Facial sunscreen

[WobblyLondoner]

Have been an avid user of Clinique Cityblock factor 40 for a number of years now, especially after a small skin cancer procedure on my face a few years ago.

I read an article about how most people were confused about skin protection at the weekend - this:
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jun/01/britons-risking-skin-damage-and-cancer-due-to-suncare-ignorance?CMP=ShareiOSAppp_Other

One of the article's key messages is about the confusion surrounding SPF rates which relate to UVB rays and the separate star rating which relates to UVA.

Given this I thought I'd check what the UVA protection for Cityblock is and couldn't find any information at all about it. So I emailed Clinique and they have just replied to say the UVA protection is 8! Which really means it isn't what I want.

Does anyone have any tips on sunblocks or sunscreens which don't bobble under foundation and ideally are at least SPF 40 plus? I have tried LRP Anthelios SPF 50 and it was ok but a little too white for me. I can see there is a tinted one now so interested in any experiences of that.

I'm especially upset about this now as a few days ago I learned I have another small skin cancer (BCC) on my face. I feel really stupid for not realising this given my history. And I worry I'm going to spend the rest of my life fretting about every odd spot. Take care of yourself friends, it isn't worth the risk.

Sorry to moan. Sunscreen recommendations welcome.

Argh - when I say I'm annoyed about "not realising this" I mean not realising the difference between UVA and UVB sun factors.

I've used Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily Defense SPF 50 for a few years now. They say they provide UVA&UVB protection.

I found it the best under foundation too (I've tried a lot lol).

I am interested to know too as I have used Cityblock for years and thought I was doing the right thing.

Another Clinique City Block 40spf user here. Not impressed. The number, 40, always me feel safe when I fact Ive had 8SPF, all this time.

Watching with interest as I've just checked the Vichy one I use SPF30 and UVA1!
Not what I was expecting at all.
I've only just realised about the UVA rating being important too

My Vichy foundation boasts spf 35 but no mention of

No mention of stars 😐

Glad I'm not alone. I just had a look at this useful website:

www.bad.org.uk/for-the-public/skin-cancer/sunscreen-fact-sheet#uva-star-system

It includes this section on UVA.
According to the EU Recommendation, the UVA protection for each sunscreen should be at least a third of the labelled SPF. A product that achieves this requirement will be labelled with a UVA logo, the letters “UVA” printed in a circle

I'm confused as to how all these companies are getting away with very confusing labelling.

I came on to say LRP anthelios but have seen you've already tried it.

Was it the xl ultra light fluid version- I don't get any ghosting with it but it's the milky/ultra light one

I use Biore Watery essence (from amazon) spf50 and PA+++. I believe that is between 8 and 16 stars of UVA protection.

It is a chemical sunscreen meaning that you will need to apply on a clean face to give it a chance to react with the skin cells. You then follow with serums, moisturisers, makeup, etc.

It feels as though you’re not wearing anything on your skin. It will not bobble on your skin, cause doundation to pile or leave a white cast.

But it does protect. I am super pale and burn within a few minutes of being in the sun, this is a very effective sunscreen.

I am not affiliated with the product in any way. I found out about it on an old s&b thread here on Korean beauty products.

LRP Hydraphase is only factor 30 but v v good under make up. Comes in two viscosities, too

Ah wondered why it had a circle round, thanks OP

I have hyper pigmentation from medication and need to stay out of the sun

I found this one the best balance for my skin in terms of keeping me safe but not giving me a face load of spots!

Used to use Ambre Solaire face but could say what the UVA rating was

This is a problem with SPFs and generally people relying on spf in a moisturiser or makeup- they just don’t cut it. UVA is present all year round, not just on sunny days so good UVA protection needed year round.
I know you’ve tried La Roche Posay but there are a few different formulas so maybe worth trying a different one. It’s a good, solid range, recommended by dermatologists. Bioderma also good. Frezyderm also derm recommended -see this months mumsnet swears by for details. That’s three good brands to check out.

I also use biore watery essence but as all the writing is in Korean, I have no idea!

I use etude House sunprise mild airy finish which is spf50 and PA+++ which is therefore really good for both uva and uvb.

It's a mineral one which is great as I react to chemical sunscreen. Really light, like a milky texture and just disappears into the skin.

I use Neostrata sheer physical protection. SPF50 and PA++++

I like it because it's really lightweight but tinted so doesn't show up. In fact it almost seems to 'blur' my skin so on a good day I don't need any foundation.

I have melasma so I really rely on my sunscreen.

The only criticism I have is that it is very runny so have to have two goes at putting it on, otherwise it just runs through my fingers!

I didn't realise this either OP. Sorry to hear about your scare and thank you for posting this.

The issue with many UVA sun creams is that the uva chemicals are really unstable.
Zinc oxide is the best uva and uvb suncream, I gather, as it is stable and broad spectrum.
Titanium dioxide is also ok but isn’t quite as broad spectrum as zinc.
Using a mixture of mineral zinc and the thinner unstable ‘chemical’ creams might be a good compromise. And covering up. It is why I don’t rely on suncream for my child and use long sleeves, rash vests and hats as well.

have you tried ultrasun? they do an antipigmentation one with factor 50

I thought there was no standardised system for UVA rating, it’s just down to the manufacturer. The star system is a Boots only thing...correct me if I’m wrong.

Have you tried Altruist? I’ve just sent away for it from Amazon but their website gives more info. Apparently it’s brilliant under makeup (and good for the whole body too). I’m not sure about links, but hopefully this works.

www.altruistsun.com/products/sunscreen-spf30/

I read somewhere that the chemicals in total sunblock, which this is , are highly toxic and it isn't necessary to wear a total sunblock in this climate.
I bought the Body Shop factor 50 last year and found it easy to wear, but I am mindful of toxic buildup and absorption through the skin, so will not buy such a high factor again. There are many who believe that the products in some make up and toiletries are carcinogenic.
I usually use factor 30 simple facial sunblock from Boots on my face abroad. I am quite slapdash about applying it though which isn't good.
Facial moisturisers I use are Origin , which aren't as toxic as some others.

I really like Darphin Intral. Has circled UVA too

I use boots Protect & perfect factor 30 with 5* UVA whatever that means.
Feels nice under make up, not too thick or sticky

Very interesting about the toxicity issues of sunscreen. I have wondered about this too.

I’d like to understand the recommendations to wear sunscreen every day in the UK climate. Is this a beauty or health issue (I suspect a bit of both).

If you are using chemical peel pads or have sensitivity due to meds etc, or have had a cancer scare or moles or similar, then obviously it’s absolutely essential. But for most people, is every day wear (even in winter) really necessary? I know it’s a personal choice but I’m just trying to understand so I can make a more informed choice.

If I’m sitting or walking out in sunshine (even spring) I wear it. But if I’m cycling to work on a muggy day like today, sitting in an office, I don’t feel it’s necessary. Do I need to be more careful?

Do people generally wear SPF to decrease health risks or is it about anti ageing?

Genuinely interested and not disagreeing with importance of sun protection