Summer is back, and so is the sun and its UV rays! It's very important to protect your skin, but choosing a sunscreen can seem complex when faced with the wide range of choices that are available to us.
So, how do you determine what type of sunblock you need: mineral or chemical? The main difference is that mineral sunscreens use physical UV filters made from minerals (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, etc.), while chemical sunscreens use chemical UV filters (oxybenzone, octinoxate, etc.). It's simply a matter of choosing the type of sun protection best suited to your skin and your needs in order to be adequately protected.
Here are our 8 favourite sunscreens to enjoy the summer.
For Daily Use: Avène Aqua-Fluid Sun Protection SPF 50+
New Aqua-Fluid Sun Protection SPF 50+ makes its debut in the iconic Avène sunscreen line! The unique properties of this sunscreen, which features a proprietary filtering system made of only four sun blocks, provide broad spectrum UVB-UVA protection. In addition, its formula helps prevent the appearance of brown spots on the skin, and prevents skin aging, all while providing an invisible, lightweight finish. No wonder it's so popular! Aqua-Fluid is also photostable, which means it retains its protective effect despite direct exposure to sunlight. Perfect for basking under the summer sky! Thanks to its ultra-light texture, this fragrance-free sunscreen can be used under makeup for effective protection. This product is perfect for sensitive skin thanks to the soothing effect of Avène thermal spring water, and is also ideal for daily use. Enjoy the warm weather!
Skin type: sensitive, reactive, intolerant
To Enhance and Perfect the Complexion: Bioderma Photoderm Cover Touch
Specially formulated for combination to oily skin, Bioderma offers a high-coverage mineral sunscreen with a bare-skin effect that evens out, corrects, beautifies, and enhances the complexion. Its light texture allows for a smooth application, while the mineral pigments and powdery finish blend perfectly with your skin tone, mattifying it for 8 hours. What could be better than having a healthy glow while being fully protected from the sun? This tinted sunscreen features an innovative formula of 100% mineral filters for effective protection against UVA/UVB rays and visible light. With a unique combination of ingredients that stimulate the skin's natural defences, Bioderma Photoderm Cover Touch protects from the sun without clogging pores, and helps reduce blemishes, while regulating sebum production and respecting your skin's specific needs. It's the perfect product to add to your daily beauty routine for the summer, but also all year round!
Skin types: combination, oily, acne-prone
For the Whole Family: Biomedic Sunscreen SPF 50 1 litre Family Size
Here's an option that parents will love! Recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association, Biomedic sunscreen is suitable for babies as young as 6 months, children, and adults. It contains no parabens or oxybenzone and is water-resistant for more than an hour per application. This means you can go swimming knowing that even underwater, every member of your household is well protected from the sun. What's more, it comes in a 1-litre bottle, which is a great economical solution for families who have to slather every kiddo with sunscreen several times a day, all summer long! Plus, the pump makes it easier to apply. Also available in a 240-ml bottle so you can carry it around with you. It's a winning sunscreen all around!
Skin type: normal, baby 6 months and older
For a mineral option: Coppertone Sport Face Mineral Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50
Get ready for sunny days with Coppertone Sport Face Mineral Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50! Designed to keep up with your active lifestyle, it's sweat and water resistant for up to 80 minutes and won't run into your eyes. This smooth, easy-to-apply mineral sun protection is ideal for outdoor activities in the sun! Plus, it offers a non-comedogenic, oil-free formula that won't clog pores or cause breakouts. Coppertone's unscented, hypoallergenic face sunscreen is formulated with 100% naturally derived zinc oxide, contains no chemical filters such as oxybenzone or octinoxate, and is PABA, paraben, and dye free. Bring on the sun!
Skin type: sensitive
For the Face: La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra-Fluid SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen
Introducing La Roche Posay's best facial sunscreen yet! This ultra-lightweight, oil-free sunscreen lotion featuring Netlock technology provides unique protection against sun damage. Thanks to its invisible finish and non-sticky, non-greasy fluid texture that leaves no white streaks on the skin, you'll completely forget you're wearing sunscreen! So comfortable to use and suitable for all skin types, it's easy to see why this product has become a summer must. Enjoy broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection that's ultra-resistant, safe, and that won't run into your eyes, in addition to being water and sweat resistant for almost an hour and a half. You can go from pool to home, go about your summery business, or enjoy your vacation in the sun without having to apply sunblock over and over again! This La Roche Posay product is also committed to respecting marine life so you can swim in the ocean with peace of mind. What more could you ask for?
Skin type: sensitive, all skin types
For Versatile Protection: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen SPF 60
Here's a face sunscreen that has more than one trick up its sleeve! It's lightweight, non-comedogenic, absorbs quickly, and provides a non-greasy finish for a perfect application under makeup. Offering undetectable protection all day long, this suncare product is water and sweat resistant for over an hour. Plus, it's oxybenzone-free with a photostable broad-spectrum UVA/UVB formulation. This versatile, effective, and easy-to-wear sunscreen is sure to find a special place in your medicine cabinet! When used as directed with other protective measures (like a nice hat), this Neutrogena sunscreen helps prevent the signs of premature aging caused by the sun's harmful rays. Summer, here we come!
Skin type: normal, oily
For an All-in-One Solution: Ombrelle Complete Care Lightweight Lotion for Body and Face SPF 60
Looking for sun protection for both face and body? This Ombrelle sunscreen does it all! Hypoallergenic and fast-absorbing, this lotion from Ombrelle offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Its fragrance-free, dye-free, lightweight formula makes it a great choice for sensitive skin. It's also water and sweat resistant for up to an hour and a half, so you can enjoy all your outdoor activities. This complete sunscreen is perfect for "on the go" applications, or if you only want to use one sunblock for your face and body. Take it to the beach, on a picnic, or leave it in your bag to have on hand when the sun comes out!
Skin type: normal, sensitive
For Sporty People: Vichy Idéal Soleil Sport Ultra-light Refreshing Lotion SPF 60
Vichy's popular sunscreen is ready for all your summer endeavours! This Ultra-Lightweight Refreshing Lotion from Vichy is designed for an active lifestyle and provides long-lasting shine control. Whether you like to spend your days at the beach, on your surfboard, or floating in the pool, this sport sunscreen can be applied to both face and body. We love its Wet Skin technology that lets you apply it to wet or dry skin. Get out of the water, reapply, and dive right back in; it offers 80 minutes of protection against water and perspiration. With high UVA/UVB sun protection, this product is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is recommended by dermatologists. Everyone to the water!
Skin type: sensitive, all skin types
With so many suncare products to choose from, there's no excuse for venturing out into the sun without putting sunscreen on from head to toe!