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How to choose the right sunscreen for you and manage blemishes

If you have blemish-prone skin, you may feel as though keeping outbreaks at bay has to come before every other concern – including protecting your skin from the sun. But what if we told you that you don’t have to choose one or the other?

In fact, broad-spectrum sunscreen can actually protect your skin from the free radical damage that can lead to many skin concerns such as clogged pores and premature ageing. Here we reveal what to look out for when choosing the right sunscreen for you and highlight the best SkinCeuticals sunscreens for blemish-prone and ageing skin.

Prepare the skin with an antioxidant

Dr. Jonquille Chantrey advises preparing blemish-prone skin with a protective antioxidant to ensure that congestion doesn’t occur when applying sunscreen. “If blemishes are your primary concern, ensure the skin is well cleansed before application. Then start with the correct antioxidant such as SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF and follow with Blemish and Age Defense and then an SPF such as Mineral Matte UV Defense SPF 30. This will help to mattify and absorb excess oil”.

Finding the right sunscreen formula

When shopping for a sunscreen, there are a few things to look out for. The first is the term ‘broad-spectrum,’ which indicates that the formula protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, along with terms such as non-comedogenic (that mean it won’t block the pores) and an appropriate SPF for your skin type.

Finally, check the ingredients label for skin-boosting ingredients suited to your skin type, such as the hydrator hyaluronic acid or Tranexamic Acid. SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 30, for example, is suitable for oily and combination skin types (making it ideal for those prone to blemishes) but contains 1% Tranexamic Acid and 2% Niacinamide to target discolouration, even the skin tone and increases the skin’s ability to stay hydrated.

Protect the skin from environmental aggressors

While you may not connect the two, environmental aggressors such as pollution and UV rays, and the free radical damage they produce, can actually be a cause of congestion and outbreaks. This is why it’s important to apply a layer of sunscreen such as SkinCeuticals Brightening UV Defense SPF30, to your face and neck each morning. This formula for example, protects the skin from the environmental damage while preventing sun-induced discolouration with a HyperBright Complex. Its lightweight texture also works well under makeup.

Keep shine at bay

Sunscreen has a bad reputation for leaving the skin greasy and shiny, but with the right formula this doesn’t have to be the case. If shine is a concern for you, look for mineral sunscreen formulas that have mattifying finishes that won’t slide off your face such as SkinCeuticals Mineral Matte UV Defense SPF 30. While providing broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, its lightweight formula also minimises the appearance of sweat and shine while maintaining a matte finish – even in hot, humid conditions.

Not sure where to start? Take a read of our simple guide of best-selling SkinCeuticals sunscreens to find the right formula for you.

Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 50

Skin type: All skin types
Concern: Sun-induced discolouration and premature ageing
Texture: Lightweight

If you’re looking for a sunscreen that provides exceptionally high protection yet feels ultra-light on the skin, Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 50 is a great choice. It’s also designed for those who want to help protect their skin from UV-induced discolouration with a dual-action formula that’s enriched with 1% Tranexamic Acid and 2% Niacinamide. With regular use, premature ageing and sun-induced discolouration is prevented and the appearance of skin tone and complexion is improved. Use it alongside your favourite anti-oxidant serum for enhanced environmental protection.

Ultra Facial UV Defense SPF 50

Skin type: All skin types
Concern: Ageing and discolouration
Texture: Lightweight, moisturising

Suited to a range of skin types, Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50 is the perfect all-rounder product. Formulated with state-of-the-art UV filters, it provides very high SPF 50 protection that helps to prevent premature ageing, UV-induced collagen breakdown and UV-induced dark spots. Its lightweight texture also has moisturising properties which makes it suitable for even dry and sensitive skin types.

Mineral Matte UV Defense SPF 30

Skin type: Normal, oily, combination
Concern: Ageing, discolouration and blemishes
Texture: Matte

Mineral Matte UV Defense SPF 30 is a sunscreen for oily and combination skin types that are concerned about congestion and blemishes. Not only does this high-protection formula protect the skin from UV-induced ageing and discolouration, but its matte texture also minimises the appearance of sweat and shine. Apply it alongside your usual antioxidant serum to create a protective matte base that can sustain even hot, humid conditions.

Shop SkinCeuticals range of broad-spectrum sunscreens

Featured Product

Silymarin CF Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum

AWARD WINNER

Silymarin CF Serum For Blemish Prone Skin

Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum For Normal & Oily Skin Types

One size

30ml

Old price New price £169.00

(£5,633.33/L.)

Double Defence Silymarin CF Kit for Oily and Blemish-Prone Skin

Double Defence Silymarin CF Kit for Oily and Blemish-Prone Skin

Antioxidant double defence kit containing a powerful antioxidant vitamin C serum and a facial SPF cream to prevent radical damage and protect against UVA and UVB radiation for oily and blemish-prone skin.

Old price New price £145.00