High SPF Sunscreen that breathes?

karen13

I am very fair with somewhat sensitive skin and I live at fairly high altitude. I'm looking for a better sunscreen with 50+ SPF that doesn't feel like I'm caked in oil when I am active and sweaty I hike a lot and can't stand the gooey feeling. I have been using Neutrogen Clear Face 55, which is ok, but I'm looking for better - higher protection, less mask feeling.

Any recommendations? THanks!

9 years ago

General

11 replies

Latest reply was from Sheryl

rachylou

Veteran

Is Clear Face the dry finish one? There's a dry finish type. The thing about sunscreen is, as soon as you start to feel oily, like it's slipping off, I think it means it has to be reapplied. Because it IS slipping off. I'm looking into sunscreen clothing because of this.

9 years ago

karen13

Veteran

Clear Face is oil free and supposed to not cause breakouts -not a big problem for my mature, dry skin, but it seems to feel a bit better. I used to use the Ultra Sheer Dry Touch in spf 45, but found the higher spf 70 stung my skin. I haven't used it in a few years, so it may have changed.

9 years ago

K. Period.

Veteran

I've been buying Japanese sunscreens (from brands common in the US, like Biore and Shiseido) via Amazon and I think they have a better feel. Actually, I know they have a better feel, less greasiness and are much less sensitizing. I don't think you'll find many that have higher spfs than 50, though. It is my understanding that the advantage you get from super high spfs starts to top out around 50 and the higher concentrations of chemicals needed to increase the factor become too sensitizing. That's why most beauty experts and dermatologists just say reapply, reapply, reapply.

9 years ago

Peri

Veteran

Have you tried Neutragena Ultra Sheer Liquid? Not the original Ultra Sheer that came out first...the Liquid version came out after that. It is in a small bottle that you have to shake, with a rattling bead inside that helps it blend. I find it very light.

It comes in a regular kind and a barrier kind for sensitive skin. I use the regular kind, and I do have reactive skin, and it has not given me any trouble. The regular is SPF 70 and the sensitive is SPF 55.

9 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I like the Neutrogena dry touch ones too, although I'm not sure how high an SPF I've used. I've heard good things about Elta MD and La Roche Posay Anthelios but haven't tried them myself yet. My current face sunscreen is an oil-based one from Supergoop; I really like it and it's not greasy at all.

9 years ago

Classically Casual

Veteran

I'm using a new to me sunscreen: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense. It's SPF 50. It's pricey, but a thin liquid and it's tinted slightly. I only use it on face and neck. If anything, it feels drying on my skin and lasts all day.

I love the sun, but I'm finally trying to change my ways.

9 years ago

Thin White Duchess

Active Member

Like K.Period, I have taken to using Japanese brands. But when it comes to sweaty outdoor activities I rely on the "stick" kind (like a giant chap stick). It's absolutely not the texture you're going for, but for me it's the only thing that holds up to sweating. I hope you get some good recommendations!

9 years ago

SandyG

Veteran

I hike at altitudes around Lake Tahoe and gave this a try the past 2 months in snow and sun, happy with it and can recommend it as a keeper. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid for Face, Water Resistant with SPF 50, from Amazon. It's expensive and just for my face, but the minerals haven't made me break out and I haven't burned. My sensitive Celtic skin is prone to rosacea so I'm quite picky about sunscreens and don't like feeling sweaty or oily. For the body, I prefer sunblock clothing over sunscreen if it's longer than just a brief jaunt.

9 years ago

Jaime

Active Member

Just got the Elta MD 46 SPF and really like it. My skin is super sensitive and turns red and/or breaks out easily with facial ss. This one goes on smooth and not white plus is extremely mild with no stinging whatsoever. It says on the tube that it is for rosacea and sensitive skin. Its a pretty good price on amazon and also comes highly recommended on the interwebs.

9 years ago

April

Veteran

Yes to La Roche Posay.

Mine is called something like "Melt-In Milk" and it does seem to disappear shortly after you apply it.

9 years ago

Sheryl

Active Member

La Roche Posay, Biotherm and Vichy have excellent sunscreeens. You may want to try the versions for children, as well as those for the face.

9 years ago

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