While body suncream can mostly be sloshed liberally over limbs without much thought, facial sunscreen can present a whole set of problems. Irritated eyes, breakouts and an oil slick of grease can often accompany your valiant attempts at sun protection in this important area.
If you have suffered for years with what you believed was an intense reaction to the sun, you dread sunny weather and the heat of holidays abroad, it may be that those outbreaks of prickly heat and rashes, and the necessity to take antihistamines to calm your face, might all be down to your suncream, and not the heat at all.
Irritation, weeping, puffed-up eyes and acute sensitivity are a source of extreme frustration when they occur on the face.
There are two main types of sun blockers: chemical and physical. Chemical suncreams are the most likely to give you sensitivity, and the higher the protection the more chemicals are in the formula. Physical sunblocks are much less likely to cause a reaction, and the compounds they contain, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, still reflect both UVA and UVB rays, providing broad spectrum protection. However, they are not perfect solutions, which is why you usually see a mix of both in a formula. For starters, they are not waterproof, which is a pain in sweaty or holiday conditions and can also give rise to the dreaded “ghost face”.
Avène Very High Protection Mineral Cream SPF50 is a nice solution for those who like a touch of tint along with their sun protection. It will not give you ghost face, even though it only contains mineral blockers.
Ultrasun Face 50 SPF is a strong fix for holiday use when particularly high sun protection is needed and is free from oils and scent, which cuts down on the risk of allergy.
One of my favourites is Skinceuticals Sheer Mineral UV Defense, a mineral base that sinks in quickly and is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. It will not cause an oil slick or contribute to breakouts, unlike so many sunscreens.
There are a couple of stand-out high-protection creams that work extremely well under make-up. Clarins UV Plus is available in a tiny bottle, but it is so good that many people I know report they will never go back to using a regular suncream under their slap. There is no greasy feel, make-up adheres well, and, like the tried and trusted Clinique City Block (which is still one of the best out there), it will make sure your make-up lasts all day long without sliding off.
One caveat: make sure you always do a patch test in the crook of your arm to test for allergy before applying any of these formulations to your face.
- amcdermott@irishtimes.com
- Twitter @aismcdermott
