Sunscreen is perhaps one of the most, if not the most, important ingredient to guard against aging and more importantly, skin cancer. However, I find that it is the skincare product most people skimp on.
“I’m sensitive to sunscreen,” or “It stings my eyes after a while,” are common responses as to why sunscreen isn’t used on a daily basis-if at all. While I too have suffered that wrath of a sunscreen that has seeped into my eyes (oh the stinging sensation!), there are plenty of options out there that won’t work against you. Mineral sunscreens,in the form of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, may be your best bet. The reason? Whereas chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s rays and release them as heat, mineral or physical sunscreens sit on skin and reflect UVA and UVB rays, meaning less irritation. Here’s a list of some physical sunscreens you may want to look into.
www.colorscience.com $52 and refills $25-$30
Colorscience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 30
Boasting the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Approval, this mineral sunscreen comes in a few select shades and finishes, making sunscreen reapplication easy. Also worth checking out from this brand: Mineral Eyescreen SPF 30.
www.coolasuncare.com $36
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Coola Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint
Formulated with shea butter and evening primrose oil that help retain moisture and rosehip oil which is rich in antioxidant vitamin C. Remember that antioxidants like vitamin C and E work synergistically with sunscreen.
www.drugstore.com $14.95; Whole Foods
Jason Mineral Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30
This sunscreen is fragrance free-great news if you are sensitive/allergic to fragrances-and includes calming aloe vera, chamomile and green tea.
www.target.com $8.99
Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunscreen Mineral Protection Fragrance Free Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Also fragrance free, this sunscreen provides antioxidant support from vitamin E and grapeseed oil and is gluten and paraben free.
www.target.com $23.99
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid, SPF 50 Face
An Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner, this paraben and fragrance free sunscreen has an ultra-light matte finish that won’t leave behind a white cast on your face. It features Cell-Ox Shield technology which is comprised of physical sun filters for improved protection and a powerful antioxidant complex to protect from free radicals.
Once you find a sunscreen that works for you, it’s vital to remember to reapply every two hours or so, especially when you’re outdoors.
Have a favorite mineral sunscreen you don’t see listed here? Feel free to share!