Sunscreen is an essential part of every skincare regime, but all sunscreens are not suitable for all skin types. In fact, you should take as much care when selecting a sunscreen as you do when you select a moisturiser or serum.
Different skin types and skin concerns benefit from different ingredients and your sunscreen also has an important role to play in nourishing your skin and protecting its health. Take a look at our guide below to see which sunscreen products we recommend for different skin concerns.
SPF requirement: Tinted
A tinted sunscreen is one of our favourite summer products. It offers light coverage for days when you don’t want to wear foundation, but you’d still like a little bit of cover. We always keep one on-hand for gym, the beach and for “no makeup” days.
We recommend:
Dermaceutic Sun Ceutic 50+ Tinted (R740.00)
This anti-ageing sunscreen offers a natural tinted glow for all skin types. It contains skin-loving hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and stem cell stimulation to promote younger looking skin. The universal tint blends into any skin tone effortlessly.
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Eucerin Photoaging Control Tinted Sun Gel-Cream 50+ (R359.00)
This sunscreen helps prevent photoageing and reduce the appearance of fine lines while offering light, tinted coverage. It contains moisturising hyaluronic acid and its light, non-sticky texture absorbs effortlessly.
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Origins Ginzing SPF 40 Energy-Boosting Tinted Moisturizer (R590.00)
This multi-purpose product hydrates, energizes skin, protects against UV rays and perfects the complexion. It contains coffee beans and panax ginseng which instantly boosts the skin’s moisture levels and leaves it energized. The sheer, universal tint leaves skin looking even and radiant.
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Skin concern: Sensitivity
Skin sensitivity is common, and it may result in redness, itchiness, dryness, flaking and discomfort. If you have sensitive skin, you should use an SPF that is free from fragrances and harsh ingredients that might aggravate your sensitivity.
We recommend:
Eucerin Sensitive Protect Sun Creme SPF50+(R360.00)
This unperfumed, easily absorbed facial sunscreen offers very high protection and soothes sensitive and dry facial skin. The formula protects against sun-induced skin ageing and pigment spots and is suitable for sensitive skins, including those with atopic dermatitis and after a chemical peeling or laser therapy.
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Bioderma Photoderm AR SPF50+ (R315.00)
This high-tolerance sun protection cream has soothing and redness-reducing benefits, and is suitable for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin. It has a universal tint that suits all skin tones. It contains UVA and UVB filters to protect against sun damage, and help to relieve redness.
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Skin concern: Oiliness / shiny T-zone
Some sunscreens have a thick consistency and oily texture that may leave an oily complexion looking shiny and feeling uncomfortable. If the formulation is too rich, it could lead to clogged pores and breakouts. If you have oily skin, the key is to use lightweight sunscreens that are non-greasy and have a mattifying effect.
We recommend:
Nivea Sun Shine Control Cream Mattifying Effect 50 (R159.99)
This facial SPF not only protects skin from UVA/B rays, but also controls shine by mattifying skin while keeping it hydrated. Its non-sticky, non-greasy formula is suitable for normal and combination skins and has a light and non-greasy texture that is ideal for everyday use.
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Heliocare Ultra 90 Gel SPF50+ (R430.00)
Its rapid absorption, non-comedogenic and lightweight texture is perfect for all skin types, especially mixed or oily. This sunscreen does not dry the skin nor leave a dreaded white residue or cast on the complexion. It offers very high protection formulated with Fernblock®, as well as antioxidants that protect, neutralise and repair sun damage.
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Eau Thermale Avène Fragrance-Free Fluid 50+ (R295.00)
This lightweight sunscreen offers highly effective broad-spectrum sun protection for normal and combination skin. It has an invisible finish ideal for daily wear and leaves a non-shiny finish on the skin. It contains TriAsorb, an innovative new sun filter inspired by the natural protective properties of melanin. It absorbs and reflects harmful UVB rays, short and long UVA rays, as well as High-Energy Visible Blue Light.
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Skin concern: dark marks and photo-ageing
Exposure to the sun is the leading cause of dark marks and skin ageing. While a lot can be done to prevent the formation of hyperpigmentation and signs of ageing, there is also hope for those who want to treat existing signs of photo-ageing.
We recommend:
Bioderma Photoderm Spot-Age SPF50+ (R305.00)
This antioxidant-enriched sunscreen helps prevent photo-ageing and promotes the reduction of existing darks spots, wrinkles and loss of firmness. It is suitable for all skin types with discolouration concerns. It contains vitamin E and highly stable vitamin C to offer antioxidant protection against pollution and hyperpigmentation.
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Heliocare 360 Age Active Fluid SPF50 (R585.00)
This light, hydrating fluid provides high-level broad-spectrum protection plus a triple anti-ageing complex to help prevent the visible signs of ageing. The complex features a trio of hydrators to help plump the skin and smooth lines, while an additional ‘soft focus’ complex helps diffuse light, reducing the appearance of fine lines. High and broad-spectrum photo protection protects against the four types of radiation UVB-UVA-VL-IRA, including blue light emitted by digital devices. It has an anti-pollution system and a triple antiaging complex, which helps prevent and correct signs of photo-ageing.
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