The sunscreen you're using contains either mineral or chemical filters. Be aware that they work differently to protect against sunburn and skin damage.
- Chemical sunscreens work by reflecting and absorbing UV rays before they damage your skin. The best to look out for include the following ingredients: Mexoryl XL, methoxycinnamate, Tinosorb S and M. If a product is not labelled as mineral, then it’s definitely a chemical sunscreen. These make up most of the sunscreens available.
- Mineral sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, like the ones the surfers wear, literally sit on top of the skin and act as a total sunblock to bounce away sunlight. Also referred to as physical sunscreens, they offer 100% coverage and newer, sheer formulas no longer leave behind a chalky finish on the skin. They are also natural sunscreens so are better for your skin and more environmentally friendly.
If you have very sensitive skin and are prone to acne, eczema or rosacea, or are choosing a sunscreen for children, chemical sunscreens can irritate skin or even cause an allergic reaction. In that case, mineral sunscreens are probably your best bet. But you need to be extra-vigilant in applying and re-applying. And choose a brand that is hypoallergenic.
- The safest bet for ‘normal’ skin types is to use sunscreens with both chemical and mineral filters so you get optimal protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for that UVA circle or the word ‘broad-spectrum’ on the packaging.
Best chemical sunscreen picks:
Cetaphil Sun SPF50+ Gel-Cream, an oil free formulation that is quickly absorbed leaving the skin with a matt finish and very high sun protection. Contains vitamin E to nourish the skin and is suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+ Sunscreen with very high UVA/UVB protection and intensive, long-lasting moisturisation for skin that feels soft and hydrated.
Bionike Defence Sun 50+ Very High Protection Fluid Lotion with a triple action - broad-spectrum UVA-UVB protection, protection from free radicals, plus Pro-Repair Complex to strengthen natural protection and skin repair mechanisms.
La Roche Posay 50+ Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Body Mist - broad spectrum and very high protection (UVA, UVB) and also helps protect against infrared and pollution damages. Very water resistant. Invisible. Rapid absorption.
Best mineral sunscreen picks:
BioNike Defence Sun SPF30 Mineral Cream for Face & Body with mineral filters for fair, hypersensitive or damaged skin. Protection from UVA-UVB rays and long-term damage with PRO-REPAIR Complex to strengthen DNA protection and skin repair mechanisms.
BioDerma Photoderm Mineral Fluid SPF50 with very high UVA/UVB protection and 100% mineral filters for sensitive and allergy prone skin. Protects cells with antioxidant Vitamin E. Ultra-light, fluid texture, colourless. Prescribed by dermatologists.
Oh Lief Natural Body Sunscreen SPF30, a CANSA-approved mineral sunscreen including a broad-spectrum physical sunblock using non-nano zinc oxide, and is free of harsh synthetic ingredients.
Best chemical and mineral sunscreens for face:
La Roche Posay Anthelios Uvmune 400 Fluide Invisible SPF50+, an ultra-light fluid that is non-greasy with an invisible finish for normal, combination or oily skin.
Eucerin Sun Fluid Even Pigment Perfector SPF50 for all skin types that helps prevent and reduce dark sun spots that lead to hyperpigmentation.
Cerave Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50, with moisture boosting ingredients that don’t cause irritation and breakouts, or leave a white cast.
Dermopal Sunscreen SPF 30 helps prevent blemishes, dark spots and premature skin ageing with no white cast. A non-comedogenic, anti-pigmentation, brightening, moisturising sunscreen suitable for all skin types.
Eucerin Sun Sensitive Protect Dry Touch Gel-Cream offers high UVA UVB protection and HEVIS light defence. It also supports the skins own DNA repair mechanism and its Oil Control technology mattifies and leaves an immediate dry touch finish on skin.
Clinique SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid For Face, an ultra-lightweight 100% mineral sunscreen that is virtually invisible and ultra comfortable, even for sensitive skins.
Avène Very High Protection SPF50+ Mineral Cream for broad-spectrum UVA and UVB mineral protection for hypersensitive, fragile skin.
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