Not everyone likes the same kind of sun protection. Some like chemical sunblocks, some like the ones that feature minerals. No matter what kind you choose, there are effective sunblocks to protect your skin that you will actually like to use! However, not all SPF sun protection is the same. The differences in chemical and mineral sunblocks aside, the products in this feature are sun-protecting multi-taskers to protect your skin just a little bit differently.
Sun Protecting Skin Treatment
In 2016 advicesisters.com was introduced to ISDIN Ceutics Skincare (read review).It’s a Spanish dermatology brand featuring the power of vitamins and hydrators (rather than chemicals) to offer a potent anti-aging regimen.
When it comes to Sun Protection, We’re suggesting ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+ (srp. $50 3.4 fl. oz.).
This SPF product has DNA Repairsomes and antioxidants to protect your skin from actinic damage. Actinic damage (sun damage) represents skin changes due to excessive sun exposure. Ultraviolet light UVA interferes with DNA repair through the release of reactive oxygen, resulting in oxidation of both protein and lipids. Ultraviolet light uvb causes DNA mutations.
the good news is that this potent SPF potion offers its sun protection with just one active ingredient of 11% zinc oxide. Vitamin E helps to protect against environmental saboteurs. the fresh scent, isn’t intrusive and we didn’t even see any of the “ashy” residues that are common with Zinc Oxide.
Although it may seem counter-intuitive, it’s light that activates the DNA Repairsomes’ mechanism to reverse the harmful effects of far-UV radiation while protecting your skin with broad spectrum SPF 50+.
If you’re seeking a powerful mineral sunscreen, this ISDIN Ultralight SPF 50 could be your new best friend. To learn more visit https://www.isdin.com/us/
Tinted Mineral Sun Protection
Tinted face creams can be challenging. You never know if they will suit your skin tone or not. Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen SPF 50 Tinted Face Mineral Lotion ($13) Ulta.com, Ulta, CVS, Walmart) is mostly sheer, blurring imperfections on light to medium skin.
This product features a non-chemical 4% zinc oxide and 4% titanium dioxide SPF 50. It’s also fragrance-free. The lightweight sunscreen feels powdery and pampering, offering broad-spectrum protection that is water resistant up to 80 minutes.
I like the multi-tasking tint/treatment/sunscreen that has nourishing Red Algae with Vitamin A and Amino Acids. Antioxidant Kakadu Plum and essential oil from the Eucalyptus tree make it good for your skin as well as a protectant.
Packaging is designed to use as few materials as possible in a recyclable container to reduce any potential waste.
Products like this are good news for those who want high SPF protection, without the chemicals, and amazingly, It’s just $12.99 for 3 fl. oz.
Two From Australian Gold
Better to self-tan than bake in the sun. A product that helps you get that sun-kissed glow and also protects your skin with SPF 50 is Australian Gold SPF 50 Spray Gel Bronzer. The cost is just $10 for an 8 fl. oz. spray bottle. Actives in this chemical sunscreen include 3% avobenzone, 10% homosalate, 5% octisalate and 2.75% octocrylene.
What I like about this is that you can control the color, it’s temporary, and it’s hydrating. You’ll get an immediate glow, but it will wash away so you’re not stuck with it if you don’t like it.
It absorbs instantly. It also has a slight scent that reminds me a bit of bubble gum. That’s a whole lot better than the stinky chemicals most self-tanners have.
The product is water-resistant and retains SPF after 80 minutes of activity in the water or sweating. Also great is that its Paraben-Free, PABA Free, Dye Free, Alcohol-Free & Gluten Free.
The addition of antioxidant kakadu plum and tee tree oil, plus Sunflower Seed Oil and Olive Fruit Oil to hydrate and Aloe Vera to soothe and condition makes this a bit of a bargain! Both of these Australian Gold products are available at Available at Ulta, CVS and Walmart as well as online at www.AustralianGold.com.
Skinnies Sun Gel SPF 30
Skinnies Sun Gel SPF 30 is a product designed in New Zealand and made in the USA.
The first thing I noticed was the tube itself shows you exactly how little you need to use (a dot the size of a pea) and proclaims “a little goes a long way.” Well yes, it does.
The product uses a thick gel that dries within 2 minutes leaving the merest hint it’s on your skin. It features 3% avobenzone, 15% homosalate, #% octisalate and 10% octocrylene (and Vitamin E). Another plus is that it is highly water resistant up to 80 minutes (it will continue UV protection past 80 minutes but I’d suggest you re-apply it).
A Safer Sunscreen
There are no parabens, preservatives, emulsifiers, alcohol, fragrances or perfumes and is GMO and cruelty-free.
Without getting too technical, it’s a waterless “organogel” that keeps the product on your skin, protecting and you need just a tiny amount.
The product is also good news for pregnant women and those with sensitive skin because Skinnies suggests that it is safe for even babies thanks to natural and biodegradable ingredients. if your child squirms away before you can slather on the sunscreen, try Skinnies!
For more information visit gotskinnies.com and we found it on amazon.com as well.
Aveeno For All
Aveeno has a lot of different sunscreens (we’re covering some of these in another sun protection article). Two that are a bit different are the Aveeno Active Naturals Protect and Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70, and the Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Face Stick Sunscreen SPF 50 (approx $9/each).
The Aveeno Baby SPF 50 stick doesn’t just protect babies. I keep a stick handy in purse or tote for touch-ups during the day, and for lips and hands. You’ll get up to 80 minutes of sweat & water-resistant protection. The actives are 8.1% titanium dioxide and 6.8% zinc oxide. The swivel up stick is a boon for anyone with sensitive skin. It’s not even sticky.
For those who want a “big gun” of sun protection, I like Aveeno Active Naturals Protect and Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70. The cocktail of chemical protection in Avenno SPF 70 is 3% avobenzone, 15% Homosalate, 5% Octinoxate, 10% octocrylene, and 6% avobenzone.
This product is sweat and water resistant up to 80 minutes and since it’s oil-free, it’s a personal favorite. Not everyone can handle high SPF on their skin. For them, Aveeno has plenty of other sunblocks (I particularly like the “Baby” collection). Find Aveeno in drugstores and mass market retailers everywhere or visit
