Sensitive skin? Fear not! I’ve got your back (and face) covered. I am the fairest of them all. Highly sensitive and reactive – that’s my skin! So, in this sun-kissed adventure, we’ll explore the crème de la crème of sunscreens—ones you can easily find in your local drugstore or online, and ones that won’t break the ‘ol bank. But first, I’ll bust some SPF myths…
Why Sensitive Skin Deserves Extra TLC
If you are like me and have sensitive skin – you know it is super fussy and delicate. It rashes at the mere mention of fragrances and some common SPF ingredients (like Octisalate). So – my yearly mission is to search out SPF superheroes that won’t trigger redness, irritation, or rashes.
Sunscreen is my Love Language
“Stay hydrated”, and “Put on sunscreen” are two sayings I repeat to my loved ones. SPF not only prevents premature skin aging and sun damage – it can help prevent skin cancer. Earlier this year I had to get a pre-cancerous lesion lasered off my face – and this is ME! The most diligent when it comes to applying and staying out of the sun. So please don’t take SPF lightly.
Common SPF myths, busted
- Myth: Sunscreen is only necessary on sunny days.
- Reality: UV rays penetrate clouds, so even on overcast days, you’re exposed. Apply sunscreen daily, regardless of weather conditions.
- Myth: Higher SPF means better protection.
- Reality: SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks around 98%. Beyond that, the difference is minimal. Consistent application matters more than the exact SPF number.
- Myth: Sunscreen prevents vitamin D production.
- Reality: Sunscreen doesn’t completely block vitamin D synthesis. You can still get enough vitamin D while protecting your skin by spending a few minutes in the sun before applying sunscreen.
- Myth: Waterproof sunscreen never needs reapplication.
- Reality: Even water-resistant sunscreens wear off after swimming or sweating. Reapply every 2 hours or immediately after water exposure.
- Myth: Sunscreen is only for the beach or pool.
- Reality: UV exposure happens during everyday activities. Apply sunscreen when gardening, driving, or even sitting by a window. That’s right – even inside! And especially on planes.
- Myth: Sunscreen lasts indefinitely.
- Reality: Sunscreen expires! Check the label for the expiration date. Old sunscreen may lose effectiveness
Now…drum roll please…here are my favourite 2024 SPF contenders. Amazing products for those of us with sensitive skin. I hope you like them as much as I do.
1. Consonant Skin+Care | The Perfect Sunscreen – $48
- What Makes It Special:
- This facial sunscreen is 100% natural and enriched with botanicals for hydration and protection
- Micronized minerals provide effective, broad-spectrum SPF 30
- Goes on smoothly without leaving a white cast
- Lightly tinted with mica for a transparent glow
- Works great as a primer and a moisturizer replacement on those humid days as the formula contains hydrating benefits with aloe vera, grape seed and rice bran oil
- It’s fragrance free, containing no perfume or even essential oils (which are bad news for my sensitive skin)
- Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 6%; Zinc Oxide 10%
- You can find this product at Etiket – either online or at their amazing new brick and mortar store in Toronto’s The Well.
2. Burt’s Bees SPF 30 Firming Day Lotion – $29.99
- What Makes It Special:
- This formula contains Bakuchiol (a natural retinol alternative) for smoother skin over time
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- It absorbs super quickly and wears well under makeup
- 99.4% natural origin with nutrient rich botanicals
- Active ingredient: Zinc Oxide 16.9%
3. Attitude Natural Care | Solid Skincare 3-piece Kit SPF 30 – $50
- What Makes It Special:
- The Attitude Plastic-Free Skincare SPF 30 Phyto-Sun 3-Piece Kit offers a revolutionary approach to sun protection, hydration, and radiance. I love this brand because their packaging is super innovative and totally plastic free.
- Here are the key features of the three products included:
- Solid Tinted Oil SPF 30 with Zinc Oxide:
- Provides sun protection with non-nano zinc oxide, a mineral sunscreen.
- This vegan tinted oil protects the skin without white cast leaving a subtle luminous veil on the skin
- Vegan and packaged in FSC biodegradable cardboard tubes.
- Solid Tinted Shimmer Cream SPF 30 with Zinc Oxide:
- Gives a radiant glow while protecting against UVA and UVB rays
- This vegan cream protects the skin while delicately enhancing it with naturally derived shimmer for a luminous touch
- Plastic-free and EWG VERIFIED™.
- Lip Balm SPF 30 with Zinc Oxide (Baby Rose):
- Hydrates and protects lips from sun damage while leaving a subtle rosey hue
- Non-nano zinc oxide ensures effective sunblock
- Comes in a sustainable, biodegradable packaging
- Active ingredients: Zinc oxide 20%
- Overall, this kit offers a clean, eco-friendly solution for sun care, free of white cast, and suitable for all skin types.
4. Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Mineral Lotion (Fair to Light) – $20-$26
- What Makes It Special:
- This is my daily ride or die. I love this product – this non-chemical sunscreen lotion has a light and airy feel, while the subtle tint seamlessly blends into Fair to Light skin tones. I normally don’t need to wear foundation when I wear this – it does a nice job of just evening the skin out
- Specially designed for sensitive facial skin, this gluten-free BB cream won’t clog pores and is fragrance free
- Australian Botanicals: Kakadu Plum, Eucalyptus and Red Algae form a unique combination of antioxidant rich botanicals
- Protects from UVA/UVB rays and water-resistant for 80 minutes
- Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 4%, Zinc Oxide 4%
5. Shiseido Ultra Sun Protector Spray SPF 40 – $38
- What Makes It Special:
- Invisible, breathable formula with broad-spectrum SPF 40
- Powered by SuperVeil-UV 360™ Technology for all-around protection
- Provides 4-hour hydration and water-resistant for 80 minutes
- Now, this has Octisalate in it at 5%. I react really badly to this ingredient – so I can’t vouch for all sensitive skin folks – but I have heard this doesn’t affect most sensitive skin folks. I wanted to share it – as spray SPFs that are this lightweight are rare to find and products like this are perfect for re-applying your sunscreen throughout the day, even over makeup. But, again, it may not work for you if you, like me, are super sensitive.
6. Lotus Aroma Daily Sunscreen Face – $29
- What makes it special
- Shield your skin from UV rays while feeling like a sun-kissed goddess
- I like this SPF as it works on even my super sensitive skin
- It incorporates aloe vera to hydrate and soybean which is a great antioxidant
- Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (4.5%), Zinc Oxide (10.4%)
- You can read more about Lotus Aroma in my last post (a great, Canadian brand)
7. Blume Sunburst Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen – $38
- What makes this product special:
- Three years ago, Blume, set out to create suncare. Skincare, meet SPF!
- Acne-Friendly Formula: For all skin types, but specifically crafted with non-nano minerals, Sunburst effectively shields your skin from harmful UV rays while combating acne concerns head-on
- No White Cast: Unlike some sunscreens, Sunburst leaves absolutely no white residue on your skin
- Dark Spot Fading: Sunburst’s powerful formula helps fade dark spots, leaving your skin radiant and even-toned
- Hydration: It doesn’t just protect; it also hydrates your skin, keeping it healthy and glowing.
In summary, these sunscreens cater to different needs, from natural ingredients to lightweight sprays. Whether you’re at the beach or running errands, there’s an SPF product here for you. Remember to apply sunscreen generously and reapply as needed for optimal protection. Stay sun-safe and enjoy the outdoors! ☀️🌿
Did you know? The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use!
