Did you know there is a difference between a Chemical Sunscreen and a Physical Sunscreen? Why should you spend the extra money on a Derm/Cosmetic brand sunscreen over the store brand? Do sunscreens expire? Click read more to see answers and info on sunscreen and also some mini reviews on some of my personal favs!!
History/Fact Lesson
I am a little bit of a nerd and I like to learn about the backstory of products and why we are even using them. I figure we should know why we are slapping this stuff on our bodies right?!
- The first sunscreen was made by a guy named Franz Greiter in 1946 and it was called "Gletscher Creme"
- This "Gletscher Creme" is believed to have had an SPF of 2
- Most people think that the SPF # is an actual indication of the coverage. An SPF of 2 is actually equal to a UVB protection of 50%!
- Once you get up past SPF 50, you really won't see much difference in the coverage percentage (i.e. 99.2%, 99.25% etc...). Hence why most brands are not allowed to have the SPF 100+ sunscreens anymore, because they leave the customers with a false sense of coverage
- SPF is only indicative of the protection against UVB rays. Only recently has their been a surge in Broad Spectrum (UVA+UVB) products on the market. Did you know that in Canada up until recently, companies could claim that they are UVA+UVB protection, and they didn't have to prove that they actually had UVA protection!
- You will start to see on Products a new label to indicate they passed the UVA requirements testing. It will be UVA with a circle around it.
- UVB accounts for 5% of rays from the sun, while UVA counts for 95%!
- UVA can travel through windows, and also through clouds. So even on a cloudy/winter day, you need sunscreen to protect against cancer.
- Sunscreens DO expire so be sure to check the box of a package before buying, and re-visit your collection/stash often to ensure they are all in date. I took a couple photos to show you areas where the date may be shown. You can clearly see that my ROC spray is out of date (oops!), so I will be tossing it after this post. I just wanted to show you guys the mist and talk about my experience with it.
 At the bottom of the can |  On the seam on the top of the bottle |
Physical vs. Chemical
This has become a very controversial topic over the years. I will just explain the basics of the two.
| Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens  | Chemical (Organic) Sunscreens  |
|
|
*Please Remember* Both of these types of sunscreens need to be re-applied after you get wet or at least every 2 hours!
Now onto pretty pictures & reviews!
1. Vichy - Capital Soleil SPF 45 Sheer Lotion
 |  |
Cost: $29.95CND
Where to buy: Shoppers Drug Mart & Rexall Locations
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical
This is my favourite type of sunscreen for body application. It has a lightweight feeling, but still moisturizes. It doesn't leave a greasy film to the skin, or feels like my skin can't breathe. It contains Mexoryl XL & SX, this is patented to L'Oreal/Vichy brand sunscreens. It basically means that it can stabilize multiple chemicals inside, for a full broad spectrum coverage.
Where to buy: Shoppers Drug Mart & Rexall Locations
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical
This is my favourite type of sunscreen for body application. It has a lightweight feeling, but still moisturizes. It doesn't leave a greasy film to the skin, or feels like my skin can't breathe. It contains Mexoryl XL & SX, this is patented to L'Oreal/Vichy brand sunscreens. It basically means that it can stabilize multiple chemicals inside, for a full broad spectrum coverage.
2. Vichy- Capital Soleil SPF 50 Ultra-Light Lotion *
 |  |
Cost: $26CND
Where to Buy: Shoppers Drug Mart & Rexall Locations
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical
This is a kind that one Beauty Expert from Shoppers refers to as the "shaka, shaka" kind :P. That is because you have to shake this product up before using it. It comes out in a very watery texture, it is super lightweight and works great under or over your moisturizer. It contains the same Mexoryl technology as all other Vichy suncare products.
Where to Buy: Shoppers Drug Mart & Rexall Locations
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical
This is a kind that one Beauty Expert from Shoppers refers to as the "shaka, shaka" kind :P. That is because you have to shake this product up before using it. It comes out in a very watery texture, it is super lightweight and works great under or over your moisturizer. It contains the same Mexoryl technology as all other Vichy suncare products.
3. CoverFX - SPF 30 Protection Primer *
 |  |
Cost: $38CND
Where to buy: coverfx.com, Most Shoppers Drug Mart locations & Select Sephora locations
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical
This is a very different type of sunscreen. It contains multiple types of hydrators such as hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants to protect against free radical damage. It also contains some of the most powerful broad spectrum protection on the market, with stabilizing ingredients. "And there's more!" (I feel like this is an infomercial, but this product has so much good stuff inside), it feels like a lightweight primer that helps to blur pores and imperfections. I mean can it get any better? It kind of smells good too, so there is that. Basically if you need a facial sunscreen, for basic daily use...this is your go to!
Where to buy: coverfx.com, Most Shoppers Drug Mart locations & Select Sephora locations
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical
This is a very different type of sunscreen. It contains multiple types of hydrators such as hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants to protect against free radical damage. It also contains some of the most powerful broad spectrum protection on the market, with stabilizing ingredients. "And there's more!" (I feel like this is an infomercial, but this product has so much good stuff inside), it feels like a lightweight primer that helps to blur pores and imperfections. I mean can it get any better? It kind of smells good too, so there is that. Basically if you need a facial sunscreen, for basic daily use...this is your go to!
4. Bioderma - Photoderm SPF 60 Milk *
 |  |
Cost: $27.95CND
Where to Buy: Shoppers Drug Mart & Rexall Locations
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical (I actually think all of mine are chemical...oops!)
Now I adore 90% of the products from Bioderma...this is something I won't repurchase though. I don't love the texture. You need to make sure you shake it up first. I mean it's not a total loss or anything, I just prefer the texture of an SPF 60 from Vichy. However for a very oily skin, you might like the milky texture, I just like my stuff to have a little more substance :)
Where to Buy: Shoppers Drug Mart & Rexall Locations
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical (I actually think all of mine are chemical...oops!)
Now I adore 90% of the products from Bioderma...this is something I won't repurchase though. I don't love the texture. You need to make sure you shake it up first. I mean it's not a total loss or anything, I just prefer the texture of an SPF 60 from Vichy. However for a very oily skin, you might like the milky texture, I just like my stuff to have a little more substance :)
5. Avene - High Protection Emulsion SPF 40 *
 |  |
Cost: $24CND
Where to Buy: Shoppers Drug Mart & Rexall Locations
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical
Okay so say it's winter, and you still need a sunscreen but you want some moisture. Ta-Da, Avene is for you. I would say that this is for the super dry skin user, that wants the luxury thicker texture for their face. It contains Tinosorb, which kind of seems like the same idea as the Mexoryl from Vichy. I will say that it has less of the "sunscreen" smell, compared to Vichy though. Am I odd for liking that smell? It makes me think of summer, and how much my ginger arse is going to burn! :P
Where to Buy: Shoppers Drug Mart & Rexall Locations
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical
Okay so say it's winter, and you still need a sunscreen but you want some moisture. Ta-Da, Avene is for you. I would say that this is for the super dry skin user, that wants the luxury thicker texture for their face. It contains Tinosorb, which kind of seems like the same idea as the Mexoryl from Vichy. I will say that it has less of the "sunscreen" smell, compared to Vichy though. Am I odd for liking that smell? It makes me think of summer, and how much my ginger arse is going to burn! :P
6. ROC - Soleil Protexion+ Velvet Moisture SPF 30 *
 |  |
Cost: $23CND
Where to Buy: Shoppers Drug Mart & Rexall Locations
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical
Now I find that this has less "organic" ingredients, to me that seems like they don't have enough stuff to stabilize and also fully cover broad spectrum. I am not a scientist though, so these are just my feels. Texture wise, it is nice. It is a mix between "Shaka, Shaka" aka Vichy Ultra Lightweight and Avene. It even lists for Combo skin so I full agree with that statement. I am just a little worried on the lack of chemical ingredients, seeing as all the other brands list 4+ and this only has 2...Oh well!
Where to Buy: Shoppers Drug Mart & Rexall Locations
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical
Now I find that this has less "organic" ingredients, to me that seems like they don't have enough stuff to stabilize and also fully cover broad spectrum. I am not a scientist though, so these are just my feels. Texture wise, it is nice. It is a mix between "Shaka, Shaka" aka Vichy Ultra Lightweight and Avene. It even lists for Combo skin so I full agree with that statement. I am just a little worried on the lack of chemical ingredients, seeing as all the other brands list 4+ and this only has 2...Oh well!
7. ROC - Soleil Protexion+ Invisible Touch SPF 45 *
 |  |
Cost: $26CND
Where to Buy: Shoppers Drug Mart & Rexall Locations
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical
Now this one has the amount of chemicals that I would expect. I have used this numerous times (it is clearly now expired which means I need a new spray one...I'm thinking the new Vichy perhaps?). It has a great light texture, and truly is invisible. As you can see by my sweet action shot, it sprays a very fine mist. Now the only down side to any "spray sun protection", is the consumer thinking a little spritz will do the trick...no. You need to fully cover your body and hold the spray in areas for longer than 1 second. I did try a "Life brand" version of this, and it smelt so bad of alcohol, I threw it away. So I really do think investing in a good one of these is important.
Where to Buy: Shoppers Drug Mart & Rexall Locations
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical
Now this one has the amount of chemicals that I would expect. I have used this numerous times (it is clearly now expired which means I need a new spray one...I'm thinking the new Vichy perhaps?). It has a great light texture, and truly is invisible. As you can see by my sweet action shot, it sprays a very fine mist. Now the only down side to any "spray sun protection", is the consumer thinking a little spritz will do the trick...no. You need to fully cover your body and hold the spray in areas for longer than 1 second. I did try a "Life brand" version of this, and it smelt so bad of alcohol, I threw it away. So I really do think investing in a good one of these is important.
Final Thoughts
So first off...I CLEARLY own too much sunscreen and they all seem to be chemical :\ #lifeofaginger.
Anyways, my favourites are CoverFX & Vichy. The others are good, but I just prefer those ones. I hope that this has been insightful and that you have learned something from this, personally knowing all these things just makes me feel better about staying home all day reading/posting on social media...
Anything that I missed? What is your favourite sunscreen? Leave a comment below!
Until next time,
amye89 xoxo
Anyways, my favourites are CoverFX & Vichy. The others are good, but I just prefer those ones. I hope that this has been insightful and that you have learned something from this, personally knowing all these things just makes me feel better about staying home all day reading/posting on social media...
Anything that I missed? What is your favourite sunscreen? Leave a comment below!
Until next time,
amye89 xoxo
RSS Feed
