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Finding the most suitable facial sunscreen has taken me years and boy have most of the products available now come on in leaps and bounds! Even just a few years ago I found facial sunscreens heavy, gloopy and oily making them terrible to wear under makeup but with brands such as SOS Serum, Institut Esthederm, Bioderma and YSL leading the way with lighter yet effective sunscreens I don't have that problem as much any more.
I spoke about SOS Serum SPF 50 earlier in the week but for this post, I wanted to focus on three other sunscreens I have on rotation. I use each of them as much as the next depending on my mood, the foundation I'm wearing that day or if I'm makeup free.
French biological pharmacist and cell specialist, Jean-Noël Thorel, is behind many investigations into skin bio-ecology as well as being the founder of the Institut Esthederm, Bioderma and Etat Pur brands so seems only right to start here! The Sun Intolerance Face Cream has been the one I've been reaching for the most - it is such an enjoyable product to use and my skin LOVES it!
The high protection formula is rich in anti-inflammatory active ingredients, helping to reduce the sensitivity of hyper-reactive skin and ensure optimal tolerance to the sun. It also helps to protect cell DNA, prevent the visible signs of photo-ageing and optimise the cells’ energy environment.
The formula is surprisingly lightweight and can be used as your final step in your skincare routine (SPF and moisturiser). It is formulated with cellular water to improve the skin's antioxidant capacities as well as protecting from UVA, UVB, visible light, blue light and infra-red. It's a brilliant all-rounder!
Institut Esthederm have a great range of suncare products, I've been using a body one as well as their aftersun which I'll share more of soon - they're pricey but oh so worth it.
If super SUPER light is your kinda thing then look no further, this has been my go-to for makeup-free days when I still need protection, even at home. The oh so lightweight cream is up to 8x thinner than a classic UV base and provides a weightless feel without leaving skin greasy or sticky! When YSL said airthin technology, they really meant airthin!
It is suitable for all skin types and offers SPF 50+ broad-spectrum protection, so your skin is guarded against the rays associated with premature ageing, skin damage and sunburn. The formula is enriched with Moroccan lemon peel extract and niacinamide, which are both renowned for their abilities to balance and even out tone, while the formula ensures skin can breathe.
I prefer it when I'm not wearing makeup but the ultra-thin formula does make it perfect for wearing makeup too. It can be quite runny as it's so thin so just remember that upon application, we don't want any waste!
Bioderma Photoderm AKN Mat Matifying Fluid SPF30 (£15.50)
I'm an ol' fan of Bioderma and use their kid's sunscreen on our son so having one of their facial sunscreens seemed inevitable! This particular one has been specially created for facial skin and guarantees optimum protection from the sun with its patented Cellular BIOprotection® complex. The high anti-UVB and anti-UVA performance protects against sunburn and combats the onset of premature ageing.
As well as protecting from the dangers of the sun, the Photoderm AKN Mat Fluid SPF30 regulates sebum protection and improves the quality of sebum to prevent spots which is music to my ears when it comes to masks and sunscreen!
I find this works really well on its own and under makeup if I'm wearing a lighter foundation or tinted moisturiser. It is thicker than the other two and I get a subtle white cast IF I don't rub it in well enough but it is so much better than some I've used over the years that have left me looking like Casper the Ghost.
A little goes a long way which makes the price point great!
With us still feeling like we're waiting for summer, at least I've had the time to test what I like and dislike and these three gems have firmly found their place when it comes to what sunscreen I'm using.
I've added links to each of the products above so be sure to click through and check them out for yourself!
What brand is your go-to for facial sunscreen?
