The Perfect Moisturizing Face Sunscreen?

August 11, 2018 5:28 PM

My skin is changing, my current face sunscreen ain't cutting it anymore and clinging to dry bits. Ideas?

I'm treating my acne with topical Retin-A Micro which means I'm still getting some scabbing/dryness/flaking. (I'm only 5 weeks in so it should settle down but I still need a new sunscreen.) I also highly prefer matte foundation for my combo skin.

I currently use Neutrogena Clear Face SPF 30. It's FAR too drying even with lotion under it. It clings to any flakes/scabs and makes them worse and is looking really dry under my makeup. By the end of the day the dry bits look like I'm wearing bad old-age makeup.

What's a good face sunscreen that is moisturizing but not too oily for combination oil-prone skin? Preferable less expensive and from somewhere I can do returns. (Ulta?)

Also I think CeraVe stuff breaks me out. Every time I try it my skin feels clogged.

I know there's lots of past sunscreen questions so if you've seen one that's similar feel free to link me!

posted by Crystalinne to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (17 answers total)

Response by poster: Oh and minimally scented! Strong fragrance will bother my allergies.
posted by Crystalinne at 5:34 PM on August 11, 2018

I don't think it's at ULTA but supergoop is what I use. I have broken out with other brands, never this one. People consistently peg me as 5+ years younger than I am, props to their cc cream (it is a little orange, but who doesn't want to look 25 forever).
posted by Kalmya at 5:35 PM on August 11, 2018 [1 favorite]

Coola or Elta MD both make good physical blocks that work for my dry skin.
posted by fshgrl at 5:40 PM on August 11, 2018

Eucerin Daily Protection SPF 30 moisturizing lotion is great for dry and oily skin
posted by Red Desk at 5:42 PM on August 11, 2018 [1 favorite]

Second Coola and Supergoop.
posted by fluttering hellfire at 6:08 PM on August 11, 2018

I like Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer w/ broad spectrum SPF 30. Many ULTA have a smallish Mario Badescu section.
posted by sutureselves at 6:11 PM on August 11, 2018

Yup I love my Supergoop cc cream. I have dry skin and it has a nice finish.
posted by pintapicasso at 6:30 PM on August 11, 2018 [1 favorite]

I have been wanting to try out Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen. It’s a clear gel that contains hyaluronic acid which binds water to your skin. I currently use a hyaluronic acid lotion (more of a watery gel) under my usual sunscreen as I find most moisturizing lotions break out my oily skin.
posted by Miss Matheson at 6:52 PM on August 11, 2018

A bit off-topic, but don't forget to exfoliate your face. Otherwise, any sunscreen or foundation will cling to the dry bits. Exfoliation will also help (some) with the acne. I use glycerin soap (Neutrogena) and a Buf-Puf.
posted by DrGail at 7:00 PM on August 11, 2018

A bit unexpected, but the Trader Joe’s one is zinc-based and very moisturizing. Plus it’s so inexpensive that it’s definitely worth a shot.
posted by mosst at 7:15 PM on August 11, 2018

I have super dry, sensitive skin, and I like EltaMD UV Clear. It was recommended by my dermatologist.
posted by radioamy at 9:02 PM on August 11, 2018

Neutrogena's Baby Sunscreen stick is super moisturizing (so much so that it tends to give me breakouts but YMMV).
posted by rogerrogerwhatsyourrvectorvicto at 9:22 PM on August 11, 2018

I have oily-dehydrated skin, so I like to layer a lot of hyaluronic acid underneath my sunscreen. E.g.:

1. Washing my face with water in the morning instead of soap
2. Hada Labo toner
3. Hada Labo serum
4. Orbis sunscreen (I actually prefer this one by Sofina, but it's more pricey for nearly the same thing)
posted by Crookshanks_Meow at 8:06 AM on August 12, 2018

I have combination skin and use Tarte's Tarteguard, a 30 SPF sunscreen, as a moisturizer. It's lovely and hydrating and never causes me to break out. Warning, it does have a light scent - I find it pleasant and it wears off soon after application, but it may not work for you. Also, it gives a slightly white cast to skin, noticable on a bare face but not under makeup. They carry it at Sephora, which has a very generous return policy.
posted by prewar lemonade at 11:39 AM on August 12, 2018

Response by poster: Well like $150 later I've got 3 of the Supergoop ones and 1 Coola (unscented) from Sephora and 1 Elta MD Clear from Amazon. Hopefully one of those will work but feel free to keep posting recommendations!
posted by Crystalinne at 4:52 PM on August 12, 2018 [2 favorites]

Rohto Skin Aqua Moisture Milk SPF50 PA++++ Nice under makeup, is full spectrum, and does not cling badly to flaky skin. I also use tretinoin and have bad skin days. The Rohto works great, somewhat moisturizing but not greasy. Also alcohol and fragrance free.
posted by oneirodynia at 6:27 PM on August 12, 2018 [1 favorite]

Blue Lizard FAce Sunscreen.
posted by WeekendJen at 12:02 PM on August 13, 2018