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Sunrise. Sunscreen. Sunset. Repeat. 

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Have you ever looked in the mirror after a day out in the sun and thought to yourself, "Wow, I look like an oil slick. How can this be?" You are not alone! We've all experienced days when our skin feels greasy despite the fact that it's technically dry. One of my favorite products for helping with this issue is the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sunscreen SPF 50+. This sunscreen has been around for years, but it remains one of our top picks thanks to its powerful formula and high SPF rating.

In this review,  I will talk about what makes this product special and why I love it so much. By the time you're done reading this article, you'll know everything there is to know about La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sunscreen SPF 50+ and be ready to buy some for yourself!

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My Skin: Oily, enlarged pores

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What is sunscreen/SPF/sun cream? Why should we use sunscreen? 

Including sunscreen in your daily skincare routine is one universal rule that all dermatologists agree upon.

If you are wondering whether it is necessary to have a regular SPF in the winter or if it is cloudy. The answer is always a loud and resounding 100 percent YES! There is still ultraviolet radiation from the sun around in the winter when the days are shorter (albeit less) AND up to 80% of ultraviolet light penetrates cloud cover.

There are two main reasons why sunscreen is important. Firstly, using sunscreen lowers your risk of skin cancer. Secondly, the sun's rays are responsible for approximately 80-90% of the features associated with aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, and pigmentation.

Sunscreen is your best protection against premature skin aging in a bottle. Nothing else even comes close.

When looking for a good sunscreen for your face, I suggest using a minimum of SPF 15–30 with a UVA cover (it should say on the product). Olive skin types and dark skin tones can benefit from SPF 15, while most white, Caucasian skin types need SPF 30. A higher SPF of 50 would be beneficial for people with pale, very fair skin. Many cosmetic products such as moisturizers and foundation have SPF added to them and there is often confusion about whether this is enough or an extra sunscreen should also be used. 

Our cosmetic products contain little SPF compared to sunscreen alone, so most of us do not use enough of them. In general, terms, living in the UAE as I do, using makeup with SPF is never enough. If you are living in UAE or any hot, humid country it is a must to use a  separate sunscreen after your regular moisturizer.

For many, there is still a lack of clarity on what exactly SPF and its numerical value mean.

SPF - Sun Protection Factor 

UVA  Ultraviolet A = Aging

UVB Ultraviolet B = Burn

SPF (sun protection factor) is only a measure of the effectiveness of sunscreen against UVB rays. UVB damages the outer layers of the skin, leading to sunburn. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how long you can remain in the sun without getting burned. For example, if your skin began to burn after ten minutes in the sun without protection, you could theoretically stay outside for 200 minutes by using an SPF 20 (i.e. twenty times the original duration). Many people don't apply enough sunscreen to protect their skin, and other factors like distance from the equator and altitude, as well as the time of year, also play an essential role.

Considering all that, an SPF 30 won't offer twice the protection of an SPF 15. Similarly, a factor of 20 is not twice as good as a factor of 10. SPF 15 blocks approximately 93 percent of UVB, SPF 30 blocks 97 percent, and SPF 50 blocks 98 percent. As you can see, there isn't much of a difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50. There is no sunscreen that provides 100%t sun protection.

UVA rays penetrate the skin deeper than UVB and are traditionally associated with the aging of the skin. Most modern sunscreens are broad-spectrum, which means they protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

The best sunscreen for your skin is largely a matter of personal preference. Different types of sunscreen are available but the key is to choose a formulation you feel happy with. Sunscreens with a matte finish and light gel or fluid textures are best for oily skin, while rich creams and balms are best for dry skin. Sunscreens with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide may be better for sensitive skin than those with chemical filters.

Sunscreen often includes a moisturizing base, and those with oily skin may not need to layer a moisturizer and sunscreen; the sunscreen alone may suffice. Sunscreen is the last skincare product applied before makeup. You should use about half a teaspoon of product on your face and neck. 

Allow 3-5 minutes for this to dry before applying the foundation.

About La Roche-Posay brand

It was discovered centuries ago in the French town of La Roche-Posay and has been recognized by the scientific community for its skin care properties due to its high concentration of Selenium, a rare antioxidant with powerful antioxidant properties.

This French drugstore brand is recommended by 90,000 dermatologists around the world as the best for sensitive skin. When we speak with dermatologists about the best skin-care products on the market, one brand comes up time and time again: La Roche-Posay.

About La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Cream SPF 50+

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Cream SPF 50+ provides broad spectrum protection against the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays. It is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, oil-free and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It offers a light texture that is easy to apply and helps to keep makeup looking fresh.

The formula is designed to have a dry touch finish and mattifying effect while also protecting your skin from harmful sun rays.It is designed for people who have sensitive skin. And it contains antioxidants!

The product has been dermatologically tested. It is paraben-free and has a high SPF formula that can help prevent premature signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.

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Packaging

The product is packaged in a white and orange plastic tube with a pump and a clear cap. The packaging is very simple, easy to use, and travel-friendly. It contains 50ml of the actual product. Made in France.

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Price

Retails AED 139 ($37.85) in UAE. There are a lot of places online and offline where you can buy this sunscreen. It is available at most pharmacies, carrefour, noon.com, and amazon.ae.  It’s also available on the official website of Roche-Posay www.laroche-posay.me

Active Ingredients 

Exceptionally high, broad photostable UVA/UVB/Infrared protection. Optimal SPF 50+ protection against UVA rays (stricter than the European recommendation) thanks to the patented filtering system Mexoplex® in conjunction with La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water. Enriched with Airlicium, a cutting-edge ingredient used by NASA that forms a supple and resistant film over the skin, smoothing its surface while allowing it to breathe. Airlicium absorbs three times its weight in oil, leaving the skin matte and unified with a velvet finish.

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When to apply this sunscreen?

To ensure you get maximum protection from this sunscreen, it should be applied 15-30 minutes before sun exposure. This will ensure that the product is absorbed into your skin and give you ample time to apply it evenly without missing any areas. It's also important to reapply after swimming or excessive sweating (at least every 2 hours). If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer first before applying Anthelios 50+ to help lock in moisture.

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My Experience with La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Cream SPF 50+

I have been using and repurchasing this sunscreen for the past 5-6 months and I find it very effective. First of all, I like that it has a dry touch finish. It also has a mattifying effect which ideal for my oily skin and to wear under my makeup too! Additionally, it doesn't leave any white cast on my skin even if I apply two layers. 

The cream has a white, creamy consistency that feels lightweight and smooth on my skin. It spreads easily and dries to a matte finish in seconds. I found it absorbed into my skin fairly quickly without leaving any greasy residue behind. I also liked the fact that this sunscreen didn’t feel heavy or sticky on my skin. 

I was impressed with how non-greasy it felt on my face. It felt like there was nothing there except for some moisture — which is exactly what I want in a sunscreen!

In terms of packaging, I like how easy it is to apply with just one pump without making a mess everywhere in my handbag. It is also reasonably priced. 

In summary, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Cream SPF 50+ is a good sunscreen that fits into my routine.

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Bonus:  Sunscreen Top Tips

• Using sunscreen every day can help protect against skin cancer and premature skin aging.

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers UVA and UVB protection. SPF 15-30 sunscreen is recommended.

• Oily skin types should use mattifying gels or fluid textures, while dry skin types should use rich creams and balms. 

• When possible, wear a separate sunscreen rather than cosmetic products that already contain SPF.

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