Best Sunscreens Of 2018 - Skincare Hunting

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We all know the importance of sun protection especially if we want to avoid premature aging skin so with the summer well and truly upon us, it’s time to check out the best sunscreens of 2018. So whether you’re looking for a physical, chemical or hybrid product (if you’re unsure of what the difference is then you can read about that here), the following list includes a combination of all three.

There are many of us who don’t really give sunscreen that much thought and tend to just pick up the best bargain we can find with a decent SPF rating but when you consider how important it really is, we probably should be paying more attention to what we’re using. Even more so if we’re constantly ending up with sunscreen products that just don’t cut it so with that in mind, here are some of the most popular and effective sunscreen out there.

Contents hide

1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Face Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50+

2. Shiseido WetForce Expert Sun Aging Protection Lotion SPF 50+

3. Eau Thermale Avene Mineral Light Hydrating Lotion SPF 50+

4. Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46

5. Murad City Skin Age Defence Broad Spectrum SPF 50

6. Keeping Your Skin Protected

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Face Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50+

The La Roche-Posay Anthelios range is a very popular choice and their XL Face Ultra-Light Fluid is no exception. This chemical sunscreen contains Mexoplex which is a complex containing Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL which are both excellent ingredients for sun protection especially when combined together. It is suitable for those with normal to combination skin and those with fair and sensitive skin.

It offers high broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB and also contains La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water. As well as being water resistant, this ultralight non-greasy fluid is easy to apply and leaves an invisible finish. It is fragrance-free, paraben free, non-comedogenic (pore-clogging) and 100% hypoallergenic although it does contain alcohol so a good moisturiser may be needed to counteract any possible drying effect.

Although this particular product is specifically formulated for the face, the Anthelios range includes many other products including those formulated for the body as well.

Shiseido WetForce Expert Sun Aging Protection Lotion SPF 50+

The Shiseido WetForce Expert Sun Aging Protection Lotion is a lightweight clear formula that can be used on both the face and the body and is said to be suitable for all skin types. This chemical sunscreen lotion has a slight difference in that it features something called WetForce technology which means that it becomes even more effective when it’s exposed to water.

This broad spectrum SPF 50+ lotion is said to become stronger when it comes into contact with either water or perspiration making it the ideal choice for the more active types. It is also said to remain water resistant for 80 minutes and with its clear non-sticky formula, it leaves an invisible protective layer on the skin.

It is dermatologist-tested, ophthalmologist-tested and non-comedogenic but does contain a small amount of alcohol and fragrance which could be problematic to those with sensitive or reactive skin to either or both of those ingredients.

Eau Thermale Avene Mineral Light Hydrating Lotion SPF 50+

The Eau Thermale Avene Lotion is another ultra-light formula that can be used on both the face and the body and it’s also the first 100% mineral (physical) sunscreen on the list. This broad spectrum SPF 50+ lotion is suitable for all skin types to the point where they even state that the entire family can use it including children age 6 months and up.

It contains Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide as it’s active ingredients as well as the antioxidant vitamin E and Avene’s own thermal spring water. It is fragrance-free, paraben free, soap free, oil free, soy free, gluten free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. It also offers a similar water resistance to that of the Shiseido as it remains water resistant for up to 80 minutes as well as providing 24 hours of hydration.

It’s actually quite unlike many other physical sunscreens in that it’s very lightweight and doesn’t leave a white cast behind on the skin and as an added bonus it also layers invisibly under makeup.

Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46

Elta MD UV Clear is a non-water resistant facial sunscreen that falls into the hybrid sunscreen category in that it contains both physical sunscreen in the form of Zinc Oxide and chemical sunscreen in the form of Octinoxate. It also contains a few more skin benefiting ingredients including the moisturising antioxidant vitamin E, the moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid, the skin refining lactic acid and the skin restoring niacinamide.

This is another super lightweight formula that is said to be suitable for most skin types but particularly those prone to acne, rosacea, and discoloration. It is oil-free, fragrance-free, paraben free and non-comedogenic and is also said to have a calming effect on acne and reactive prone skin. It is available in either a tinted or untinted version although some say that the untinted version can leave behind a slight white cast.

Although this particular product is for facial use, the Elta MD skincare brand has a few other options including those for the body as well.

Murad City Skin Age Defence Broad Spectrum SPF 50

If you’re not afraid to fork out a little a more for your sunscreen then Murad City Skin Age Defence is another good choice. This is the second 100% mineral sunscreen on the list and is for facial use only. It contains Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide as well as the skin brightening vitamin C and the skin moisturising Vitamin E and is suitable for most skin types with its fragrance-free formula.

It also uses environmental protection technology to protect the skin from not only UVA and UVB but also pollution, blue light from devices and infrared radiation at the same time. Again this is somewhat different to what you would normally expect from a physical sunscreen because its formula is so lightweight that it applies to the skin very easily and doesn’t need to be overly rubbed in like most other mineral sunscreens.

There’s also no white cast at all with this product because Murad has added a soft peach tint to it which actually gives the skin a luminous glow as well as giving the skin a more even and radiant appearance.

Keeping Your Skin Protected

As much as many people despise the look and feel of a sunscreen, they really are essential for maintaining healthier younger looking skin. And luckily much like the products mentioned above, they no longer need to be the thick heavy products like they once used to be.

Have you tried any of the products listed above and if so, what did you think of them? Do you use a great sunscreen product that you’d like to share? Please feel free to mention it in the comment section below.