what is best sunblock for sundamaged/hyperpigmented skin?
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Thu Mar 29, 2007 9:08 am

I have skin that is sundamaged and had a lot of sun spots/melasma. I'm on the Obagi system and currently my skin looks really good, with most visible signs of the damage gone. But with summertime right around the corner + a beach vacation coming in June, I am wondering what is the best sunblock to use to maintain my Obagi results and prevent the hyperpigmented spots from returning? I plan on continuing Obagi as my daily skincare regime.

free skin care · Thu Mar 29, 2007 11:36 pm

Some of us with hyperpigmentation and/or freckles like to use Avene's high protection range which uses Tinosorbs. I've used it on the beach very effectively. Not quite so nice for daily use if the weather's humid because it's a bit sticky, although you can safely use MMU over the top so that dampens it down somewhat.
HTH Molly Smile

free skin care · Fri Mar 30, 2007 1:08 pm

Hi amyjas1 - I agree with Molly and I use:

Avene Emulsion SPF50+ every day I wear makeup. Between a bit of MMU and Jurlique Lavender Silk Dust, I can usually effectively deal with any shine. The Emulsion is the least oily of the high SPF/PPD (Permanent Pigment Darkening value) SS Avene offers. For dryer skin, the Avene Creme SPF50+ is nice (I use this in winter).

Bioderma Photoderm MAX Fluide SPF50+. This contains avobenzone which is a great but very unstable filter, and many makeup ingredients can cause it to degrade quickly from what I understand. It's less oily than the Avene Emulsion and I like it a lot and use it when I don't wear makeup. The Photoderm MAX Creme SPF50+ is good for dryer skin.

Avene Lait SPF50+ for Face and Body is nearly marine-grade. This is thicker and too heavy for my face when wearing makeup, but if I were planning time at the beach, I'd definitely use it in any case! It looks whiter on my pale skin because of its thick consistency, but then it's also less likely to come off when perspiring in hot weather.

La Roche Posay Anthelios Fluide Extreme SPF50+ is good. It's a runnier formula but if you're sensitive, the alcohol in it could cause some burning/stinging. Very good SS though when not wearing makeup.

I'm not aware of any SS that offer the level of photo-protection of these. If there are any in existence, maybe some other forum members will chime in. I'm always on the lookout for high SPRF/PPD SS, fanatic that I am.

Good luck! I hope you can maintain the progress you've achieved with Obagi!!!

Fri Mar 30, 2007 1:28 pm

Thanks Molly and M.April!! Very helpful info!

free skin care · Fri Mar 30, 2007 5:39 pm

m.april wrote:

Hi amyjas1 - I agree with Molly and I use:

Avene Emulsion SPF50+ every day I wear makeup. Between a bit of MMU and Jurlique Lavender Silk Dust, I can usually effectively deal with any shine. The Emulsion is the least oily of the high SPF/PPD (Permanent Pigment Darkening value) SS Avene offers. For dryer skin, the Avene Creme SPF50+ is nice (I use this in winter).

Bioderma Photoderm MAX Fluide SPF50+. This contains avobenzone which is a great but very unstable filter, and many makeup ingredients can cause it to degrade quickly from what I understand. It's less oily than the Avene Emulsion and I like it a lot and use it when I don't wear makeup. The Photoderm MAX Creme SPF50+ is good for dryer skin.

Avene Lait SPF50+ for Face and Body is nearly marine-grade. This is thicker and too heavy for my face when wearing makeup, but if I were planning time at the beach, I'd definitely use it in any case! It looks whiter on my pale skin because of its thick consistency, but then it's also less likely to come off when perspiring in hot weather.

La Roche Posay Anthelios Fluide Extreme SPF50+ is good. It's a runnier formula but if you're sensitive, the alcohol in it could cause some burning/stinging. Very good SS though when not wearing makeup.

I'm not aware of any SS that offer the level of photo-protection of these. If there are any in existence, maybe some other forum members will chime in. I'm always on the lookout for high SPRF/PPD SS, fanatic that I am.

Good luck! I hope you can maintain the progress you've achieved with Obagi!!!

Thanks, m.april. You made it so easy to understand.

I am using a sample of Bioderma right now. I don't think I like it because it balls up too much and because it's tinted, I often missed a spot or two, and some parts on my face will be too orange.

free skin care · Fri Mar 30, 2007 5:45 pm

bkkgirl wrote:

I am using a sample of Bioderma right now. I don't think I like it because it balls up too much and because it's tinted, I often missed a spot or two, and some parts on my face will be too orange.

Bioderma comes in a non-tinted version so there's no problem with pumpkin face. also, when using the heavy-duty euro sunscreens, it's important to let them set for at least ten minutes before you apply your makeup. then they wont ball at all.

free skin care · Fri Mar 30, 2007 11:18 pm

I think Bioderma is in the process of changing their range.

I noticed Skincarecentral doesn't carry the uncoloured MAX nor the Fluide anymore and Tubotica has 'while stocks last' beside them.

I wonder what they'll come up with next - could be interesting.

free skin care · Sat Mar 31, 2007 1:10 am

Hi not sure if you can buy these products out of nz. But we have the highest rate of skin cancer in the world due to the ozone layer hole over nz and australia.
We use sunsense spf 15 or 30. these products wont block your pores, does not leave your skin shiny, and be used if you have acne.

Or cancer society range is good.

free skin care · Sat Mar 31, 2007 4:25 am

Molly wrote:

I think Bioderma is in the process of changing their range.

I noticed Skincarecentral doesn't carry the uncoloured MAX nor the Fluide anymore and Tubotica has 'while stocks last' beside them.

I wonder what they'll come up with next - could be interesting.

how strange! i thought they already changed it this year.... oh well, i'll keep an eye out. they always have big displays on the new formulations when they come out.

i'll let you know if i see anything if you're interested.

in the meanwhile, i'm searching for something in a compact i can carry in my purse for my stupid days. i.e., i came out of physio the other day and it was so gorgeous i called my BF to meet me for lunch to celebrate the sun. unfortunately, we really did get a table smack dab in the sun. i was wearing full sunscreen and all, but no hat. burned my poor little nose to a crisp.... any suggestions?

free skin care · Sat Mar 31, 2007 5:07 am

Molly wrote:

I think Bioderma is in the process of changing their range.

I noticed Skincarecentral doesn't carry the uncoloured MAX nor the Fluide anymore and Tubotica has 'while stocks last' beside them.

I wonder what they'll come up with next - could be interesting.

I wonder why they are reformulating? I want something with a lighter tint so i can wear it with no makeup.

Their tinted one is way too dark Confused

which was a shame as i quite liked the cream.

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