Sunscreens should be made an integral part of any skincare routine and worn diligently year-round, whether the sun is shining or not. Now that summer is finally upon us, there is no better time than the present to start looking for the right product to suit your own needs and preferences. Here are some of the best sunscreens for the ultimate protection this summer.
La Roche-Posay is a well established French brand that is renowned for carrying products that cater to sensitive skin, including their well-known and loved sunscreens. This formula, in particular, is described as having a velvet-soft texture made especially for children that glides easily onto the skin and doesn’t leave a greasy finish. It is also known for containing Mexoryl, a coveted ingredient once illegal in the US for undisclosed reasons.
The number one individual component in terms of shielding against Ultraviolet A Radiation (aka UVA rays which cause wrinkles, sagging, brown spots and yellow discolouration), Mexoryl also contributes to producing a product that provides almost perfect protection from the sun. It doesn’t degrade in sunlight and one application is said to be enough for 24 hours of protection, including after swimming or exercising, although that is not a reason to skip reapplication.
This particular product may initially leave a slight white cast on the skin but will dry down clear, is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and should work well on all skin types.
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Tinted sunscreens can usually offer effective sun protection all while evening out the skin tone and adding radiance to your complexion. They are especially efficacious when layered with a regular sunblock underneath and can eliminate the need for foundation which often disturbs the SPF.
The Elta Md SPF 41 is a great fragrance-free option for sensitive or oily skin types, won’t clog pores, aggravate skin issues or feel too heavy or sticky on the face. It isn’t waterproof however and should be reapplied every few hours for continued protection. Finally, the tint is quite light so unfortunately for darker skin tones, it would be wise to apply a tinted moisturizer or a little foundation over the top if it ends up looking a little ashy.
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Many Asian skincare companies offer amazing sunscreens that often contain higher levels of sun protection and better formulations compared to some western brands. This next product is from the Japanese brand Bioré and is an ideal option for all skin types, but particularly dry skin.
Formulated with what the company calls moisture rich “water capsules,” hyaluronic acid, royal jelly extract and BG (described as being a moisturizing ingredient), this non-greasy or sticky sunblock provides a thin, UV blocking film that acts as a second skin and prevents uneven application. It has a lightweight and waterproof formula that sinks in and doesn’t leave a white cast. Be sure however to always reapply every few hours for constant protection.
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For anyone who is planning on being very active and enjoying the outdoors this summer, the Elta MD UV Sport is probably one of your best bets. This sunscreen is great for swimming or excessive exercise and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
The formula won’t rinse off, get in your eyes or sting when you sweat and offers broad-spectrum UV protection and a nice mix of antioxidants to help fight free radical damage. All housed in a non-sticky formula that is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and won’t leave too heavy of a white cast.
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The final product on this sunscreen list is the Jack Black Sun Guard SPF 45 which is another great option for a water-resistant sunblock. It is said to provide exceptional broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection while being ultra water-resistant and having a light-weight texture.
The product does leave behind a bit of a shiny finish and a slight white cast when applied on the face, but sinks into the skin quite quickly and is meant for all skin types. Also, this sunscreen is not only fragrance-free but also certified cruelty-free.
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