So happy the sun is finally out! But not so happy it is time to bring out the sunscreen! Just one more thing to remember, but so necessary.
As a sensitive skin Crispy Critter review I reviewed my top favorite sunscreens this week and must add my latest finds to the list! I am always testing out sunscreens for sensitive skin and this winter found two more which merit consideration particularly if you have skin which is not sun friendly.
I am adding Vanicream Sunscreen and CeraVe For Baby to my list of Top Three sunscreens and best sunscreens for light skin and sensitive skin.
Vanicream Physical Barrier 50 SPF Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
I have used the 35 Sport and 50 SPF versions of the Vanicream Sunscreen with great results. Vanicream sunscreen 50 is a physical barrier with the active ingredients:
Titanium dioxide 5%
Zinc oxide 7%
Physical barrier sunscreens literally sit on top of the skin and reflect the sun rays. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) gives Vanicream a high rating = green. Please remember the SPF number is calculated to protect against the strength of the sun’s rays versus the time exposed to sun rays.
Those with fair and light colored skin (raising my sunscreen!) can attest sun burns can happen very quickly particularly when the sun is at full strength in the middle of the day. The FDA has a thorough Do, Don’t and best practice sheet for sunscreen and sun exposure found here along with a refresher of the current FDA rules and rule changes regarding ingredients.
What I Liked About Vanicream Sunscreen
The positives outweighed the negatives with the first priority being effectiveness. The broad spectrum sunscreen for me allowed exposure to midday sun without burning and I burn very quickly. I also appreciated the Vanicream sunscreen was truly fragrance free.
Pros
- Physical barrier sunscreen
- Broad spectrum
- Fragrance Free
The other considerations were ease of use and as it is a physical barrier sunscreen, the consistency. It is preferred that while physical barrier sunscreens do sit on top of the skin, it is also preferred not to be aware the sunscreen is sitting on the skin! It is a balance.
Considerations
- Need a little muscle to rub in or may leave a slight white cast
- Slightly heavy consistency
- Price
The price of the sunscreen is a consideration; however, Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 50 is consistent with its’ competitors. Unfortunately sunscreen can be costly when used daily, but a necessity to protect your skin and health.
The Vanicream sunscreen receives high recommendations from dermatologists and reviewers. Unfortunately sunscreens are not a one tube fits all so there is definitely trial involved to find sunscreens which your skin can accept. I am happy to have chosen to test Vanicream.
How To Remove Zinc Oxide From Clothes?
Call it an unwanted yet unavoidable side effect of physical barrier sunscreens as the sunscreen will inevitably land on your clothes. Physical barrier sunscreens are by nature a thick consistency. So how do you remove the sunscreen when a blob! lands on your clothes.
Do not, I repeat, do not try to rub off or blot off the sunscreen with a a paper towel or piece of cloth. The sunscreen will only spread further creating a bigger greasy type stain! Removing zinc or titanium oxide from clothes is akin to the technique when spilling coffee grinds or beans on carpet.
Easy Way To Remove Zinc Oxide Sunscreen From Clothes
- Use a credit card and try to lift off the sunscreen from the fabric. Carefully!
- Sprinkle and cover the area liberally with baking soda or cornstarch.
- Step away from the stain!
- Wait 24 hours.
- Vacuum off the baking soda or cornstarch.
Cerave Baby Sunscreen
If you have sun sensitive skin chances are you lean toward baby products which are by nature gentler on the skin. I had heard of Cerave and Cerave Baby products, but had trouble finding the lotion on the shelves until this year.
I immediately loved the feel of Cerave Sunscreen! When you need to use as much sunscreen as I do everyday there is nothing worse than a sticky and filmy sunscreen. Add in heat and humidity which makes it
This sunscreen has a soft consistency and is light, creamy and easy to apply. I had no qualms about using Cerave Baby on my face and also loved the convenience of the stick version for travel.
CeraVe is a physical barrier product. I have probably sampled the vast majority of sunscreens on the shelves and as my skin has become increasingly sun sensitive have had to purchase more sunscreen than I ever care to.
Where To Buy Cerave Sunscreen?
Our local CVS has started carrying Cerave which makes a huge savings opportunity with coupons and your CVS card. The amount of sunscreen used daily can be significant and every little coupon helps!
It is irritating enough to be a crispy sun critter and frustrating to spend money on sunscreens that may work well for others, but does not make my skin happy!
Recommendation
As one sensitive skin crispy critter to another, I do recommend giving this product a try particularly as the product has become more widely available, offers a physical barrier versus a chemical barrier sunscreen for those seeking an all purpose sunscreen protection.
If you are seeking high SPF sunscreens I highly recommend both Cerave sunscreen and Vanicream Sunscreen.
Bill Kasman says
Living in Scotland a sunscreen hardly seems necessary. Although we do get some really hot, sunny days I venture to guess sunscreen isn’t a big seller here!
jeb says
I should be living in Scotland!
Martha DeMeo says
Sunscreen is a must, especially for children. Great review on the Vanicream.
jeb says
Thanks and I agree, especially for children!
Sandy KS says
I don’t have a favorite sunscreen.
sizzlesue15 says
Living in Australia we have to be sun smart as we have a high risk of skin cancer. Thank you for your review and sharing with us at Over the Moon link up. 🙂
jeb says
I’m always on the lookout for good sunscreens – thanks for visiting – enjoying overthemoon!