Facial sunscreen recs?

[ejs]

I'm looking for a new sunscreen for my face. The SPF15 in my Cetaphil moisturizer isn't cutting it anymore. I have some zinc from my dermatologist, but it stains my clothes.

These are my requirements:
* I have very sensitive skin, so it can't be anything too harsh.
* Non-comedogenic.
* Not too heavy or greasy or oily-looking.

Thanks!

[bellaprincess]

I really like Sofina UV Cut Milk Extract SPF 50 sunscreen and I wear it everyday ( without any additional moisturizer) under my makeup.

Sofina is a Japanese brand and only available in Asia or online.
I bought it online and it is pricey at $34.99 a bottle, but a little goes a long ways and I still have a lot left!
It is a physical sunscreen, and it absorbs really quickly, is not greasy at all(it dries matte), doesn't leave a "white cast" on my face and has not broken out my sensitive skin after more than 1 month of use.


For days that I will be in the sun for a while (such as driving for a few hours), I wear La Roche Posay Derma-Pediatrics SPF 50+ ( lait ecran)sunscreen.
The LRP Dermo-Peds SPF 50 is awesome and has meroxyl in it making it photostable. I tend to get sunspots on my face ( probably due to BC pills), and this is the best of the chemical suncreens I have tried. This has really high UVA/UVB protection, PPD 28 and IPD95, so this is what I use when I know I am going to be out in the sun a long time. It is the least greasy/oily of all the chemical sunscreens I have tried, doesn't leave a white cast, and hasn't irritated my sensitive skin. It is made for kids so that is probably why it is so gentle. It does make my face a bit shiny after I initially apply it,but a dusting of powder makes that go away. It does provides more protection because of the meroxyl than the Sofina.

HTH! :)
__________________
M & E est. 12/30/04

[ejs]

Thanks! Where have you gotten the one by La Roche?

[bellaprincess]

I bought it off Ebay from a seller called Wasabina and the transaction went very smoothly.
http://cgi.ebay.com/2-LA-ROCHE-POSAY-ANTHELIOS-XL-50-CHILDREN-DERMO-KIDS_W0QQitemZ9513530138QQcategoryZ31774QQrdZ1QQcm dZViewItem


You can also buy it here:
http://www.getcanadiandrugs.com/view_product.php?ProductID=2755

[la_bride_2004]

I second the La Roche Posay. It's not yet available in the US. I've found several suppliers in Canada, or I stock up when I visit Europe. They also have a SPF 50 lip cream.

For US brands, I do like Neutrogena Dry Touch sunblock.

[MLA]

I really like Sofina UV Cut Milk Extract SPF 50 sunscreen and I wear it everyday ( without any additional moisturizer) under my makeup.

Sofina is a Japanese brand and only available in Asia or online.
I bought it online and it is pricey at $34.99 a bottle, but a little goes a long ways and I still have a lot left!
It is a physical sunscreen, and it absorbs really quickly, is not greasy at all(it dries matte), doesn't leave a "white cast" on my face and has not broken out
__________________


Where do you get your Sofina? It sounds like exactly what I'm looking for in a sunscreen.

[bellaprincess]

I just found out today that Sofina changed the name of the sunscreen from Sofina UV Cut Milk SPF 50 to Sofina Perfect UV Lucent SPF 50 ( the product is still the same though!).

I bought it from this online store that has free shipping and had a smooth transaction:
http://www.facialshop.com.hk/servlet/the-2066/Sofina-Perfect-UV-Lucent/Detail


It is also sold on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/SOFINA-PERFECT-UV-LUCENT-UV-CUT-MILK-EXTRA-BLOCK_W0QQitemZ9514427818QQcategoryZ31774QQssPageN ameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[cc8]

bellaprincess - just wondering why you switch off between Sofina UV Cut Milk Extract SPF 50/Sofina Perfect UV Lucent SPF 50 and La Roche Posay Derma-Pediatrics SPF 50+ as they are both SPF 50.

Is it because the 50+ one is broad spectrum (UVA/B) while the other one isn't?

I am probably missing something here and just wanted to inquire :)

[bellaprincess]

cc8:

The Sofina and the Dermo-Peds are both both broad spectrum and protect against UVA and UVB rays. The Sofina is a physical sunscreen and is not photostable though which means when exposed to to sun for long periods of time ( like 2 hours in the sun at beach or a theme park or where ever you are outside for that long) it's protective qualities start to disappear and need to be reapplied. I am very very picky with my face and don't touch it at all during the day( to prevent breakouts) and I wouldn't be able to reapply the Sofina easily at the 2 hour mark if I was say driving a long distance or at Disney or something because I personally would have to go wash my face to remove makeup, oil, and get suncreen off, then apply the sunscreen over again to a clean face, then re-apply makeup.

The LRP Dermo-Peds is photostable because it is a chemical sunscreen and contains meroxyl which does not break down after 2 hours. This means if I am driving or at Disney, I wouldn't have to go reapply the sunscreen and can be sure that I am still getting the same protection as when the sunscreen was applied 2 hours earlier. Of course, if you are outside sweating excessively or swimming, you would want to reapply either sunscreen as with any sunscreen. I personally try to stay out of the sun as much as possible and don't tan, so for me Sofina is a better everyday choice as my daily driving times are less than 2 hours.

HTH and I made sense! :)

[cc8]

Thanks - that helps! Is the LRP Dermo-Peds oily OR excessively matte to the touch or does it dry up like a 'regular' lotion? By 'excessively matte' I mean does it leave a "chalky" feeling after it is dried/absorbed? I am trying to avoid the 2 extremes of too oily/chalky.

[Kate&Joey]

I just so happened to my Real Simple magazine here at work. :)

Best for Sensitive Skin: Clinique Super City Block (SPF 25)
"Instead of using skin-irritating chemicals, this cream contains the physical barrier titanium dioxide, providing protection against UVA and UVB that's gentle on skin. It's also oil-free and surprisingly sheer."

Best for Oily Skin: DDF Matte Finish Photo-Age Protection (SPF 30)

Best for Dry Skin: Almay Sun Protector for Face (SPF 30)

Best for Around the Eyes: Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Eye Contour Care Ultra Protection (SPF 30)

[jarocha]

I really like Paula's Choice sunscreens. I have combo skin and I tend to break out easily. All the sunscreens come with antioxidants.
http://www.cosmeticscop.com/

[sue-bert]

I used to use L'Occitane Ultra Moisturizing Care SPF 15 under foundation.
http://usa.loccitane.com/img/product/215/01SY050KA.jpg
Then I noticed that when the tube got a few months old, it started to smell like Raid roach spray, so I'm shopping around for an alternative.

[jki]

I really like Jan Marini Antioxidant Face Protectant SPF 30. (http://www.skinstore.com/store/product.asp?catID=3061&prodID=3067) I've been using it for over 3 years - love the fragrance, texture, etc.

http://www.skinstore.com/resources/dynamic/store/products/jm047.jpg

I don't know if my skin has changed, or what, but it seems to be greasy lately. I am going to give the Sofina a try for me and the La Roche a try for my kids.

[cc8]

BUMP. Just reposting my question: Does the Sofina leave a 'tacky' or 'tight' feeling on your skin after it dries. That was my experience with the non-oily DDF sunscreen. And I want to try to avoid that.

[bellaprincess]

CC8: BUMP. Just reposting my question: Does the Sofina leave a 'tacky' or 'tight' feeling on your skin after it dries. That was my experience with the non-oily DDF sunscreen. And I want to try to avoid that.

Sorry I didn't respond, I have had finals and needed to study. About the Sofina, I have always had very oily skin and for me the Sofina does not leave a tacky or tight feeling and I love that it dries matte. I don't use moisturizer during the day just the the Sofina. Of course, each person will have their own opinion after wearing a product depending on how it interacts with our individual skin types ( basically YMMV).
HTH! :)

ETA: YMMV = your mileage may vary

[cc8]

Thanks for your feedback bellaprincess!

[miel]

I just got this SPF 40 stuff from Clarins. Sorry I don't know the exact name but I've been looking EVERYWHERE for a strong SPF that isn't gooey and this is the only one I've ever found. It actually makes you look better. It's got the barrier sunscreen and is not just chemical so it is full spectrum.

[bellaprincess]

Miel: How much is the Clarins? Does it have a fragrance? Do you know if it is photostable?
TIA :)

The La Roche Posay Dermo-Pediatrics and Sofina are also both full spectrum. They both provide full protection against the UVA/UVB rays. The LRP(chemical suncreen) is photostable though, while the Sofina(physical sunscreen) is not.

[cc8]

Dumb question alert: Is the La Roche Posay Dermo-Pediatrics a KIDS sunscreen? The "Pediatrics" is throwing me off.

[bellaprincess]

Yes, it is a childrens sunscreen.

[cc8]

Is the La Roche Posay Dermo-Pediatrics also recommended for adults? To clarify, I am looking for a non-greasy, broadspectrum, everday facial sunscreen for myself. :)

[miel]

http://us.clarins.com/main.cfm?prodID=589

This link should take you to it, I hope.

I think it's about $40 which is really steep but I was getting desperate. I've tried so many kinds and they either don't work well or they make my face an oil slick. I think it will last long because you only need a little bit to get very good coverage.

I don't know if it's photo stable.

[bellaprincess]

CC8: Children's skin, particularly babies skin, is very fragile. Much more fragile than adult skin so this formulation is more gentle while still offering the maximum protection. I will copy my review of the LRP Dermo-Peds from page 1 of this thread. FWIW,I have very oily skin and would never subject myself to anything greasy that could break me out. I have found tons of useful info on www.makeupalley.com and they also have product reviews there in productville and skincare forums. You may have to register to view the site, but I am not sure.

Ok, here is my review again:

For days that I will be in the sun for a while (such as driving for a few hours), I wear La Roche Posay Derma-Pediatrics SPF 50+ ( lait ecran)sunscreen.
The LRP Dermo-Peds SPF 50 is awesome and has meroxyl in it making it photostable. I tend to get sunspots on my face ( probably due to BC pills), and this is the best of the chemical suncreens I have tried. This has really high UVA/UVB protection, PPD 28 and IPD95, so this is what I use when I know I am going to be out in the sun a long time. It is the least greasy/oily of all the chemical sunscreens I have tried, doesn't leave a white cast, and hasn't irritated my sensitive skin. It is made for kids so that is probably why it is so gentle. It does make my face a bit shiny after I initially apply it,but a dusting of powder makes that go away. It does provides more protection because of the meroxyl than the Sofina.

[JoyousAutumn]

I don't use a regular sunscreen, as I'm not out in the sun very long each day(bit of a vampire :)).
However, my foundation has SPF 15 built in, and I've never gotten so much as a tan while wearing it. It's Bare Escentuals mineral foundation. Works great with my sensitive skin.

[jki]

bellaprincess:
Thanks for your detailed review on the Sofina. Mine arrived yesterday - very quick shipping from the site you posted.

Anyhow, I found it to be surprisingly thin. How much do you find you have to put on your face for good coverage? I like it a LOT thus far.... the matte finish is the best and the texture is very satin-y!!

[bellaprincess]

Jki:
I'm so glad you like the Sofina!
I apply an amount that is roughly the size of a quarter( the coin) in the palm of my one of my hands and then apply it with the fingers of the other hand and rub into my face. I wait about 5 minutes after I have applied the Sofina to start applying my makeup. In the meantime, I finish getting dressed and put on deodorant.
I wasn't sure how much to use either at first, but I have found that the amount I described above works great for me. Be sure to shake the bottle well before applying it (with the top shut tightly).

FWIW, my guy and I went to Disney World just a couple of days ago at the last minute and the sunscreen I had on was the Sofina since we weren't originally planning on doing anything outdoors that day. The sun was blazing hot and it was 95 F out and I didn't have a hat or sunglasses( or anymore sunscreen) the whole day we were there. I didn't get any color on my face at all, even though I did on my uprotected arms from wearing short sleeves.

[jki]

Jki:
I'm so glad you like the Sofina!
I apply an amount that is roughly the size of a quarter( the coin) in the palm of my one of my hands and then apply it with the fingers of the other hand and rub into my face. I wait about 5 minutes after I have applied the Sofina to start applying my makeup. In the meantime, I finish getting dressed and put on deodorant.
I wasn't sure how much to use either at first, but I have found that the amount I described above works great for me. Be sure to shake the bottle well before applying it (with the top shut tightly).

FWIW, my guy and I went to Disney World just a couple of days ago at the last minute and the sunscreen I had on was the Sofina since we weren't originally planning on doing anything outdoors that day. The sun was blazing hot and it was 95 F out and I didn't have a hat or sunglasses( or anymore sunscreen) the whole day we were there. I didn't get any color on my face at all, even though I did on my uprotected arms from wearing short sleeves.

I did what you said and it was great! Thanks for the tips! :) What is your skin coloring? I have olive-y darkish skin and it leaves a slight white cast on my skin - I do not mind because of the protection I know I'm getting but wanted to get a feel if maybe I'm applying too much?

[miel]

So I was interested in maybe trying the Sofina and I saw that it was facial shop so I tried to type in their home page and it was a porn site (with the name facial shop)! Oops.

Anyway, I was trying to figure out what was going on since it is in Hong Kong--does it cost a fortune for shipping? I'd rather know that before I go giving them my credit card number. :)

[jki]

Anyway, I was trying to figure out what was going on since it is in Hong Kong--does it cost a fortune for shipping? I'd rather know that before I go giving them my credit card number. :)

LOL.

I didn't get charged anything for shipping from the site that bellaprincess posted!

[bellaprincess]

I did what you said and it was great! Thanks for the tips! What is your skin coloring? I have olive-y darkish skin and it leaves a slight white cast on my skin - I do not mind because of the protection I know I'm getting but wanted to get a feel if maybe I'm applying too much?

Jki: You might want to try and experiment by using a little bit less sunscreen to see if that will do the trick. I have lighter olive toned skin and sometimes if I feel I put too much in the palm of my hand and have blended a good amount on my face, I just wipe the excess on my arms so as not to waste it.

Anyway, I was trying to figure out what was going on since it is in Hong Kong--does it cost a fortune for shipping? I'd rather know that before I go giving them my credit card number.

Miel: I believe the shipping is free from that site. Here is what is says:

: What are your shipping costs?
A: We offer free shipping cost.
http://www.facialshop.com.hk/servlet/the-template/faq/Page


For anyone that is interested in my facial sunscreen application/removal routine, here it is :) :
I take showers in the morning and use Dove (the regular "white" bar) to wash my face and body. After I get out of the shower, I dry myself and then use a Biore Blemish Fighting Cleansing Wipe ( the soft/non exfoliating side) on my face. While my face dries, I brush my teeth, then apply my under eye cream ( Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum) and then apply the Sofina to the rest of my face. I put on my body lotion,finish getting dressed, then go back and apply my makeup since the Sofina has had a couple of minutes to be fully absorbed.
At night, I use one of the Biore wipes on my face to remove the makeup and suncreen, then apply my under eye cream and Olay 7 Signs Serum. If I have worked out, I shower with the Dove and still use the Biore wipes after the shower.

[adamseve]

Bellaprincess - thanks for the detailed description of the Sofina product. I'm quite happy with my Peter Thomas Roth SPF moisturizer but now I'm curious to try out your recommendation. Hmmm.... decisions, decisions.