As I’ve “aged” and gained “wisdom” on the importance of taking care of my skin, I’ve really come to appreciate just how important sun protection is! Not only do I try to wear my hats more often or hang out under an umbrella, I’ve made sure to add a daily SPF to my skincare routine – not just on the days I’m going to be out by the pool. My dermatologist would ask me if I was wearing my sunscreen, and I would of course say yes. But I was really only diligent about it when I was doing something actively outdoors for hours – boating, swimming, beach etc. This is something we should all be focused on daily, especially if you live in a location where the sun is strong, it’s hot and you’re wearing sleeveless clothing even.
At first, I was relying on SPF in my makeup alone to be good enough for my face. And don’t get me wrong, that was such a great start – a vast improvement from where I was originally! I also had this notion that the “sunscreen” was making my acne worse. While this may be somewhat true, I’ve realized that vanity over acne isn’t worth the detriment to sun-aged skin later in life. I don’t have perfect skin, and something is always going to be a little off with it. I would rather stay healthy, younger-looking and cancer-free! You can definitely find some foundations out there with 40 or 50 SPF. Most foundations these days have at least 15 SPF. This is such an easy way to add some SPF to your routine, and it’s absolutely better than nothing.
But as I round the corner of 30, I wanted to take it a step further. I’ve been doing a lot of testing recently to find the best products for sunscreen protection. Some things that were really important to me:
- Nothing greasy
- Must wear well under makeup
- Must wear well alone
- Cause as few acne flare ups as possible
- Actually protect from the sun’s damage
- Reasonably priced
You need to wear a good SPF every single day! I’ve even gotten Chance to start wearing it everyday! He was particularly vulnerable since his lotion doesn’t have it and he doesn’t put any other products on his face.
I first did a lot of research on products before I decided which ones I wanted to order and try personally – I’m talking Sephora, Ulta, Dermstore, Nordstrom, Saks, dermatologist blogs etc … here’s the ones I narrowed it down to and decided I wanted to try out:
- Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Broad Spectrum (PTR)
- Elemis Daily Defense Shield
- Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum
- Elta MD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum
- CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Lotion
Quick overview of the two I eliminated after a few tries – the Elemis one just felt ‘off.’ I’m not sure exactly how to describe it, but I just didn’t like it. And I’m a huge fan of other Elemis products – like couldn’t-live-without-it type of products! I didn’t like how it felt by itself or under makeup. It just wasn’t working for me. Top that off with the fact that it only has 30 SPF and it was the highest price per ounce of all the ones I tried, it just wasn’t going to cut it! The CeraVe is a good product, and I’ve used some CeraVe products off and on since high school. Pros are that it’s reasonably priced and easy to obtain. You can grab it on a weekly Target run or at a Walgreens if you forgot to pack it on a trip! The biggest reason I didn’t like it was because it was thick and smelled/felt like sunscreen. I was searching for something more subtle that just felt like an extension of my skincare routine to make a natural part of my everyday routine. BUT if this one fits your budget best, go for it! It’s a good product that will definitely offer that sun protection to your skin 🙂
When I went to the dermatologist for my annual checkup recently, I brought both the PTR and the Elta MD Clear. It was so funny, because of course, she had an Elta MD brand rep brochure sitting out by the computer in the room. HAHA I figured it was meant to be, and I knew she would automatically tell me that she preferred the Elta. But at first, she just said they were both similar and as long as I was wearing SPF daily, she was happy with that! Then she was like “let me read both of those real quick” and said “actually, the Elta contains zinc oxide” and she would prefer I wore that one as it was more protection for my skin. She also mentioned the Elta MD Elements as her preference for prolonged outdoor activities like running, biking, playground or hanging by the pool. The Elements only comes in a tinted formula, but it works perfectly for no makeup days. I’m really into a “less is more” makeup routine recently because my free time is so limited!! I feel like I’ve been grabbing this one more frequently in recent months. I also really like the Elta MD Clear because Chance can use it, too. You’d never know he’s wearing it, and I want him to take care of his skin, too!!
I will say that I thought the PTR felt very hydrating with a good level of SPF protection, but the goal with this step in my skincare routine is sun protection. I already use lotions & serums for hydration and wouldn’t get rid of that step anyway. With the guidance of my dermatologist (whom I’ve had and loved for years), I have been solely using the Elta MD products in my daily routine. For days when I’m wearing a bit more makeup, I simply use the Clear. If I’m not wearing any makeup that day or I know for a fact I’ll be outdoors for awhile, I use the Elements. These two products have quickly become favorites of mine!!
But let’s be honest that ANY type of SPF is best! If the PTR makes you feel good and you know you’ll actually use it everyday, go with that one. If you just love everything Elemis and know you’ll use that one the most, use it! Same with the CeraVe – if you know that being able to grab it on a weekly errand run will be best for you – choose it!
This has become so important to me that I just had to share my best finds with all of you! I preferred the Elta MD products and highly recommend both of them to you!! BUT you do you and just put that SPF on EVERYDAY girlfriend 😉
