If you are thinking of getting a good sunscreen this summer, The Cerave hydrating sunscreen body lotion and La-Roche Posay anthelios melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF are equally good sunscreens.
They both cover a broad spectrum to protect skin that is sensitive to the sun and aging for sensitive skin. They both have ingredients that block UVA/UVB radiation that may cause long-term skin damage. But, which is better, Cerave hydrating sunscreen body lotion vs. La Roche Posay Anthelios-melt-in Sunscreen cream?
Cerave hydrating sunscreen body lotion even though the majority of consumers assume LA Roche Posay Anthelios Melt-in-Milk Sunscreen 100 is better, the truth is Cerave SPF 50 is better. Cerave hydrating sunscreen body lotion is better compared to La Roche Posay Anthelios-Melt-in as Cerave contains ceramides for its multifunctional purposes while LA Roche Posay only has anti-oxidants and a higher SPF that translates to complications. Read on and know why Cerave is better.
Let’s get to know the products
1) Cerave Hydrating Sunscreen Body Lotion
This highly rated product comes in two types of bottles namely Cerave SPF 30 and Cerave SPF 50. Cerave products are broad spectrum mineral sunscreens infused with sunscreen ingredients namely zinc and titanium.
These give the lotion it’s the high protection property to reflect harmful UVB/UVA rays without causing skin irritation even on sensitive skin. It is non-comedogenic, oil, paraben, fragrance –free and allergy-tested product.
Additionally, it has ceramides to help restore skin’s natural barrier and lock in moisture.
All these properties have gotten this amazing product awards seal of acceptance and daily use seal of approval from the National eczema association and the Skin Cancer Foundation respectively.
Mineral based UV sunscreen stay on the skin thereby forming a protective barrier that aid in reflecting UV rays from the sun. This makes them very effective. The only disadvantage is that they may form a cast on the body
2) LA Roche Posay Anthelios Melt-in-Milk Sunscreen SPF 100
LA Roche Posay Anthelios Melt-in-Milk sunscreen protects both face and body. This velvety, non-greasy, light-weight sunscreen focuses on protecting skin is prone to burn.
It is the only oxybenzone free sunscreen specially formulate with Cell-Ox Shield technology.
- It has the highest level of SPF 100 that protects burning from aging UBA and sun ray UVA.
- It’s a good moisturizer that leaves skin smooth and hydrated
- It is oxybenzone and octinoxate free
- It is wearable under make-up
- Easily blends with skin
- Unlike Cerave does not leave a white cast
- Contains antioxidant to help protect from free radicals caused by UV rays.
- It’s fast –absorbing, Water resistant and stays up to 80 minutes
- Proven tolerance on all skin types
- Suitable for adults and children 3 years and above
N: B the difference between UVA and UVB is their end result on the skin. UVA results into:
- Skin damage
- Premature aging
- Skin reactions to medications, chemicals and cosmetics
On the other hand, mostly causes sunburn. However, both UVA and UVB radiations put you at risk of getting cancer.
With so many benefits and a higher SPF, one might be tempted to think that LA Roche Posay Anthelios Melt in Milk Sunscreen SPF 1OO when it is not.
A closer look at SPF
Food and Drug Administration points out that a sunscreen with high SPF gives people false confidence in being protected.
Due to the high SPF and a feeling of 100% protection, people tend to stay exposed in the sun for longer periods increasing their risk of getting cancer.
According to studies, most people that use sunscreens with high SPF use it improperly which increases exposure to ultraviolet radiation compared to people that use sunscreen with low SPF.
It should be noted that the ratio of UVA decreases when SPF increases which leads to greater exposure and long-term skin damage.
To protect sunscreen users, the FDA came up with a sunscreen cap in 2019.With all this talk, what really are the disadvantages of sunscreen.
ALSO READ…
CeraVe Lotion Vs Curel Lotion[Which Is Better?]
Cerave VS Cetaphil for sensitive skin
CeraVe vs Cetaphil Cleanser for acne-prone skin
CeraVe Vs Cetaphil Eye Cream
Which is better CeraVe or Eucerin
10 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum Without Phenoxyethanol
Why you should stick to lower SPF
1) Poor balance
How a sunscreen is rated has very little to do with its capacity to shield the skin from UVA rays.
There is evidence that sunscreens with higher SPF offer far less protection due to the fact that UVB and UVA are never in harmony.
Deeper and harder penetration by UVA/UVB may cause harmful free radicals associated with cancer to form in skin. This suppresses the immune system thereby resulting in a higher risk of melanoma.
2) Misuse of high SPF-Products
With a false sense of security in high SPF products, most consumers stay longer in the sun over-exposing themselves to UVA/UVB rays in comparison with those that use sunscreens with a less -SPF.
With low protection due to high exposure they absorb more damaging UVA rays, prone to UVB inflicted sunburns. These account for increased melanoma risk in some studies.
3) Marginal protection
Research shows that sunscreen with higher SPF gives slightly better protection. By slight its only 1%.
When properly used sunscreen with SPF50 blocks 98% of the sun rays while 100 blocks 99 %.
The assumption by consumers that they get 100% protection from sunscreens with a higher SPF, continues to put people at risk. This is because the 1% is negligible.
4) High but not really high
That SPF indicated on the bottle would be just to influence you to purchase the product. In reality, the high SPF might not really be high as a slight difference in testing conditions might affect the calculated value “dubious value”. This is because the lab and outdoors are very different.
5) Greater health risks
Deeper penetration by higher concentrations of active ingredients aimed at filtering sun chemicals pose health risks.
The active ingredients trigger skin allergies and have resulted in tissue damage as well as hormone disruption among other people.
According to tests conducted, it is known for a fact that sunscreens with higher SPF cause more damage than good for people that use them.
Bottom line
FYI, SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor a rating used to determine how much protection a product provides against sunburn. its main function is to block UVB/UVA rays that cause sun burn and non-melanoma skin cancer.
This is why all sunscreens and most day creams contain SPF. Every sunscreen whether cream, lotion, stick, gel, lip balm or spray must be used as directed to essentially maximize protection against the sun unless otherwise.
In this case, pharmacists and doctors may help you identify which sunscreen would be best for your skin types.
Correct use of sunscreen that has SPF between 30 and 50 offers adequate protection even for people with higher levels of sensitivity to sunburn.
All that glitters, is not gold. Research shows variations in products that screamed SPF 100 that proved to be in between 37 and 75 protections. So you could be better off in staying within recommended 30 and 50 SPF products than risking cancer.
Unlike computers, with products like sunscreen what you see and what you get are in most cases very different.
Beware the higher SPF value is not only misleading but puts you at risk of long-term skin damage and in severe cases non-melanoma skin cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma.
It is also important to remember that sunscreen does not shield from all of the sun’s radiation, therefore avoid staying out longer in the sun than necessary.
If you to plan on staying out longer in the sun be sure to wear protective clothing like hats, sunglasses, shawls, long sleeved beach wear among others.
Additionally, a considerate amount of sunscreen must be reapplied after swimming, sweating or in cases where it has been rubbed off or dried off with a towel.
Too much has proved to be poisonous, therefore reapplication is only needed when necessary. The approved time for recommendation is after every two hours.
Although FDA has capped sunscreen at 60, Both dermatologist EWG and the FDA sunscreen that does not exceed 50 SPF. That goes a long way to show that sunscreen with additional SPF do not provide any additional meaningful benefit.
Choosing sunscreens with a lower SPF is recommended as they have lower concentrations of active ingredients unlike those with high SPF.
On top of that, ensure that the sunscreen you settle for has both UVA and UVB which cover a broad spectrum. If you do settle for a form spray of sunscreen, ensure that there is no fire around as it is highly flammable.
It is advisable to never use sunscreen on infants as well as those with broken skin as it may cause some serious skin irritation. Immediate Medical attention must be sought if sunscreen causes serious sunburns or comes into contact with eyes.
When all is said and done, make sure that you do not only bring that sexy summer body out but that you also sufficiently protect it.
This will only be possible if you choose the right sunscreen from a whole lot of other sunscreens that may be available on the market.
Ensure that you do your research, read some reviews, have your facts before- hand to purchase the perfect sunscreen that is right for your summer body.
