Yay for more sunshine! Guess what, if you’re not into your SPF, now’s the time to refresh and apply it anyway. While we recommend using sun protection ALL year round, we often hear that people only use it when they absolutely HAVE to. Memories of thick, greasy white paste, that causes everything to stick to your skin certainly doesn’t help. This week’s sun protection product review is designed to give you a few product insights, because we know how horrible some sunscreens can feel! We have a HUGE range of sun protection options, because we believe it’s the BEST thing you can do to prevent premature ageing.
Now, here in Tasmania we have a very ‘harsh’ sun, and really do HAVE to wear our sun protection all year or regret it. As you travel North though, it’s not unusual to be able to go longer in the sun without feeling your skin burning. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean your skin isn’t being damaged by the sun. We receive so many queries on how to fix skin that is dry, wrinkly and pigmented after many years of enjoying the beach or gardening without a care. It is sooooo much easier to protect your skin than repair it. As you age your skin’s natural repair function slows down, and all your past “awesome” Summer’s come to the surface – how rude is that!
So, take a browse over our personal favourites, and make the effort to check the dates on your current SPF. That way, you’ll know you’re ready for the sunny seasons ahead. If you don’t like the thought of using your SPF, then have a try of a different brand or type until you DO find something you like… your skin will thank you for it!
Meg’s Sun Protection Product Review
“It’s getting warmer outside and the days are getting longer, and although I hope you are using SPF year round, this is the time of year when you might want to switch to an SPF that offers a higher protection rating.
One that I keep coming back to, is the Aspect Envirostat on the Go. It’s a broad spectrum SPF 50+, is pretty affordable at only $30 and comes in good packaging!
I use this one on my face and body and on my kids. It’s the one SPF that I completely trust when I’m out surfing or swimming for a long period of time.
Here’s why i keep coming back to this beauty:
- Dry touch – so it doesn’t feel ‘sunscreeny’
- Sweat proof
- Water resistant for 4 hours
- Goes on white, but absorbs well, leaving no white residue
- Doesn’t irritate my eyes and I always apply it to my lips, and it doesn’t taste too bad!
- Good under makeup!
Every year I give a couple of these to my dad and my brother for their golf bags or surf bags and I always keep one in my glove box too.”
Meg
Phillipa’s Sun Protection Product Review
“I really, really, really don’t like the feeling of sunscreen on my face. My body I don’t mind so much, but I hate having a greasy slick on my face. I had something called Cushing’s Disease which caused me years of excessive sweating and really thin skin that burned to a crisp after 5 minutes (no matter what I used). I was recommended SPF50, which was a thick zinc and wouldn’t rub in. It was described as ‘non greasy’ but I was never sure who decided that, because it was horrible and cost way too much.
These days I’m really fussy, and I’ve tried most of the sun protection options we have. For my face I love the feel of a few different options, but mostly they’re zinc based. I find these options feel dry to touch, and I don’t mind reapplying during the day… there are a few (even trying to keep small) so I’m just going to list them!
My favourite SPF options so far;
- Aspect Dr Hydra Shield (the most for the least $ that just feels like a moisturiser).
- CosMedix Hydrate + (a bit more $ for the quantity but feels even nicer).
- Medik8 Daily Radiance (does leave my face a bit yellow, but not too bad. Feels nice. Hard to use while on-the-go though as it has a big jar opening.).
- Societe Prime and Defend (great as a primer under makeup, very matte feel).
- We Are Feel Good Inc Sensitive Sunscreen (easy to apply and great for whole body coverage, still feels like a moisturiser and works for the whole family – although Kakadu Plum is my fav’ for my body, smells great!).
- We Are Feel Good Inc Baby (Zinc based and super thick, only okay for my face as it’s harder to rub into large areas. Great for my kids faces though as doesn’t run into their eyes. Can leave a slight white look initially.)
I have a big tub of We Are Feel Good Inc Sensitive for me and the kids and a Baby SPF small tube for my bag, then a Prime and Defend for when I’m working that I use between my moisturiser and foundation in the mornings. I alternate between the others depending on what moisturiser I’m trying at the time. I have the SkinCeuticals and Medik8 tubes also, but I find they have the chemical feel to them, so always find myself coming back to the zinc options first thing in the morning… probably just me though. The Medik8 & SkinCeuticals tubes are a better size for your purse, and last okay if just for your face.”
Phillipa
Nidia’s Sun Protection Product Review
“My favourite sun protection for my face is Cosmedix Hydrate+. It’s so easy and lovely to apply,
deeply hydrating, as the name suggests, and not sticky at all. Using this as my daily go-to moisturiser,
I don’t even need to think about sun protection and I’m also not caught out by deceptively damaging
UV rays on cloudy days. With zinc oxide, this formula performs as a physical UV blocker, as well as
shielding your skin from environmental stressors. Packed with antioxidants and botanicals, such as
jojoba oil, Hydrate+ also soothes, calms and nourishes your skin.I can’t talk about SPF without also mentioning We Are Feel Good Inc. Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion
SPF50+. I bought it primarily for my ten-year-old who absolutely hates wearing any form of
sunscreen. But, success (!!), she has no issues wearing this one at all! The lightweight, fragrance-free
formula glides beautifully onto the skin and absorbs right away, so it doesn’t feel like you’re wearing
it all. Word of caution, though – don’t forget to re-apply! I’ve now bought a large pump bottle for all
of us to use at home and two smaller tubes, one for my daughter to have in her school bag and one
for the car. This way, we’re always sure to be protected from the sun with minimum fuss!”Nidia
We hope you have appreciated hearing our “real life” feedback on these products. If there is a product you have enjoyed, please leave your feedback. Your favourite cleanser, serum or moisturiser? Write a review on the website and you’ll even receive an extra 300 points. Simply locate the product (in this case the products we’ve just reviewed), click the Reviews tab and leave your rating and review. We believe in finding products that are scientifically proven to improve your skin’s health without using nasty ingredients that we are better off avoiding.
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