays when it’s cloudy, windy and even cold.The cumulative sun exposure you get every day, little by little, adds up to the damage. This damage is more often invisible than visible in the obvious form of sun burns and more. So it’s important not just to apply a sunblock on trips to the beach, but also to find the best daily wear sunscreen for your skin. Also, don’t forget to reapply. Especially if you’re going to be out in the sun for a few hours, you should be carrying a body sunscreen with you. Reapply sunscreen after sweating (like, post workout) or post showering and every two hours of outdoor sun. If you apply in the morning under your makeup, and then you’re inside at work all day, you’re probably good. Since it is clear that sunscreen is going to be your closest pal everyday, it is important to choose one wisely and think of it as an investment for your skin than just another step to your skincare routine.
Check out 8 of the best sunscreens for face below :
1. EVE LOM Daily Protection Sunscreen with SPF 50
Made with a fast-absorbing, lightweight formula, this Eve Lom sunscreen with added antioxidants has a calming and soothing effect on the skin and helps to control oil production. This one is paraben free and can be used in place of a moisturizer as well. It is a white fluid but it leaves no cast behind and lends a subtle glow to the face. It provides a high rating broad-spectrum defense against both UVA/UVB rays, pollution, and free radicals. Vitamin C brightens dark spots with prolonged usage and it also contains Lactic acid that is known to gently exfoliate skin. Lastly, it also has Pigmento Perfetto, which is a powerful marine based algae extract known for its anti-aging benefits.
Wait, did someone ask for an all-in-one sunscreen?
2. DERMALOGICA Prisma Protect SPF 30 50ml
Since SPF is to be worn every day, you need to make sure it loves your skin while it does the job. And Dermalogica range of suncare is one of the best. The Prisma protect sunscreen helps boost skin’s natural luminosity. It’s breakthrough antioxidant technology helps protect skin against pollution. Loved my lakhs of customers worldwide, this sun protecting balm contains a bio-ferment from sage to maintain an even skin tone.
3. KIEHLS Ultra Light Daily Defense SPF 50
If you’re not a fan of overly scented formulas, Kiehl’s is your go-to brand for skin-care. This SPF 50 sunscreen is a lightweight formula, suitable for all skin types and is sweat-resistant. We love its lightweight texture that absorbs quickly and leaves skin with a matte finish. Want more? It is non-comedogenic. So basically, it does everything for pore-free skin lovers.
4. PETER THOMAS ROTH Summer All-Stars 2-Piece Sun Care Kit
This kit is truly the perfect sunscreen for anyone with sensitive skin. The list of ingredients include soothing aloe, Ginkgo Biloba, Vitamins C & E, Ceramides to moisturize and Pro Vitamin B5 to help condition and nourish the look of skin. Needless to say, the formula is lightweight aka it won't clog your pores. Despite the thick texture, one drop is enough to spread it easily on your full face with no white cast (probably due to absence of zinc or titanium dioxide). Some online reviews by users say that this sunscreen makes their skin look ‘smooth, glowy and healthy’. We say, give it a try this season, you must!
5. CLÉ DE PEAU BEAUTÉ UV Protective Cream SPF50 PA+++
Not only does this sunscreen protect your face from sun damage, it nourishes skin with a blend of plant-based ingredients. Its Wild Thyme Extract, Asian Ginseng Extract soothe inflammation, while Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract moisturizes, giving you soft, supple skin.
With a long water resistance, this natural sunscreen is a solid choice for all your sweaty, outdoor activities as well. Suitable for all skin types, but is a perfect sunscreen for dry skin. It also works wonders as a makeup base. Packed with clean, good-for-your-skin ingredients, we highly recommend you to try out this. This one is especially recommended in the category of best sunscreens under makeup.
6. THREE Balancing UV Protector SPF40
Your search for au naturale sunscreen ends here. The balancing sun protector by Three contains 94 % naturally derived ingredients of essential oils, botanical oils, botanical water and plant extracts. It smells wonderful and contains SPF 40. This sunscreen also provides additional protection against other external stimuli such as air pollutants.
7. LA MER The SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid
This soothing, lightweight sun-protect lotion infuses skin with the sea-sourced, calming energy of La Mer’s trademark MiracleBroth. A little goes a long way for this one and one bottle will last you a long time. Free of sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, you have to try this brightening sunscreen from La Mer. It contains SPF 50 and is 100% vegan. Yep, that’s right. The lotion spreads easily on the skin, leaves no white cast and has a pleasant mild fragrance.
8. DECLEOR Aroma Sun Expert Protective Hydrating Milk SPF15
This gentle formula from Decleor Helps prevent premature sun-aging by strengthening skin's natural resistance. Containing Tahiti Vanilla and Rose Essential Oil, it melts into the skin and has a silky finish for a skin that looks visibly nourished. What we absolutely love about this sunscreen are the melon extract and argan oil ingredients that are known for superior levels of moisturisation, protective care, so you can enjoy carefree time in the sun knowing that your skin is protected. Provides SPF 15 medium protection, that makes it a perfect work-from-home companion for you as well.
Sunscreen is truly your best defense against sun damage, and it is inarguably the single best thing you can do for your skin is to apply it every day, rain or shine. Finding the best sunscreens for your face can indeed be harder than it looks. We hope you have made your selection now that you’ve understood what needs to go inside your sunscreen. And now that your skin is protected, may the sunshine be with you!