High-quality, cosmeceutical sunscreens in Canada

Facial sunscreen is an absolute must for all of us; whether we’re aiming to prevent beauty issues, or not, the sun’s UV rays can be extremely damaging to our health. Sunscreen not only protects us from free radical damage that can eventually lead to cancer; it can also prevent wrinkles, sun spots (brown spots and freckles), melasma, rosacea outbursts and other skin problems.*

Anyone hoping to treat any of the above skin concerns will need to be diligent to wear a broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreen daily - rain, shine, indoors or outdoors. Plus, of course, it is important to wear sun protective clothing and to avoid direct sun exposure.

When undergoing cosmetic procedures, the skin becomes even more sensitive to UV light. This makes sunscreen part of the prep and healing regiment, for sure.

While there are many sunscreens available on the market today, they are not all made equal - even if they boast SPF 50, UVA/UVB protection.

Most of the differentiation between low quality and high quality sunscreen comes down to how they feel and act on the skin. For example, does a given sunscreen leave a white cast? Does it feel sticky? Does it spread and sink into the skin easily? Does it clog the pores? Does it irritate sensitive skin? Is it easy to reapply every 2 hours, as directed? Does it do anything other than block or filter UV rays?

For those reasons, and more, cosmeceutical sunscreens can be a popular choice. They are generally made to feel lightweight, moisturizing and near-invisible on the skin. Some may offer extra moisturization for dry skin, or they can be non-comedogenic to avoid clogging pores. They may also come with additional antioxidants to protect against infrared rays and environmental pollutants, which can also damage the skin.

If you want to be sure you’re choosing a quality sunscreen that’s right for you, learn more about this topic at the following link on our website:

• What makes a good sunscreen? Here is how to decode them all

Some general rules for picking and using a sunscreen:

• Layer and reapply! Sunscreen should go on every 2 hours, to be effective.
• A powder sunscreen can help with reapplication over makeup, but should not be your base layer.
• Use sunscreen even on cloudy days, and when indoors.
• Opt for high-SPF, broad-spectrum coverage (to protect from both UVA and UVB rays).
• SPFs can't be accumulated when layered. E.g. SPF 15 + SPF 35 does NOT equal SPF 50.
• Apply sunscreen 10 - 20 minutes before sun exposure.
• Wear sun-protective clothing with your sunscreen.
• If you have sensitive skin, opt for a mineral-based sunscreen.
• If you like sunscreen that 'sinks' into your skin, opt for a chemical-based sunscreen.

*Please consult a doctor if you are aiming to treat symptoms of redness, rosacea, melasma or darkening of the skin.