I feel as though I’ve almost written a whole review on this sunscreen already, but as the mentions are dotted about in various posts I thought I’d collate all of the information into one neat review.
Because this CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion with SPF 25 is a great one; uncomplicated, unperfumed, inexpensive and efficient. Its particular USP, associated with pension transfer of CeraVe’s products, is that the formula contains ceramides to help restore the skin’s own protective barrier. Ceramides are actually present in the skin already – the fats make up over 50% of the skin’s composition, according to Dr Google – but over time, the ceramides become less effective at their job. As well as their job is, in the simplest terms, forming a protective barrier against the outside world. Helping to keep the stuff we don’t want (eg pollution, smoke) out and the stuff we all do want (water!) in. If this protective barrier is diminished then you can start to see dryness, itchiness, redness, signs of dehydration and that general sense of sensitivity and angstiness that we’ve probably all experienced at one time or another. If the barrier is strong and healthy, then it follows that skin will appear and feel more soothed and hydrated. (And hydrated skin, consequently, will usually look far plumper and firmer.)
I wasn’t really that au fait with how ceramides worked (I believe those dodgy shampoo ads from the nineties made me add the word “ceramide” to my list of beauty gimmicks to ignore!) however it seems that they are – quite literally – the one thing holding our skin together. So the inclusion of essential ceramides inside a well-formulated cream can’t be a bad idea – include a shovel-load of niacinamide, which is also a marvellous ingredient for strengthening the skin’s barrier, and you've got yourself a very attractive moisturiser. Especially if you have sensitive, itchy and irritable skin that constantly feels on the verge of a breakdown.
And then there’s the broad spectrum sunscreen, protecting against UVA and UVB rays. All inside a rather elegant lotion that’s hydrating although not greasy, lightweight but not alcohol-laden, doesn’t have added fragrance and comes in a sensible, easy-to-use pump-action tube. CeraVe say that this SPF 25 lotion is perfect for normal to dry skin however i wonder whether oily or acne-prone skin may also benefit too. The niacinamide within the formula has skin-calming, sebum-regulating properties as well as being brilliant for helping with the skin’s barrier function, so perhaps a nice choice for those with angry, spotty skin that’s flaky and dehydrated at the same time. Has anyone with oily or spot-prone skin tried this? Please report on their behavior in the comments, I’d like to hear your feedback.
For those wondering how the CeraVe lotion compares to my “test” SPF, Anthelios XL: I believe that the CeraVe is more hydrating than the Anthelios and a better choice for drier skin or skin that’s in some way compromised or sensitive. If you prefer a more velvet, undetectable finish and a featherweight feel, Anthelios is the more appropriate option.
You can find CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 at Boots.com here* – it’s lb12.
