There is a great report on Beautypedia.com that I found which I wanted to share. Of course, you can read all of Paula’s in-depth reports in her book Don’t Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron [Publisher: Beginning Press] [www.cosmeticscop.com].
List of A-list products with Sunscreen Actives:
What they do: All sunscreen actives work (to varying degrees of success) to shield skin from damaging UVA and UVB light emitted by the sun. “Chemical” sunscreens such as avobenzone or octinoxate work by converting UV light to heat energy before damage to skin can occur. “Non-chemical” sunscreens (which include only titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) work by deflecting and scattering UV light before it can penetrate and cause damage to skin. Regardless of which actives you use, you must make sure that at least one of the following ingredients is present to ensure you are getting sufficient protection from UVA light: avobenzone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Mexoryl SX (ecamsule), or, outside the United States, Tinosorb.
Why they’re on the A-list: Sunscreen is the first and foremost best defense against wrinkles Period! Let me say that again: It’s important! Daily application of a sunscreen (whether it’s in a moisturizer or a foundation) rated SPF 15 or greater is critical to preventing new wrinkles and keeping existing lines from deepening each year. Ignoring this fundamental principle and focusing instead on the myriad anti-aging claims on product labels is an open invitation for more wrinkles, skin discolorations, and potentially, skin cancer. (Remember: If the claims for the product don’t involve claims about sun protection or sunscreen, then they don’t require any proof of efficacy.) None of the other ingredients chronicled in this report will work as well for your skin if you ignore the importance of or are not diligent about applying sunscreen daily.
Ongoing use of an effective, broad-spectrum sunscreen allows skin to reap maximum benefit from “anti-aging” products. Skin is also better able to repair itself, has a stronger immune response, and will maintain its firmness years longer than it will for those who disregard sun protection or, even worse, continue to tan, whether in the sun or in a tanning salon, and the latter is much worse than getting a tan from the sun.
Shop for sunscreens that not only provide sufficient UVA protection but also include antioxidants and other skin-supportive ingredients. Including such ingredients allows the sunscreen to work even better, while you’ll also be fortifying your skin with part of what it needs to remain healthy.
BEST Sunscreens for Normal to Oily Skin
>Avon “Anew Advanced All-in-One Max SPF 15 Lotion” ($16.50 for 1.7 oz)
>Avon “Ageless Results Renewing Day Cream SPF 15″ ($14.50 for 1.7 oz)
>Avon “Hydra-Radiance Moisturizing Day Lotion SPF 15″ ($12 for 4 oz)
>Clinique “Sun-Care UV-Response Face SPF 30″ ($17.50 for 1.7 oz)
>Estee Lauder “DayWear Plus Multi Protection Anti-Oxidant Lotion SPF 15″ ($38 for 1.7 oz)
>Neutrogena “Healthy Skin Visibly Even Daily SPF 15 Moisturizer” ($13.09 for 1.7 oz)
>Paula’s Choice “Skin Balancing Daily Mattifying Lotion with SPF 15″ ($18.95 for 2 oz)
>Paula’s Choice “Essential Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 15″ ($12.95 for 6 oz)
>Paula’s Choice “Ultra-Light Weightless Finish SPF 30″ ($15.95 for 4 oz)
>Pond’s “Mend & Defend, Intensive Protection SPF 15″ ($9.39 for 3.3 oz)
BEST Sunscreens for Normal to Dry Skin
>Almay “Sun Protector for Body SPF 30″ ($8.99 for 4.2 oz)
>Almay “Sun Protector for Face SPF 30″ ($8.99 for 4.2 oz)
>Elizabeth Arden “Extreme Conditioning Cream SPF 15″ ($36 for 1.7 oz)
>Good Skin “All Bright Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30″ ($12 for 1.7 oz)
>Jan Marini Skin Research “Bioglycolic Facial Lotion SPF 15″ ($36 for 2 oz)
>Mary Kay “TimeWise Day Solution Sunscreen SPF 25″ ($30 for 1 oz)
>Paula’s Choice “Extra Care Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30+” ($12.95 for 6 oz)
>Prescriptives “Anti-Age Advanced Protection Lotion SPF 25″ ($60 for 1.7 oz)
>SkinCeuticals “Sports UV Defense SPF 45″ ($34 for 3 oz)
>Pond’s “Radiance Restore, Age-Defying Skin-Brightening SPF 15 Moisturizer” ($12.99 for 1.7 oz)
>Kiss My Face “Face Factor Face + Neck SPF 30″ ($10 for 2 oz)
BEST Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin
>Clinique “City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25″ ($16.50 for 1.4 oz)
>Good Skin “All Calm Gentle Sunscreen SPF 25″ ($12 for 1.7 oz)
>Neutrogena “Healthy Defense SPF 30 Daily Eye Cream, Light Tint” ($11.99 for 0.5 oz)
>Obagi Nu-Derm “Physical UV Block SPF 32″ ($40 for 2 oz)
>Paula’s Choice “Pure Mineral Sunscreen SPF 15″ ($14.95 for 6 oz)
>Paula’s Choice “Barely There Sheer Matte Tint SPF 20″ ($14.95 for 1 oz)
>SkinCeuticals “Physical UV Defense SPF 30″ ($34 for 3 oz)
Note: Most foundations with sunscreen contain titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide as the sole active ingredients. Such sunscreens are also good choices for those with sensitive skin.
