Looking after your skin in the summer months can be incredibly confusing. I was talking to a dermatologist, who said it is recommended to use SPF 50 every single day from March to October.
We
know we should be using SPF to protect ourselves from the sun's damaging rays, but SPFs have a stigma for being thick and heavy which can result in blocked
pores and congestion. This in turn can increase the likelihood of spots and blemishes,
and even aggravate acne...
It can be a real challenge to find a SPF
that protects from UVA and UVB rays and have a lightweight texture - but I've made
a short list of SPFs that offer broad spectrum protection without clogging the
skin, whilst providing an invisible finish on the skin.
The
Anthelios is easily my favourite. I love La Roche-Posay products anyway! The Anthelios
XL Ultra Light Fluid is the lightweight,
suit-all SPF. This Ultra-Light
version has an invisible finish but manages to give excellent protection. It’s quite
a fluid texture, almost oily, but it does have a hydrating feel, I have oily
combination skin and I found it perfect and it helped keep my t-zone shine free.
This
ultra-light weight SPF launched last year, this high protection sun fluid dries
instantly to leave a matte finish and with no chalky residue. It's easy to
apply and it even helps to remove any shininess. Using an anti-oxidant Vitamin
E derivative, this Piz Buin formula helps to prevent sun damage to the skin. It
even stays in place throughout the day and even when swimming in the sea, as
the formula is both sweat and water resistant; it an excellent facial SPF that
really does its job without any tell-tale signs you’re wearing a SPF.
The
Avène Very High Protection Emulsion SPF
50+ covers a broad spectrum UV protection using a combination of active
ingredients. It has photoprotective
complex that offers excellent protection against UVB and also short and long
UVA rays. It contains pre-tocopheryl, a
vitamin E precursor that protects the skin cells from free radical damage. The
formal is rich in Avène Thermal Spring Water, which has a host skin benefits; from
soothing toanti-irritating properties. The oil-regulating cucurbita pepo
extract gives the skin a matte finish. This is definitely the thickest of the
three, but still leaves a matte but slightly dewy finish.
All of these SPFs are super lightweight and don't break my skin out - so they are perfect for all skin types. And remember your skin may not show damage from the sun when you are young, it is really important to protect your skin when you are outside.
*Just a quick note: it is so importnat to use an SPF if you are using glycolic acid - it may make your skin sensitive to the sun*
