Five sunscreens that don't break out my sensitive combination skin
I was never really particular with my skincare because I grew up with normal, low-maintenance skin. That is, until I hit my late 20s and noticed a huge change brought about by an internal imbalance, and made worse by a change in environment! I woke up one day to sensitive, combination skin - just like that. It became so easily irritated that I had to go through trial and error with ingredients for about year before I got know this whole new me.
Sunscreens were part of the trickiest products in my routine. I don’t leave home or get too close to the window without it, but the ones I had were giving my skin grief. So, allow me to share what worked for me these past few years and were gentle enough for my finicky skin type!
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF50+ Pa++++ (P1,990/60ml from Lazada)
This was gifted to me by one of my closest Japanese friends and it has easily become my favorite. True to its name, it has a milky texture, making it easy to apply and quick to absorb. It’s also waterproof which makes it perfect for living in the tropics.
Shiseido, the brand behind Anessa, even claims that their sunscreen gets stronger as you are exposed to heat and as you sweat. This is also easily removed after a long day just by using mild soap or your cleanser. I’ve never had any problems with this sunscreen and that small bottle actually packs a lot of product.
Makeup sits well on top of this and the best thing about it is that it’s allergy tested and colorant free. The scent is mild and non-irritating as well.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Invisible Fresh Mist SPF50
I love this product because it makes reapplication so easy throughout the day. It comes in spray form and produces a light mist to go over your face without ruining your makeup and leaving no white cast. It leaves you with a matte finish as well so it’s great for refreshing your look throughout the day when it’s just too hot and humid.
I prefer cream or gel sunscreens under my makeup as they make for a better base than something that dries matte. So this is something that I always keep in my bag for a retouch session or a quick, sun protection top-up.
CosRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 (P690 from Skincarecurator.com)
This was what I was using before I became obsessed with Anessa and it also worked really well. It’s at a lower price point as well so if you’re trying to save some coin, this can be a great option. I also loved the soothing properties of this sunscreen especially when I have an existing pimple. It tones down redness and has a really mild scent.
SUPERGOOP! Matte Screen 100% Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 (P2,400 from Sephora.ph)
Not a big fan of its texture as it feels a little bit like silicone. But this did the job well without breaking me out. It also kept my t-zone matte the whole day even during a heatwave in Europe.
I would recommend this to people who are more concerned about their skin’s oil production. If you’re a fan of silicone primers and need a more evened out skin texture, this can also be for you. Will I still use it? Yes, but only on really warm and humid days for me.
BIORE UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++ (P489 from Watsons)
This one is another favorite that comes at a great price point. It’s water based which makes it non-irritating for me and it cools down the skin. This goes on evenly and leaves it really smooth and refreshed.
You know how people say they start sweating in the summer right after they get out of the shower because of the intense humidity? I apply this and my face is safe from that. No white cast so this is something I’ve been recommending to mestiza and morena friends alike. It also has hyaluronic acid to help keep the skin looking plump and hydrated.
Remember: don’t skip the sunscreen just because you think it’s breaking you out. You might avoid a pimple or two but your skin will age faster and show signs of sun damage if you keep going without it. Just get out there and look for a better product that your skin will love. Oh, and don’t forget to apply some on your neck!
