Hello guys,
Summer has come and our skin definitely needs some protection. On the blog today, I will do a review on the sunscreen that I've been using recently
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL
Spf 50+ Extreme Fluid
This product is a physical-chemical "hybrid" sunscreen as it contains both physical (Titanium Dioxide) and chemical filters. List of active ingredients is in the photo below.
Titanium Dioxide: a very common ingredient used in physical sunblock due to its ability to protect skin from both UVA and UVB rays while being very gentle, non-irritating, non-comedogenic and photostable.
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane or Avobenzone: is also one of the most widely used chemical filters in sunscreen that can absorbs both UVA and UVB rays, however is not photostable
Octocrylene: a UVB filter ingredient, also helps stabilise Avobenzone. However it can be an allergen.
Bemotrizinol or Tinosorb S: broad spectrum UV absorber, photostable and "pretty" safe, considered it is approved in Australia and Europe (but not in the US)
Ecamsule or Mexoryl SX and Drometrizole trisiloxane or Mexoryl XL are two chemical UV filters patented by L'Oréal. When combined, they can block broad spectrum UVA and UVB effectively and are relatively safe.
In terms of the packaging, the bottle is very flat and compact, good to pop in handbag for on-the-go touch-ups. The small nozzle makes it easier to control the amount needed for each application, as the product is very very runny and chances are you will pour more than you need. This sunscreen is very mildly scented and it will quickly disappear once put on the face.
This sunscreen leaves a white, but not too white, cast on my skin, and definitely not an ideal choice if you don't want to wear some foundation/tinted moisturiser on top. I always have to use a foundation darker than my true skin tone (e.g: Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in shade 53) to neutralise the colour difference. See photos below (sorry for the lighting)
What I love about this product:
- As long as I apply thin layer by layer, it goes on my skin smoothly and sinks in pretty fast, leaving a glow/dewy finish so skin looks very healthy.
- Has broad spectrum, very high SPF
- It doesn't break me out
What I hate:
- It doesn't dry down completely, a bit sticky actually and may be uncomfortable if wearing too much in the summer (not so lightweight)
- It is not flattering if skin is not well cared for, as it can highlight flakes and dry patches.
A 50ml bottle retails for about $27.50, but you can occasionally get it for 20-30% discount at Priceline or other chemists. This is not my "holy grail" sunscreen, but so far it is quite effective and gentle on my sensitive acne-prone skin, and I will buy it again.
Sources:
http://www.paulaschoice.com.au/ingredient-dictionary/sunscreen-actives/octocrylene.html
http://www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary/sunscreen-actives/titanium-dioxide.html
https://www.choice.com.au/health-and-body/beauty-and-personal-care/skin-care-and-cosmetics/buying-guides/sunscreen
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