Happy SUMMER! Here in MN, we hop from one season to the next. We certainly make the most of each season, and we Minnesotans find ourselves enjoying the outdoors as much as possible. We bask in the warmth of the sunshine that greets us after a way too long winter. This year, in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, outdoors seemed like our only escape from being cooped up inside working from home or doing distance learning. After spending this time outdoors, I began thinking about my sunscreen use and what I can do to protect my skin. Full disclosure: I have no medical training or specialization in dermatology – but hey, I’ve been able to keep three children alive. I’ve only passed out once twice from a blood draw, and can somewhat hold it together when I have to clean up many a scraped knee in this house! But really though, I’m a woman who is nearing a milestone birthday and realized if all the money I spent on facial creams and serums is meant to erase the damage caused by the sun, why don’t I just prevent the sun damage in the first place?
For the past few weeks I’ve been testing different mineral based facial sunscreens. We all know we need to protect our skin from the damaging effects of the sun. The UVB rays cause sunburn, the UVA rays cause tanning and premature aging. For my sunscreen review, I only looked at mineral based products containing active ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Mineral sunscreens act like a shield against the sun’s rays. They sit on your skin and bounce UV rays off the surface. The alternative, chemical based sunscreens, act like a ‘sponge’. They absorb the rays and through a chemical reaction, change the UV rays into heat which is then released from the skin (in very simplified terms!). There is debate whether or not these types of sunscreens cause hormone disruption, since some of the active ingredients are absorbed into the blood stream. So, for the sake of this review, I am only including mineral based sunscreens. I don’t typically wear makeup, so I did not test the wear ability of these products with any type of makeup. (My normal routine is some sort of lip balm, moisturizer and sunscreen!) I have combination skin, so a mixture of dry and oily areas, and a neutral skin tone. I tend to tan easily and only burn if I’m in the sun for a long period of time without any sun protection. Let’s get to the products!
The six sunscreens I am reviewing are:
Acure Radically Rejuvenating SPF Day Cream
Bare Republic Mineral SPF 30 Face Sunscreen Lotion, Untinted
Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Derma E Essentials Sun Protection Mineral Powder
Thinksport Safe Sunscreen EveryDay Face, Naturally Tinted
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Face Sunscreen
Acure Radically Rejuvenating SPF Day Cream, 1.7 oz
This facial moisturizer combines the antioxidants turmeric, ferulic acid, and vitamin C to help nourish your skin. It is free of: parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, formaldehyde, and is cruelty free and 100% vegan. I appreciate Acure’s commitment to the environment. The cardboard box and plastic tube are both recyclable. The product itself was a little disappointing. I found that it did not blend well at all. It left white streaks on my face, especially in areas that had dry patches. Even after applying a separate moisturizer first, I found that it still didn’t apply evenly. I had to REALLY rub my skin to get the product to blend.
Verdict: Thumbs down
SPF: Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 15.50%
Scent: Unscented
Ease of application: Very difficult to blend into skin
Texture/Consistency on skin: Slightly greasy feel on skin
Reapply: After 80 minutes of swimming or sweating
Environmental impact: Reef friendly, vegan, cruelty free, can recycle the tube through TerraCycle , comes packaged in a cardboard box
Cost: $15.99 at Target
Cost per ounce: $9.41
Bare Republic Mineral SPF 30 Face Sunscreen Lotion, 1.7 oz
This product has an infusion of antioxidant-rich raspberry, grape and carrot seed oils to help fight free radicals. The formula goes on as a super silky, non-greasy matte sunscreen. I was pleasantly surprised by the texture, it’s like it just melts into your skin with very little effort. It left the faintest white cast on my skin, but was hardly noticeable. The ingredients are free from synthetic fragrances and parabens. Remember to give it a good shake before applying.
Verdict: Thumbs up
SPF: Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 5.2%, Zinc Oxide 2.5%
Scent: Unscented
Ease of application: Silky, lightweight formula blends into a sheer, powdery finish
Texture/Consistency on skin: Non-greasy, matte finish
Reapply: After 40 minutes of swimming or sweating
Environmental impact: Reef friendly, vegan, cruelty free, packaging made of sustainable materials whenever possible, comes packaged in a cardboard box
Cost: $14.99
Cost per ounce: $8.82
Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, 6.7 oz
This creamy sunscreen went on evenly and blended without leaving behind a white cast. It felt lightweight on my face throughout the day. It has a very faint citrus scent, but it doesn’t linger and I found the smell quite refreshing. It’s a little thicker than some of the other face specific sunscreens I’m reviewing, so it felt a little greasy before being absorbed into my skin. FYI: This product isn’t advertised specifically for the face. It makes a good sunscreen for the full body.
Verdict: Thumbs up
SPF: Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 19%
Scent: Slight hint of citrus
Ease of application: Blends easily into skin
Texture/Consistency on skin: Lotion like, lightweight
Reapply: After 40 minutes of swimming or sweating
Environmental impact: Reef friendly, cruelty free
Cost: $39
Cost per ounce: $5.82
DERMA E Essentials Sun Protection Mineral Powder, .14 oz
I was interested in trying a powder sunscreen because I wanted something that I could reapply without having to touch my hand to my face. I liked that because this is a powder, it wouldn’t lose its effectiveness if it sat out in the hot sun or in the car. This translucent non-nano mineral powder can work under or over makeup. It is infused with antioxidants green tea, chamomile, and vitamin E. Since it’s a powder, it helps absorb excess oil, but didn’t leave my skin feeling dry. It’s a little tricky to apply. You’re supposed to tap out the fine powder onto the back of your hand, and then swirl the brush over it. Then you apply it to your face in a circular motion. I could see the powder blowing off into the air around my face, so I wondered if I was applying too little, or too much. I also found myself holding my breath as to not inhale the powder! The base of the applicator that contains the powder unscrews, so it would be nice if there was an option to refill it. I like the concept of this product, but won’t use it on a daily basis.
Verdict: Thumbs sideways
SPF: Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 17.29%, Zinc Oxide 20%
Scent: Unscented
Ease of application: A little tricky and messy to apply
Texture/Consistency on skin: Smooth, lightweight
Reapply: Every 2 to 3 hours
Environmental impact: Reef friendly, cruelty free, vegan, recyclable, the container can be upcycled, DERMA E manufactures with wind power, comes packaged in a cardboard box
Cost: $21.95
Cost per ounce: $156.79
Thinksport Safe Sunscreen EveryDay Face – Naturally Tinted, 2 oz.
I was curious about how the ‘naturally tinted’ claim would appear on my skin. It seemed to blend well with my skin tone, and it lessened the white cast effect, if there was one. The tint could be too yellow for lighter skin tones. I don’t see much of a tint on my face, but when applied to the inside of my wrist, the yellow shade definitely jumps out. It is enriched with vitamins C & E to keep skin moisturized. It works well as a base for makeup application. There is a very slight grapefruit scent as you apply it (it’s one of the last ingredients), but it dissipates quickly. I likely won’t use this as an everyday facial sunscreen, as it does rub off on clothing. It might be good if I am planning on being outdoors and wanted a little bit of coverage.
Verdict: Thumbs sideways
SPF: Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 20%
Scent: Very faint grapefruit scent, but does not linger
Ease of application: Blends in easily
Texture/Consistency on skin: Slightly greasy on skin
Reapply: After 80 minutes of swimming or sweating
Environmental impact: Reef friendly, cruelty free, not packaged in a cardboard box
Cost: $12.99
Cost per ounce: $6.50
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Face Sunscreen, 1.7 oz
This sunscreen dispenses as a liquid, but dries to a powdery, matte finish. I liked how it didn’t leave my face shiny or greasy. There’s a little ball inside the bottle which helps mix up the sunscreen, so you’ll want to give it a good shake before using. This sunscreen contains antioxidant senna alata, a leaf extract known to defend skin cells. It is also made with La Roche-Posay thermal spring water, which the company touts as being a naturally soothing and powerful antioxidant.
Verdict: Thumbs up
SPF: Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 6%, Zinc Oxide 5%
Scent: Very slight zinc smell initially, but does not linger
Ease of application: Blends in easily
Texture/Consistency on skin: Dispenses as a thin liquid, but blends with a powdery feel
Reapply: After 40 minutes of swimming or sweating
Environmental impact: Packaged in a cardboard box
Cost: $33.99
Cost per ounce: $19.99
My winners:
Bare Republic Mineral SPF 30 Face Sunscreen Lotion
Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Face Sunscreen
I picked these three for their ability to blend into the skin easily, their lack of a super greasy residue, and because they were low fuss. You’ll want to spot test any new product you try, especially if you have sensitive skin. I figure any sunscreen that I can and want to use consistently is a winner. Hopefully you’ll find a kind of sunscreen that you don’t mind using each time you head outdoors.
What do the pros say?
I reached out to the dermatology team at M Health Fairview Clinic – Eden Prairie, https://www.fairview.org/Locations/Fairview-Clinics-Eden-Prairie/Fairview-Clinics-Primary-Care-Skin
for some skincare advice. Here is some information that I found noteworthy:
– You should use about 3 tablespoons of sunscreen to protect your whole body. Thus a typical eight ounce bottle of sunscreen should last 4 applications. Remember, that the SPF rating is compromised if you don’t apply enough. Most people only apply 1/2 – 1/3 of the amount they need. Also don’t forget areas such as your ears, feet, upper back and harder to reach places. Keep in mind that these amounts should be increased for larger body sizes.
– Spray-on sunscreens may be used for touch-up application only, not as a base layer. Also, use with caution around small children due to inhalation risk.
– SPF means sun protection factor, which is just the degree to which the sunscreen can protect against UVB rays. There is no rating system for UVA rays. SPF is calculated as the time skin will burn when sunscreen is applied vs. skin without sunscreen.
I also asked about sunscreen use if you are indoors. They suggested that if you work near a window, you should wear sunscreen, as UV rays can penetrate the glass. The primary skin care team at M Health Fairview Clinic screens for skin cancer and a variety of other skin conditions. They used to have an esthetician on site that offered facials and peels, but that position has been vacant since March 2020. As of this posting date, they were not actively trying to backfill. (So sad, I loved my HydraFacials there!)
Think beyond sunscreen
It is important to think beyond sunscreen when it comes to sun exposure. Try to limit your time outdoors when the sun’s rays are strongest, which is generally between 10am and 4pm. Seeking out shade is an excellent way to be outside while also protecting your skin (but be mindful of UVB rays reflecting off of the sand, concrete, snow, or water around you). Sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats make for fun accessories while doubling as sun protection. We’ve bought a lot of hats for the kids from Sunday Afternoons.) https://www.sundayafternoons.com/ What you wear outdoors can also offer some SPF (sun protection factor) protection. Dark or bright colored clothing keep UV rays from reaching your skin by absorbing them. More densely woven fabrics are more protective than thin or loosely woven cloth. And did you know that getting clothing wet actually decreases the SPF?
Enjoying the outdoors is so good for the mind and body. Find a sunscreen you like and combine it with any of the other sun protection tips. Remember:
– Sunscreen does expire, check yours to see if a date is stamped on it
– Everyone 6 months and older should wear sunscreen
– UV rays are present on cloudy days
– Be aware of any medications you are taking that contain ingredients that may cause photosensitivity
– Windows allow UVA rays to pass through, so be aware of windows you sit next to at work, or the windows in your car (windshields are treated to block UVA rays)
– Examine your skin for anything new, unusual, or changing, and see a dermatologist with any concerns
Get outdoors and enjoy what Minnesota summers have to offer! Just don’t forget to protect your skin!
References:
https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/
https://www.cancer.net/blog/2015-07/10-tips-protecting-your-skin-sun
https://www.skincancer.org/blog/surprising-danger-planes-trains-automobiles/
https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/
