Sun protection. Mineral sun lotion on a budget

[IsleofWight1]

Staying protected from UV rays is high on many peoples list this week, with layering and staying in the shade so important.

I’ve read that mineral based sun lotion is better than chemical as it creates a barrier on your skin that reflects UV light so t hey don't absorb into the skin. Mineral sunscreens contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

I need to buy some but I can only find expensive brands. Has anyone found any budget brands?

I use a lot of sunscreen as I need to be outside as much as I can be.

[Brychni]

Hi there I would suggest Lab Muffin on YouTube. She really is the leading authority. Dispels a lot if myths and delves into the science including what is and isn't allowed in which country in terms of ingredients and research.

She's from Australia but thankfully acknowledges that spf isn't necessary all year round for people in the UK, although it does help with wrinkles. Also, wearing appropriate clothes and a hat are the best protection.

I've got an actinic keratosis on my nose and dermatology told me to just get into the habit of wearing it all the time regardless of the uv index. When it's sunny and I'm outside I reapply every 2 hours and wear a hat.

A lot of mineral sunscreens also contain chemical sunscreens and they both work in only slightly different ways.

In terms of affordability and something to suit everyone: Garnier are leading the way with both varieties, including with skincare benefits like vitamin c or niacinamide. Also makeup with spf like Ultra Violette Daydream Screen, (should be worn as makeup over usual sunscreen, not on its own).

I'm finding that some are causing me spots and this can happen if they're too moisturising. I've got loads as I try them out so I'll stick with the one that's lighter for oily skin (although my skin is quite dry) and see how I get on. I've got a beautiful mineral one from Paula's choice but it gets very dry around my eyes, not moisturising enough.

Korean brands are very good, as are Australian and European. American not so good because of issues with ingredients.

Blimey! That was probably more than you were expecting! Since yge thing on my nose appeared I'm taking it all very seriously...better late than never!

[IsleofWight1 in reply to Brychni]

Certainly was,😊 but very interesting and some useful advice. Thank you Brychni.

[RosieA]

I bought some Altruist sunscreen (saw it advertised in Lupus UK mag). Around £10 for the face F50. I started it in March and it's still going - I use it most days. It hasn't irritated my skin which is great. They have a designated website or you can get it on Amazon. I'm sure you'll be inundated with suggestions. x

[Brychni in reply to RosieA]

The best sunscreen is one that you will actually use 😄 . Hence my impressive collection of tubes; still haven't really found 'the one'

[Tiggywoos in reply to Brychni]

😂. La rosche posay my fav there prob is a cheaper one but too scared to change due to “rashing up” x

[Brychni in reply to Tiggywoos]

I know, it's where I started but struggle to catch it on special offer!

[Tiggywoos in reply to Brychni]

Lookfantastic often have it on 20% off and postage free

[Lizard28 in reply to Tiggywoos]

I buy Ultrasun from Look Fantastic, always get a discount. I have very sensitive skin so stick to one that suits.

[Brychni in reply to Tiggywoos]

Thanks for the tip! Just about to put my payday order in! X

[Olive12345]

I use altruist, it’s very good! I swapped to Nivea sensitive baby sun cream but it doesn’t work as well, so back to Altruist for me!

[Bobbydoodle]

Have you checked if you can get it on prescription from your doctor?

[grumpyold]

I like Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen.

Just been trying to look up what I paid for it, but cannot find it. Sorry.

[Poshcards]

i use aldi spf 50 +, and i have sensitive skin x

[Bluemoon110]

I really haven’t got the idea about using sunscreens as there’s so much mixed i misinformation.

[Treetop33]

Altruist. Medical research formulated, low cost. Well-absorbed. The best I've ever tried.

[fabwheelie]

You should be entitled to Sunscreen on prescription. Often it's the Uvistat is prescribed which works well but is very white and gloopy to apply However La Roche Posary Antihelios 50+ is prescription available

Often to get prescription sunscreen your consultant or any specialist nurses have to write to GP to confirm you can have on prescription due to "medical need " as "normal healthy people can not get sunscreen on prescription

This NHS link does clearly say if you have Lupus you can get sunscreen on prescription and sometimes showing GP that is sufficient when asking for it prescribed

nhs.uk/conditions/lupus/

[IsleofWight1 in reply to fabwheelie]

That is good to know. Thank you

[Bluemoon110]

I was advised that you can have sunscreen prescribed by GP if you have diagnosed of Lupus. I have yet to ask my GP though.

[redredblue]

Hi,

I see that lots of people have Alturist which my aunt says is very good and it's a good budget option (I've not yet tried it yet). They also have a tinted one to help with redness.

Korean and Japanese sun cream is also very popular. I don't know how large a tube you need but they are very popular for use on the face because they are quite light and feel more like a moisturiser but still provide very good sun protection. I personally don't like the sticky feel that lots of suncream leave.

Skin 1004, Isntree, Beauty of Joseon and Round Lab are all quite popular. I've seen Isntree stocked in Superdrug before but the rest you would have to order online.

Price wise, they could be better. It really depends where you get them from because obviously they need to be imported so that's an added expense.

I use La Roche-Posay dry suncream at the moment (will probably change to Skin1004 or Isntree once it runs out) and use Eucerin for arms/legs.