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Original poster

high spf & looking unhealthy

28 replies

stripeypillowcase · 29/12/2019 10:56

mid forties and generally good skin though have slight melasma since having dc.
want to do more to age gracefully.

usually I have a moisturiser with spf 15 + suncream (spf30) on the beach/on days out, but prefer to keep out the sun and never sunbathe.

would I not look unhealthy if I went with high spf all year? is it really worth it?

OP posts:
Original poster
stripeypillowcase · 29/12/2019 11:20

apart from tinted moisturiser I don't wear any make up.
plus I dislike the sticky feeling of most spf.

OP posts:
trumpisaflump · 29/12/2019 11:39

I never go in the sun, am blonde with fair skin and stay in Scotland but wear factor 50 under my make up every day. I add a few drops of fake tan (Clarins or Tan Luxe drops) to my night moisturiser every other night and that helps give a little glow.

Fluffycloudland77 · 29/12/2019 11:49

Pale, even skin is a sign of youth if you’re white though.

I wear spf 50 everyday and have done so since I was 22, I still get asked for id to buy alcohol.

Original poster
stripeypillowcase · 29/12/2019 16:58

bumping for the evening crowd

tanning lotion is out of the question, I reacted badly to self tan products in the past.

OP posts:
GrumpyHoonMain · 29/12/2019 17:03

I would argue that at 45 it’s probably too late to do anything about the sun damage you already have (spf 30 is often recommended to black skinned people to prevent sun damage). All you can do is try to prevent any future damage and for that you will need spf 50 - I do and I’m Indian. It doesn’t stop me from tanning but it did stop melasma in it’s tracks.

Original poster
stripeypillowcase · 29/12/2019 17:07

I worry that I will look unhealthily pale with a high(er) spf
but then with the melasma (mainly on one cheek) I look 'dirty' iyswim.

OP posts:
Sprinklemetinsel · 29/12/2019 17:54

I have the same problem. I used a high spf for a year when I was 20. I looked grey. Like you I have freckles, and some uneven patches that make my face look grubby.

I wanted to minimise the feckles, and protect my skin. I looked dreadful, freckles stood out more and base not of skin very pale. Not creamy pale, blue grey pale. Not a good look.

Original poster
stripeypillowcase · 29/12/2019 17:57

in winter without make up I regularly get asked if I'm ok Confused

OP posts:
alwaysstressed · 29/12/2019 18:02

I use Australia gold botanical spf 50 its tinted so doesn't make me look washed out. It also drys matte so its not sticky which is great for my oily skin.
I have tried loads of different spfs and this one is amazing. It's actually given me the confidence to go foundation free as it gives my skin such a nice tint. Highly recommend.

Mmpip · 29/12/2019 18:17

La Roche Posay sun creams are lovely. Between factor 30 and 50 is all that's needed and they do not leave your skin with a chalky complexion. They're very creamy and hydrating...

Original poster
stripeypillowcase · 29/12/2019 18:35

my issue is not that a high spf leaves me with a chalky look, but that my winter pale is unhealthy and anaemic looking.

OP posts:
Sprinklemetinsel · 29/12/2019 18:38

I don't ever seek out the sun, so that limits the need for spf, and I have to accept that's the lesser of two evils for me.

Fightthebear · 29/12/2019 18:41

www.superdrug.com/Olay/Complete-Everyday-Light-Sunshine-Cream-(Sunless-Tanner)-50ml/p/611921?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInbzy4r_b5gIVh7HtCh22pwacEAQYASABEgLn4_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I use this every other day in winter to get a glow, otherwise I honestly look blue/grey but with flushed cheeks Confused. It’s very natural looking.

I also use it in summer but with a high spf when out and about.

Original poster
stripeypillowcase · 29/12/2019 18:47

I don't seek out the sun, but am outdoors often (hiking, commute by bike).
self tan is out, makes my eyes stream and swell.

OP posts:
TDAesthetics · 30/12/2019 06:47

90% of skin ageing is due to UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Wearing a physical sunscreen of at least SPF30 (I wear a SPF50 daily) is the most effective way to reduce the ageing effect of the sun. It is advisable to wear sunscreen all year round, as UVA and UVB rays can penetrate cloud cover even in winter. There are numerous sunscreens available that don't leave a sticky or oily residue, and sink into the skin cleanly. My favourites are Heliocare's Dry Touch gel for oilier skin, and Neostrata's Sheer Physical Protection for drier skin.

championquartz · 30/12/2019 11:10

There's no easy answer really. It's a balance. You can either age prematurely with earlier wrinkling and patchy pigmentation, and risk skin cancer(s) or you can look somewhat 'healthier'.

I suppose the thing to remember is that tanning = the art of turning hides/skins into leather.
So by definition, a tan is anything but healthy. One of the legacies of Coco Chanel. She got that one very wrong for sure.

I do understand where you're coming from but really, for me there's no contest. Tinted sunscreen or a bit of fake tan.

AngusThermopyle · 30/12/2019 11:33

Op, i was recommended this by the consultant who has dealt with some facial skin cancer i have had. It's very good and doesn't go all chalky/dry.
I am quite pale as I try to avoid to much sun but in summer I find a bit of light dusting of a suitable bronzer helps me not look ill.
I do wear some makeup occasionally in winter as i tend to get reddish patches from the cold.

AngusThermopyle · 30/12/2019 11:33

Link!

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 85, 3 fl. oz https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001832P60/ref=cmswwrcppapiii_7-DcEbT06HNRC

FreeStar · 30/12/2019 11:39

I wear spf30 year round and am pale- even so it doesn't stop me getting a touch of colour on my face in the summer- I don't think I look ill- blusher is your friend!

FreeStar · 30/12/2019 11:40

And besides- spf15 blocks about 90% of the suns rays- spf30 or spf50 don't protect that much more anyway- I doubt you'd notice any difference!

BlaueLagune · 30/12/2019 17:34

I worry that I will look unhealthily pale with a high(er) spf

I'm not sure there is such a thing as "unhealthily pale". I don't look at tanned people and think they look healthy, I just think they've been a bit silly, me included when I get sunburnt.

Northernsoullover · 30/12/2019 17:37

I use No7 protect and perfect tinted SPF 50. Its blooming marvellous. I use it all year round.

anonacatchat · 30/12/2019 17:45

Sorry but what you're using now "usually I have a moisturiser with spf 15 + suncream (spf30) on the beach/on days out" is nothing . Totally inadequate IMO and that of my Derm .

Day cream with Spf is nonsense really , people don't apply enough and the filters are crap . Low UV protection too . Basically no PPD rating .

I don't look unhealthy 🤣 and if I wanted a bit of colour I can get the clarins drops .

I wear 50 daily , proper sunscreen with high ppd too .

anonacatchat · 30/12/2019 17:47

Also it's not too late to repair damage

  • prescription retinoid
  • daily spf 50 and total facial sun avoidance in summer

If you can afford it

  • co2 laser / fraxel etc
  • chemical peels
anonacatchat · 30/12/2019 17:51

Sorry also - you won't look pale if you use an Asian gel type spf ( lower ppd rating but fine for the UK ) .

Or something like Heliocare 360 fluid cream tinted which is lovely

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