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If there’s one thing Australians need, it’s sunscreen.
The best friend of pale faces all around the country – regular application of sunscreen is crucial in avoiding melanoma and other types of skin cancer. But for all the good things that sunscreen can give us, it can be so oily, greasy, and downright uncomfortable! So what should you do if you want the sun-protection without the gooey feel? Well, that’s where oil-free sunscreen comes in.
If there’s one thing Australians need, it’s sunscreen.
The best friend of pale faces all around the country – regular application of sunscreen is crucial in avoiding melanoma and other types of skin cancer. But for all the good things that sunscreen can give us, it can be so oily, greasy, and downright uncomfortable! So what should you do if you want the sun-protection without the gooey feel? Well, that’s where oil-free sunscreen comes in.
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How Does Sunscreen Work?
Sunscreen isn’t complicated: it’s a mixture of ingredients that can help prevent the UV radiation from sun exposure affecting our skin. Radiation of any kind can wreak havoc on the skin, so you can imagine what kind of damage our skin goes through when we’re out in the sun all day long.
Sunscreen comes in a wide variety: from SPF 30 for brief exposures, to higher numbers for sensitive skin, ones that you can use underwater, and even brands that can protect and hydrate your skin at the same time. And of course, there’s the non-sticky, non-greasy sunscreen for people who want more protection with less oil.
While they aren’t as common as normal sunblocks, you can be confident in their ability to protect your skin while helping you look (and feel) fabulous at the same time. Here are our favourite brands of non-oily sunscreen.
Heliocare 360° Gel Oil-free SPF 50 UVA, UVB Sunscreen
Cost: Starts at $25 AUD
Why we love it: This product is non-comedogenic, which means aside from protecting your skin, it also doesn’t block your pores. The SPF is high enough that it doesn’t need frequent reapplication and provides protection against most kinds of radiation that you get from sun exposure. As a bonus, it even repairs sun-damaged skin cells!
Review: “My daughter’s dermatologist in England recommended this, and she brought some on a visit. Its great. It goes on light and dry, never greasy, and best of all, it never stings your eyes even if you rub it in well all over your face and are very active. I use it just on my face and use other products on the rest of me but for the face it is great.”
Clinique Super City Block SPF 30+
Cost: Starts at $42 AUD
Why we love it: Easy to apply and stick on for a long time, this sunscreen is ideal for those that want to apply makeup after putting on sunblock. With natural ingredients, It’s perfect for use with sensitive skin, so those having trouble with the usual sunblock might want to look into this one.
Review: “This is easily my favourite Clinique product, and an excellent sunscreen. I apply it every morning to protect my fair skin from UV radiation. The tint means it doesn’t leave a white cast on your face like other sunscreens that contain zinc. The product spreads and absorbs easily and is gentle enough to use around the eye area. I love that it contains both physical and chemical sunscreen ingredients as you know you are getting the best sun protection possible. Five stars!”
Neutrogena Age Shield
Cost: Starts at $25 AUD
Why we love it: Long-lasting with several layers of protection, Neutrogena is the ultimate choice when it comes to non-oily sunscreen. Recommended by dermatologists, beach bums, and users around the world, if you’re looking for a flexible daily sunscreen this is right up your alley!
Review: “Have purchased this several times. My favourite sunblock. Mixes well with makeup to become a tinted moisturiser. Does not make your skin too white and has never stained my clothes. Not oily. I have tried a lot of sun blocks and this is my number one choice to date.”
How To Get The Best Use Out Of Your Sunblock
Even if you have the best sunblock on the market, you won’t be getting much out of it if you don’t use it right. Here’s how to use sunscreen properly:
Cover all exposed areas: The arms, chest, and legs can be easily forgotten with the focus on our face and neck and hands. If you don’t have clothing covering it, put on the sunblock.
Remember to re-apply: Sunblock doesn’t last forever, and you might have to reapply it several times in one day depending on how long you’re out. The higher the SPF, the longer it lasts – though you should still check the instructions for the best way to use it.
Don’t rely on cloudy weather: Think clouds can stop radiation? Think again. Some forms of solar radiation can actually pierce the clouds and still cause your skin massive damage. Same goes for winter: just because it’s cold, doesn’t mean the sun isn’t shining anymore.
Protected With Comfort
With non-greasy sunscreen, you can now have your sunblock and enjoy it too – no more of that pesky, slick-and-slide feeling that you get every time you apply it. With these brands, you can confidently stride out to meet the day without feeling grease on your face: and we all know that confidence is pretty hot!
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