SPF intolerance

Nathansmom said:

Hi all!! I know how important it is to be wearing sunscreen. I have tried multiple brands and formulations but no matter what, my face feels like it is being suffocated and my pores clogged. I end up having to wipe it off. Is there anything you guys have tried that is light weight and does not have that SPF smell and feel???? I would certainly appreciate any help! Thanks, Amy

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Hi Amy,

Avene is a line for sensitive skins, that Fawnie mentioned, and here in Canada they have 2 kinds of sunscreen in their line - the regular one and one that is completely physical (no chemicals). But the downside of physical is that it sits more on your skin and also can turn white. but most people who have reactions to sunscreen are OK with this line. It seems like your issues with sunscreens are that you don't care for their textures and odors. The problem is, the higher you go in the SPF the heavier the lotion becomes (generally). SPF affects the texture of a product. That is why you won't find SPF higher than 15 or 20, usually, in a foundation. Because it changes the texture. Also, most face lotions are 15 or 20 spf for same reason. But There are a few options to consider. Avene has a makeup with a 50SPF in it that is quite sheer, amd also a makeup with a 30 SPF (this one is more like a regular makeup whereas the other one is more sheer). The quality of this SPF is high quality as well, because not all sunscreens are created equal. I am not sure where you live, but Biotherm's sunscreens are BEAUTIFUL textures for the face (or body) and are a high quality sunscreen. Lise Watier just came out with a 30SPF face lotion that is light weight. La Roche Posay's 60SPF is actually quite OK on the face - not too heavy at all, and I have oily skin, and found it OK. Vichy is another good one as well. Look for Mexoryl as Fawnie said. L'Oreal owns Vichy and Biotherm, and have had Mexoryl in their sunscrens and recently put Mexoryl XL in. So bascially, you can wear their sunscreens all day without re-applying as the ingredients don't break down.

The best sunscreens in the market I am in, are La roche Posay, Avene, Vichy, Ombrelle, and Biotherm. They are high quality sunscreens that even our local dermatologist recommends to people. They are all OK for sensitive skins, but having said that, it doesn't mean that someone won't ever have a reaction to one of the ingredients. For example, ILuvNY found La Roche Posay too itchy. But most people love it. I have people from the US that come and buy hundreds of dollars of their products including the sunscreens, because they cannot get this line in the US. Sunscreens in foundations are generally not that great - they are OK for in and out of the car...not for being outside for any length of time. They also break down after a couple of hours. Same with a moisturizer with SPF in it - many are fine for "in and out" but not for time outside. In that case you need a regular good quality sunblock. In your countries, (I am in Canada) I am sure you have other sunscreen lines that are good too. Hope this helps a bit.