Sunscreen. Summer 2014 Round Up

Tags

chemical sunscreen, clinique, Kielh's, La Roche-Posay, physical sunscreen, Shiseido, SPF, sun protection, Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a subject I have been doing research all summer long. That is why it took me so long to write this post and I ended up uploading it so close to the fall season!

The first thing I discovered while doing my research was that it is highly recommended to wear sunscreen no matter the season!

But is it really important to use sunscreen? Is is a sunscreen better than another one? Is a sunscreen my friend using good for my skin too?

I should start by saying that my skin is rather sensitive at the moment, which makes it so easy to burn without the use of a sunscreen, highly irritable if I am not using the right one. So, for me it is really important to have on my face anything that can act like a barrier against any damaging factors!

So after a few hits and misses and a lot of research I found out that the best protection for my skin is the one which comes from sunscreen containing minerals, with a minimum of SPF 30. I also felt good with a SPF 50 sunscreen on, but I have to admit that I was not too keen on how thicker that was and the white, ghostly cast it gave me!

The ones I have been using on rotation this summer were: the Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream Plus SPF 50, the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Nutritive Oil SPF 30 UVA+UVB, ( these two were previously featured in a post, link here ), the Clinique Derma White City-Block Anti-Pollution SPF/40 PA+++ and through the last weeks of summer the Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA+++ UVA. 

Mineral sunscreens are physical sunscreens which act like a barrier against sun rays. They bounce off from your skin the rays, whereas the other type of sunscreens – chemical sunscreens – absorb the sun rays into your skin, transforming them at that level. Both offer protection, what makes them different are: the ingredients and the process that takes place inside your skin! 

This chemical process is difficult to comprehend and a bit boring, if I may say so myself, but I discovered that the mineral sunscreen is a bit more gentle and less irritating for my skin.

I have red many “opinions” where people stated that layering certain makeup on top of your sunscreen can cause such a reaction to the point where your sunscreen will not be effective anymore! That is absolutely not true! Also not true is the fact that if you apply multiple layers of sunscreens with different protective factors, those layers will sum up to give you a higher protection!

No, it depends on the chemical structure of your face; that will determine the type of sunscreen you have to use and the protection factor you need, so that you stay free of any damage! That is why a sunscreen my friend uses and is very pleased with, may or may not work for me at all!

I have also discovered that there are researches to figure out a a way of combining chemical with physical sunscreen, which I think is extremely beneficial for the health of our skin! But until then, feel free to layer a chemical sunscreen in top of a physical sunscreen, in order to achieve a better protection from sun burning!

Bottom line: USE SUNSCREEN! Any sunscreen is good! Better than nothing anyway!

And as a general advice: get to know your skin, then the ingredients that work better for you!

See you soon, beautiful! Stay healthy no matter the season!

xx, Annie

Summer of 2014 – Bronzed, glowing, healthy summer Tip #5 Using SPF: Shiseido, La Roche-Posay, Macadamia, René Furterer, Diet Esthetic

Tags

body, Diet Esthetic, face, hair, La Roche-Posay, lips, Macadamia, Rene Furterer, review, Shiseido, SPF

We can not talk bronzed, glowing, healthy skin without talking about sunscreen!

Sunscreen’s job is to absorb or reflect some of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the skin exposed to sunlight and thus helps protect against sunburn.

According to the American Cancer Society it “aids in the prevention of developing squamous cell carcinomas and basal-cell carcinomas. Many sunscreens do not block UVA radiation, which does not cause sunburn but can increase the rate of melanoma and photodermatitis, so people using sunscreens may be exposed to high UVA levels without realizing it.

The use of broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreens can address this concern.

Diligent use of sunscreen can also slow or temporarily prevent the development of wrinkles and sagging skin”.

My products of choice are, for the face, the Shiseido Urban Environement UV Protection Cream SPF 50 High Protection. It is an oil-free formula that protects skin against UV rays as well as environmental damage from free radicals, which makes it a good anti-aging product.

It has the texture of a moisurizer and it absorbs easily ( acts as a moisturizer as well as an SPF = less products to layer ) leaving behind a beautifully smooth finish which not only protects your skin against UVA/UVB rays but also protects skin from cell damage and oxidation. It does not break me out nor irritates my skin, as I have sensitive skin, even though it has a bit of a scent to it.

For my lips I use another Shiseido product the Sun Protection Lip Treatment SPF 20 or the By Terry Baume de Rose SPF 15. They keep my lips moisurized and protected at the same time. Since the Shiseido balm comes in a stick, I keep it in my purse to re-apply during the day.

Shiseido products do not contain Oxybenzone and have a paraben-free formula.

For my body I bought this La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 30 High Protection Nutritive Oil. It is an light oil which protects against UVA and UVB radiations, good for sun-sensitive skins like mine. Because I’m pale, I burn like nobody’s business! My skin turns red and peels off! TMI?! Maybe… My point is I need a minimum of SPF on my skin everyday during the summer.

Being a light oil it absorbs immediately and does not leave that greasy feeling most sunscreen do. It has a subtle perfume which fades anyway.

Good to use for both face and body!

It is also Paraben-free!

We are so busy taking care of our skin that we often forget that our hair is exposed to sun damaging rays too!

For my hair I recently bought this René Furterer Hydrating Shower Gel Hair and Body with Palm Butter. This ultra repairing shampoo nourishes and restructures hair damaged by the sun while effectively removing chlorine and salt build-up. Since I have used it I can sense a difference in the condition of my hair when I go to the pool. Using this before and after the hair is softer, easier to comb and did not changed its colour.

And it smells amazing! Floral and fresh at the same time!

To make sure I keep my hair in the best condition, I use the very hyped Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque, everyone knows and loves – and for good reason! It is a blend of oils: macadamia and argon along with tea tree oil, chamomile oil, aloe plus algae extracts to rejuvenate and rebuild the hair, leaving the it deeply nourished, more elastic and shiny with long-lasting conditioning benefits. 

Absolutely recommend this one year-round!

And last but not least, sun protective sprays for the hair!

The one I have here is the Laboratorios Diet Esthetic SUN UVA SPF 30 Hair Protection Spray. They used natural ingredients to create the first UVA and UVB sunlight hair protector, with high protection factor. It is an oil-free formula to spritz on your hair when you leave the house.

Does not contain mineral oils or parabens.

It is a Bio and Eco certified product which is always a plus. And cruelty-free!

Take care of your skin every single day and see you soon, beautiful!

xx, Annie