Facial sunscreen query

[Catandcandle]

I had IPL for/ broken veins and facial redness last week (good results), and the beautician was very strict about the need to use SPF 50 daily. I have quite dry/ postmenopausal skin, so use a rich moisturiser every day too. Should I be putting the moisturiser or the sunscreen on first?

Moisturiser first then sunscreen.

Sunscreen is always the final part of skin care routine. Always wear sunscreen even if you are staying indoors. Reapply every two hours and use two fingers worth. Check it is broad spectrum and covers uva and UVB radiation.

If you wear make up - please don't reply on it for sun protection.

Hope this helps x

Or alternatively,

Ultrasun Face applied as directions on box. Lasts all day (see advice on box) . No need to apply moisturiser with it. Can then apply make up after it is set. Put your moisturiser on in the evening after you've washed it all off.

Some sunscreens, such as Ultrasun, need to bond with the skin so need to go onto clean dry skin (no moisturiser).

I use a body shop Vit C all in one moisturiser and sunscreen, but that’s only factor 30. You can probably get factor50 ones.

The sunscreen she gave me (well, sold me obv) was Ultraceuticals SPF 50 moisturising, I like it, but it is quite light and I need a bit more extra moisture or my skin feels tight.

Hence using extra moisturiser as well.

You do not need to be applying sunscreen to your face every 2 hours if you are sitting indoors!

I use a broad spectrum one which is rich enough that I don’t need moisturiser too

Sunscreen always last unless using Ultrasun, which goes on clean dry skin as a first step. Have you tried using a mineral sunscreen? I have easily irritated and sensitive skin and find this type of sunscreen calming and non-irritating or stinging. Paula's Choice do a few (one for rosacea specifically), Heliocare, Pai.... Many are put off by a white caste but I find they sink in after half hour and I'd rather this than irritated skin.

You do not need to be applying sunscreen to your face every 2 hours if you are sitting indoors!

This is where things seem to get complicated. Some chemical filters in suncreams break down after about 1 and a half to two hours after which they can actually increase sun damage! I know 🤦‍♀️! I go down a bit of a rabbit hole every year researching sunscreens. There is no easy answer, really. I've opted for long lasting hence the Ultrasun on my face and body if I'm out for an extended period of time. If not I'll slap a bit of mineral based Altruist on. If inside all day I wouldn't bother. Sorry, if it's not a great message but it's just best endeavours as far as I can understand it.

I've just bought Ultraviolette mineral sun screen (the SPF 50 one) it's amazing.

I've struggled with reactions to facial sunscreen for years.

Tesco own brand anti aging one is incredibly moisturising and cheap. www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/307356587

I've just got Cetaphil Daily Defence, its a moisturiser with added Factor 50 and it's very good, non-fragranced and workd really well. I've also seen a similar one from CeraVe which I might try next as its in a bigger bottle and has good reviews!

Body shop do a factor 50 moisturiser so you could kill two birds with one stone. I've just started using it as I get melasma from the sun.

Only thing with the moisturisers is to check they are broad spectrum filters, according to a lot of advice. UVA and UVB.

Well the IPL lady told me that the Ultraceuticals sunscreen is very good (is an Australian brand, I believe they are very hot on sunscreens) and it is definitely broad spectrum. It was also expensive! It is a chemical one (they do a mineral one too, but this moisturising one is chemical). It is moisturising, but my skin still feels a bit dry after I put it on. Hence wanting to add further moisturiser, either before or after.

She also told me that if I am going to buy any "high street" sunscreen the best would be Laroche Posay SPF50.

I am off on holiday to a hot sunny place in 3 weeks time and so will need to be very strict re my sunscreen...

Well this is Ultrasun,

www.ultrasun.co.uk/

(Quite a few places sell it, Amazon, Waitrose and Superdrug)

Another one I was interested in was this:

www.solrx.co.uk/product/solrx-original-formula-spf35-100ml/

But not bought or used it yet. I like the idea of long lasting because reapplying everywhere every one and a half to two hours seems a bit excessive and unmanageable for me - especially as I do wear makeup too.

BTW the IPL had pretty magic results even after just one go (on redness and broken vessels). Not completely gone but a huge difference.

That sounds fab, Op. 🙂

Just wanted to share this from the independent Which review of sunscreens for those who think once a day application is sufficient.

I use Heliocare after I moisturise - really light

@Octopuscrazy, I am aware of that but thanks for posting. I would rather pick long lasting over non long lasting though because of the actually increased damaging effects of some of the chemical filters breaking down -& this after one and a half to two hours for the standard sunscreens!

And really, if you pick higher factor than you necessarily need plus wear a hat plus cover up plus avoid the peak uv times it's about the best you can do IMO. A sunblock stick can always easily be carried to top up in any vulnerable areas. Realistically, how easy is it to apply sunscreen properly everywhere throughout the day every one and a half to two hours? Even in doors?🤦‍♀️ I am looking at long lasting sports sunscreens primarily because they are designed to be the most robust.

And this is why I have a bit of a meltdown with regards to sunscreens ...every year. Plus there's the mess of mineral suncream sweating off and getting on everything if a standard one is used! 😫 I cover up far more than most people and wear a hat so I can avoid wearing too much of it.

And how much of this is influenced by the skincare industry? Plus an increasing amount of people going for treatments or skincare that increases sun sensitivity? And I know sun sensitivity is real, I've experienced it myself after radio therapy but I know I have been tempted to avoid going out because of this angst over sun protection which is wrong. Then there's controversy about some of the ingredients being harmful to people and the environment. It really is a mine field!

So it's long lasting, robust protection for me plus wearing a hat, short sleeves as minimum and trousers or long dress / skirt. It's the reason I get up at the crack of dawn in summer when going out for a run! 😂

That chart posted still says 74% protection after 6-8 hours. Which if you started with factor 30 would mean getting to mere factor 24 : same as several thick jumpers. Chart doesn't support putting cream on again after just 2 hours.

@MedSchoolRat, thanks. Yes, the 74% protection after 6 to 8 hours is really quite good, isn't it? 🙂