The most important message that I came away with from my interview with dermatologist Dr. Dosal is SUNSCREEN! I’ve always known it is an important step in anti-aging but I have been slacking off a bit on those days when I’m just running errands in the car. I don’t know if it’s my mirror but I swear the left side of my face has more wrinkles and brown spots than my right! So sunscreen has to become my best friend and my everyday partner and in that case I want one that I will love to use everyday, so that I don’t cheat! For me the perfect product needs to moisturize my dry skin, be non greasy, work under makeup and also contain a few extras to help my brown spots to fade. And affordable, as I will use it everyday, so I can spend more on some antioxidant serums and retinols and maybe …laser!
Dr. Dosal recommended CeraVe’s AM facial moisturiser which I have been using a few days now. It is very moisturising but doesn’t feel greasy, contains SPF 30, ceramides, hyaluronic acid to plump up my lines and Niacinamide which is good for redness and brown spots all for less than $20. This product is now a part of my everyday, and for the body I am still using my La Roche Posay.
With so many sunscreens on the market it is difficult to choose, here is a small guide to help you find what works for you.
CHECK THE LABELS
Look for a sunscreen that is labeled “Broad Spectrum”, that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays.
Suncreens have either chemical sunscreen ingredients that absorb the UVA/UVB rays and physical sunscreens that block the UVA/UVB rays. If you have sensitive skin try using a sunscreen with only physical blockers.
Some common chemical sunscreen ingredients: octlymethoxycinnamate,oxybenzone,avobenzone, MexorylTM,Octinoxate, octocrylene,Homosalate.
Physical blockers: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
MY RECOMMENDATIONS
CeraVe AM – Great for dry/mature skin with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to moisturize
Elta MD UV clear– great for oily skin since it’s a light lotion with lactic acid to clear pores.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 30- A cool new formula that transforms into a water like texture on contact with the skin and also feels cooling. Perfect for a hot, humid day!
MDSolarSciences Mineral creme SPF 30 UVA-UVB sunscreen- great for sensitive skin or those who break out as it won’t irritate with its gentle formula. Uses only physical blockers
LA Roche Posay Ultra light sunscreen spray SPF 60– great for the body just make sure to cover everything evenly.
Great advice! Sunscreen is the number one anti-aging skincare essential!