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Original poster

Terrible mistake! SPF50

148 replies

alorslanon · 09/03/2022 17:08

Hello all, please can you help me! I’m 44, and my skin just looks SO awful. It’s quite dry but also greasy, and I’m just looking quite old all of a sudden. I’m currently fixated on the idea that I should be wearing SPF50 every day, so I’ve been applying regular suncream every day, and I’ve made it SO MUCH WORSE. Now i’m wearing moisturiser, sun cream AND primer, and my chin has broken out in spots and my whole face is peeling off. Something’s not right!

Anyway, any general advice would be much appreciated. But also, what SPF do people with (tired, dry but also somehow greasy) skin like mine recommended? I’m not made of money, but I am happy to invest if it will make a difference. Thank you so much.

OP posts:
Delatron · 10/03/2022 07:50

It’s UVA that ages the skin and UVB that burns.

UVA is present all year round and penetrates clouds. It’s the same strength in winter as in summer and the same strength at different latitudes.

So if skin ageing is your concern you do need to wear SPF every day. There’s not loads of difference between SPF 30 and 50 though and some 30 formulations can be better.

I take a vitamin D supplement but do try expose arms and legs from April onwards (when it’s warm and sunny) to get vitamin D (within reason) but wouldn’t put my face in the sun without cream or a hat.

HeyGirlHeyBoy · 10/03/2022 08:23

Highly recommend a good Vit C also.

silverspiral · 10/03/2022 08:26

I’m interested in this as I used to love the thin white fluid that Clarins made to apply on top of your moisturiser many years ago but they stopped making it in that formula. A small bottle lasted for ages.

The Garnier one has a low UVA rating (3* from what I can see), otherwise I’d have been interested in trying that.

Am looking at the Anthelios but am a bit confused by the different types. Some say PA++++ whereas others don’t have a rating.

CornishGem1975 · 10/03/2022 08:33

I use moisturiser with an SPF factor and foundation with an SPF 30. I still look bloody knackered though. What has helped brighten me is Vitamin C and caffeine serums and retinol.

hihellohihello · 10/03/2022 08:38

Ah we all age, it hits us big around this age because of hormonal changes. I'd give your skin a bit of a rest especially if you are inside a lot. Sunscreen wise I like ultra sun. Long lasting and it recommends use without moisturiser. Apart from that keeping as fit and healthy as possible really helps to keep feeling youthful. Wearing big glasses/sunglasses also helps disguise the wrinkles!Grin

Remember people involved in the beauty industry do have a business reason for all their recommendations. So there is a balance to find with this.

CheeseMuffin · 10/03/2022 08:50

@silverspiral

I’m interested in this as I used to love the thin white fluid that Clarins made to apply on top of your moisturiser many years ago but they stopped making it in that formula. A small bottle lasted for ages.

The Garnier one has a low UVA rating (3* from what I can see), otherwise I’d have been interested in trying that.

Am looking at the Anthelios but am a bit confused by the different types. Some say PA++++ whereas others don’t have a rating.

Do you mean this one? www.boots.com/ambre-solaire-super-uv-anti-10291969

It's 4 stars. Reading up on the stars thing and it appears it was developed by Boots and the only range with 5 stars is their own Soltan one. Hmm...

silverspiral · 10/03/2022 08:55

No - someone above mentioned the Garnier face fluid. I’m after a fluid rather than cream so I can apply it over my usual moisturiser. That one looks better but is a cream.

CheeseMuffin · 10/03/2022 09:02

Oh I know the fluid you mean @silverspiral. It's identical to the more expensive LRP version but both have alcohol as the second ingredient, so not great! I use the cream and usually skip the moisturiser underneath as that can make it pill a bit.

LordEmsworth · 10/03/2022 09:05

I use Chantecaille and it's amazing. It doesn't feel like sunscreen at all, great base for make up, nice smell. Not cheap but currently in the Glamour and Red beauty boxes for less than RRP... It's 45 SPF rather than 50.

Original poster
alorslanon · 10/03/2022 11:08

This has been SUCH an education for me. I had never heard of double cleansing, and a friend had mentioned hyaloronic acid, but I wasn't really listening. So I've been onto Inkey List and the Boots website, and I'm going to order some stuff (thanks for the Ordinary recommendation - it's much more reasonable than I thought it would be). I think loads of your are right - the suncream was too much, I haven't been washing it off properly, and the condition of my skin underneath needs some proper attention.

Thanks in particular to @oopsyupsydaisy, you made me smile. We ARE all gorgeous. Flowers and Glitterball to you Smile

OP posts:
Isonthecase · 10/03/2022 11:34

I used the nars tinted moisturiser which has SPF in it. Doubt it's a much as it says on the packaging without putting the whole bottle on but it looks so glowy and lovely. Might be worth a try, you can get free samples in boots.

Libertynan · 10/03/2022 13:21

I have always been a bit of a sunscreen avoider other than on sunny holidays abroad - but after having facial surgery to remove a basal cell carcinoma a few months ago I have decided to get on with serious sun care.

So I have Ultrasun Face 30 and 50. The 30 is better as it doesn't feel as tacky on my face. The 50 is kind of always there (although it does come out of the pump a bit too fast so I possibly have too much product )

Ultrasun is the only sunscreen I can bear to use on my body as it's a once per day job - and it doesn't feel sticky or greasy.

littlegingerone · 10/03/2022 13:26

i use the Boots no7 Sun with advanced protect and perfect included. I use eye cream and serum underneath, and a thin layer of moisturiser if I hasve days where i feel like i need a bit more. It's factor 50 and I love it, it works fine under make up or on it's own or they do a tinted version too if you don't want to wear additional make up - it would take out an extra layer that way I guess!

Original poster
alorslanon · 10/03/2022 13:45

Oh and @Marbles321 thank you for taking the time to write all that. I'm taking your advice to the letter and I will do some proper research.

OP posts:
Marbles321 · 10/03/2022 13:50

@alorslanon you're very welcome :-)

Enjoy the research. Lots of very affordable products out there once you know what you're looking for, and a proper routine can really transform your skin .

doadeer · 10/03/2022 13:54

Totally agree with @Marbles321

If you do like beauty pie I actually think their Spf with primer is fab.

It can be a really lovely part of the day taking care of your skin ❤️

KillingMeDeftly · 10/03/2022 13:57

I tried a sample of the Ultraviolette Screen Queen (the one with the dropper) but it was weirdly gritty. Is that how it's meant to be or was I just unlucky?

Marbles321 · 10/03/2022 14:39

Yes @doadeer thats the spf i use - I have it on right now!

And agree on it being nice to take care of your skin. I've never been much of one to be into skincare or haircare etc, but as I'm getting older (and busier, and wrinklier, and more stressed!) I'm really appreciating that little window of time in the day devoted to caring for my skin.

stevalnamechanger · 10/03/2022 14:40

I didn't like the one with the dropper , my bottle just broke

I use these two :

www.spacenk.com/uk/sun-tan/suncare/face-suncream/lean-screen-mineral-mattifying-spf-50-UK200029722.html?gclid=CjwKCAiA4KaRBhBdEiwAZi1zzisfVldYNIvd_y3I8j4sXAOXi_e-xe1Ld7KkgovfzR2z4INqZWiFhBoCN7IQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

www.spacenk.com/uk/sun-tan/suncare/face-suncream/clean-screen-sensitive-skinscreen-spf-30-MUK200029609.html

I also have the spf 50 lip gloss :D

I'd be wary of using anything that is a moisturiser or primer as you need to use a lot to get the coverage.

Also Altruist is my go to for body - and face on holiday when I don't need to look nice.

Super high sun - LRP anthelios on the face :)

vitahelp · 10/03/2022 14:42

It is good that you are using SPF50 but I wouldn't personally use a sun care make like Soltan regularly (I might use them for a holiday but not every day at home).
As others have said, you need to find a day moisturiser with SPF within it. I use Paula's choice, they do a SPF30 and SPF50, I've got both and alternate depending how dry my skin is (the spf50 feels more moisturising).

moonbedazzled · 10/03/2022 14:52

@silverspiral

No - someone above mentioned the Garnier face fluid. I’m after a fluid rather than cream so I can apply it over my usual moisturiser. That one looks better but is a cream.
Altruistic do a SPF 50 face fluid with Vit E. It's on Amazon.
silverspiral · 10/03/2022 14:57

Thanks moonbedazzled, I’ll have a look at that.

Seniorandjunior · 10/03/2022 15:23

There's a guy on Instagram called scamander14 and he regularly reviews and rates SPFs and has a data base of sunscreens. If you have time, it's definitely worth a browse. He's USA (or Canadian maybe) based but he does review mostly European and Asian SPFs. He's really good.

What's really interesting is the amount of SPF (which is the correct amont we should be using) he uses. I'm good for using SPF but I probably use half the correct amount. It's surprising how much you need.

Anyway. Currently I like Frezyderm.
I also like the Ambre Solaire one. Surprisingly good and so cheap. Heliocare or EltaMD mineral ones for running.
I dislike the La Roche Posay ones.
I am on a constant search for a decent tinted one.

Cheeseandlobster · 10/03/2022 17:12

Good skin also comes from within I think. Do you drink lots of water? Exercise? Eat plenty of veg and a bit of fruit? All these things may give you more of a glow