Anti-Ageing and UVA, UVB, Sunscreen Ingredients, Application, Labeling etc.

[alexheartbeauty1]

I'm a huge advocate of sunscreen as the first defence against ageing so have written what I hope is the definitive guide on the subject.
I thought I'd post it here because I hope people will find it useful.
Also, I'd really appreciate it if anyone thinks it could be improved and whether there's anything important I've left out.

www.iheartbeauty.net/2014/06/the-essential-guide-to-uva-and-uvb-rays.html

As long as it's within it's sell by date it should be absolutely fine. Effective sunscreen doesn't have to be expensive and the price of a product shouldn't effect the quality of sun protection you get.

However, price can a make a difference to the formula and consistency i.e a cheeper product is more likely to be heavy, sticky and greasy so not so good for the face.

Hope that helps :)

Is it worth mentioning that chemical suncreens breakdown with a couple of hours unles there is a stabilizing product in the sunscreen (like Meroxyl).

Sorry posted too soon. I think the fast breakdown is particularly relevant for face protection. Most of us slap on our sunscreen at 7am and forget about it for the rest of the day, not realising that we have no spf on our faces for most of the day.

quiet I use that sunscreen and it works absolutely fine. I use a cheaper sunscreen like that on my body and then spend more on a facial sunscreen - not because a cheap one won't work on the face, but just because I like a matte effect one for my face and those are more expensive.

Meroxyl is a sunscreen ingredient in it's own right and is found exclusively in L'Oreal products. But it's also one of the ingredients thats stabilise Avobenzone, which can degrade really quickly in sunlight.

Unfortunately, regardless of added stabilisers in a product, I think it's still best to re-apply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you've been outside (sunscreens breakdown quicker in daylight than they do in artificial light) even if it's just with make up with added sunscreen. I really like Dr Jart+ BB SPF 40 for this.

However, Lurking, I think you're right and I'm going to add a section on the stability of sunscreens as it's an important point. Thank you!

Ultrasun is a once-a-day sunscreen applied on bare skin at least 20mins before going out.

It's not cheap though!

Ultrasun is good, but I don't like it as a base for makeup. Too thick.
Sunsense is good too, but again I don't like it as a makeup base, it pils.

I think it's hard to get a good sunscreen suitable for all day use and as a base for makeup. Realistically, with the best intentions, on a work day I do not reapply sunscreen or makeup. I think many of us are the same. In winter (Nov to March) we still need sunscreen but its stability isn't as important, summer is different.

I like tinted La Roche Posay XL, when I'm not wearing makeup but under makeup I don't like it. It has a stabiliser and is a good long-wearing sunscreen.

Neutrogena do one with their own stabiliser too, it's probably worth a shot.
The Chanel one is quite good too iirc, but I cannot stand the smell of it.

Can I ask what makes Ultrasun different to other suncreams so that it's possible to need to apply it only once? And does it genuinely work?

Ultrasun is a mixture of a physical and a chemical sunscreen. The chemical screen is octocylene, which is quite photostable. The physical sunscreen is titanium dioxide, which is photostable too. (Physical sunscreens are photostable.) So it provides pretty much day long protection. Its formulation makes it suitable for sensitive skins and kids. And yes, it lasts all day (personal experience with v fair kids). It is quite thick and white, but in fairness the white cast does almost disappear in about 10 mins.

*Octocrylene

Here's a thing from the Ultrasun site that shows that the length of time it will last depends on how strong the sun is, your skin type and whether you're using factor 20, 30 or 50 ultrasun.co.uk/sun-account.php?lang=en

Generally, the higher the factor the longer it's going to last. It's not out yet but I think this looks like it could be good: avonshop.co.uk/product/skincare/moisturisers-and-creams/anew-clinical-e-defence-multi-sheild-spf50-day-lotion.html?find_spec=

Another thing I think is worth doing and I forgot to mention in my blog post is to smear some on the back of your hands at the same time as you're doing your face.

quiet - something else to do when pootling about the garden is to wear a wide brimmed hat or baseball cap. They're really good protection from the sun.

I wonder what are the active ingredients in the Avon one?

That's what I want to know! I'm going to call up tomorrow and try and find out. I'll report back.

There's this new chemical one from Benefit that's supposed to have an easy to wear consistency. I've actually got it but not worn it yet so will try it out tomorrow. www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/product/view/dream-screen

Great thread and guide thanks alex. What can you say about Sunsense? I've just bought a large bottle on recommendation from an Australian friend.

Thank you :)

I haven't tried Sunsense but it looks great. Australians don't mess about when it comes to sun protection!

I now want to try their SPF 50 lip balm. I just want to get it without paying for a delivery charge as that will double its price.

On the subject of lip balms it's not so important to get ones with a high SPF as they're easy to re-apply. Nevertheless, I'd recommend the Ultrasun SPF30 and Jack Black SPF25.

Thanks for that. Btw, I ordered mine from

here

Much cheaper and free delivery.

Thanks for sharing. I find it so confusing. I tried using the la roche posay 50 sunscreen but it felt greasy and gave me spots (when I didn't have any before!) so I've given up. And now rely on a lancome foundation and/or shade.

Can anyone recommend a decent sunscreen that won't cause spots and works as a good make up base?

Perma - Thank you so much. I just ordered it with free delivery and you get and Aveeno sample!

I went to see Dr Sam Bunting when I was suffering from awful chin spots and she recommended the Obagi SPF50, which is a physical sunscreen. Unfortunately, it is expensive: www.facethefuture.co.uk/shop/obagi/obagi-nu-derm/obagi-nu-derm-sun-shield-spf-50/prod_580.html

Basically, as the LRP one is a chemical sunscreen you should try a mineral one. I like Clinique City Block SPF40 and that's not nearly as expensive as the Obagi. I haven't tried it but this Skinceuticals one looks good www.facethefuture.co.uk/shop/skinceuticals/protect/skinceuticals-sheer-mineral-uv-defense-spf-50/prod_599.html

Just like to mention that I know Alex and her skin is beauuuutiful.

Lancome UV Expert GN Shield SPF 50 is the best sunscreen ever but it seems to have gone out of circulation.

It's amazing. Isn't too thick, isn't too sticky, doesn't leave a white mask, it makes my skin look absolutely amazing in fact. I think Lancome is owned by L'oreal as this also contains the wonderful patented mexoryl.

Bring it back please Lancome!

Thanks Alex, will give those a try!