Skin care question

[Anonymous]

I read a lot on here about using more expensive moisturizers/eye creams, and that you get what you pay for. So my question- I am using RetinA (prescription strength) nightly (which insurance doesn't cover so it is expensive), and drugstore brand moisturizer with sunscreen during the day. I could probably suck it up and get a more expensive moisturizer, but I'm thinking that the RetinA is so powerful that it doesn't really matter. So how is my line of thinking here? I'm late 30's if that makes a difference.

[Anonymous]

You should spend your money on the best broad-spectrum sunblock out there, especially if you are using REtin-A. No sunblock will undo all the good that's been done. Sunblock in a moisturizer is not enough and won't give you enough protection. Anthelios XL is considered the gold standard.

[Anonymous]

OP here- good point, and I should have mentioned that I do when I am going to be outside. The moisturizer with sunscreen is for winter weekdays, when I am at work and see about 2 minutes of sun/day. I am VERY fair, so I've been a slave to sunblock all my life. I've been using the terms sunscreen/sunblock interchangeably, although I suppose I should be more specific.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anthelios XL is considered the gold standard.

There are others that give protection comparable to La Roche Posay Anthelios. Many are available only from Europe or via online merchants; these are brands such as Avene, Bioderma, Galenic. And honestly, for a good balance of wearability plus UVA / UVB protection plus staying power, I love Shiseido 55 lotion, which you can easily find at a department store or Sephora.

The Shiseido 55 blocks 88% of UVA rays, whereas the Anthelios XL 50 blocks 96-97% of UVA rays. As far as I'm concerned, they're comparable.

[Anonymous]

Good point, pp. That's why I recommended the Anthelios XL rather than their other formulations (SM, etc.) which are not as effective. Europe offers a much better sunblock than found in the US which is also more stable and doesn't break down. I used to stock up on it when in France but you can now find this particular sunblock online.

I can't emphasize how important it is to wear it even when driving. UVA ("ageing") rays go through car windows. Believe it or not, if you don't wear sunblock when driving, the left side of your face starts to look older!

I also use sunblock on my hands to avoid the dreaded age spots.

[Anonymous]

21:46 here. I'm curious, fellow fan of Euro sunscreens, whether you wear the Anthelios in the summer? I have a tough time wearing any of the Euros during the sweatiest, hottest times of year as they just run off my face. With the possible exception of the Dermo-Peds 50 formulation (which is still pretty heavy and sticky). That's why I like the Shiseido - at least it stays on. If you can keep the Anthelios from sweating off as soon as you go outside in August, I have to say, I'm jealous!

[Anonymous]

Anthelios comes in different formulas depending upon your skin type. I wear the one for oily skin. Have never had an issue with it - or any other sunblock - from running.

It goes on top of all your other skincare and under your makeup. You should let it sit and absorb for at least 5 minutes before applying makeup. Unless you are exercising (or putting on too much), it shouldn't run off the face.

[Anonymous]

Can anyone recommend a great facial mosturizer and sunscreen that would not exacerbate acne-prone skin and is paraben-free? Do any of the brands mentioned meet these two criterion? Oh, and does not appear white when applied to the skin? Thanks for any advice!

[Anonymous]

Sunblock should not appear white on the skin. If it does, you haven't given it enough time to sink in or you've applied too much.

PP, you might try looking at Chamonix or any oil-free products.