La Roche Posay Anthelios Oil Correct: what to check and how to use it

What should you check before buying?

SPF measures protection against sunburn, mainly caused by ultraviolet B rays, or UVB. Broad spectrum means protection against both UVB and ultraviolet A rays, or UVA, which also contribute to skin aging and skin cancer.1

• Look for SPF 30 or higher and broad spectrum protection.
• On UK packs, look for at least four stars for UVA protection or the letters UVA inside a circle.
• Check water resistance if you expect to swim or sweat.
• Check the expiry date and the open jar symbol showing how many months the sunscreen lasts after opening.

How do you apply it?

These are general sunscreen application steps. Follow your exact Anthelios pack where it gives product specific directions.

1. 1Apply before going outdoors. General dermatology guidance is to allow about 15 minutes before sun exposure.
2. 2Use enough. General face guidance is at least one teaspoon, then rub the sunscreen thoroughly into the skin.
3. 3Cover exposed areas beyond your face, including your neck and ears. Use sunscreen on other skin not covered by clothing.
4. 4Reapply every two hours while outdoors, and after swimming, sweating or towel drying.

Make sunscreen part of your daytime protection, including on cloudy days and in winter. Daily application is recommended when the UV index is forecast to reach three or higher. UVA can also pass through window glass. A thin application reduces protection, so using less to change the finish is not a good trade.234

What results should you expect?

Correctly applied sunscreen helps prevent sunburn and protects against premature skin aging and skin cancer. Those are prevention benefits, not a timetable for clearing blemishes or reducing shine. Judge any correction claim separately from the SPF rating rather than treating sunscreen protection as proof of a blemish treatment.3

Use shade, protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses alongside sunscreen. No sunscreen filters out every UVB ray, and wearing sunscreen is not a reason to spend longer in the sun. A sunscreen is one part of sun protection, not a portable patch of shade.12

What if your skin is sensitive?

Sunscreen reactions can come from UV filters, fragrances, preservatives or other ingredients. For sensitive skin, dermatologists recommend mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. If you have a known sunscreen allergy, avoid your identified allergen rather than choosing by the Anthelios name.15

A recurring rash after sunscreen use needs assessment rather than repeated trials of similar products. A dermatologist can use patch testing and, where appropriate, testing with light exposure to identify the ingredient responsible. A home trial without a reaction does not rule out irritation.5

What is La Roche Posay Anthelios Oil Control?

Do not choose an Oil Control sunscreen from that wording alone: read its SPF, UVA protection, ingredients and water resistance information, which gives the small print a suspiciously large job. If your pack instead says Anthelios Clear Skin Oil Free Dry Touch SPF 60, that is the US sunscreen labeled broad spectrum and water resistant for 80 minutes. Its directions are to apply generously 15 minutes before sun exposure, reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, and at least every two hours. Those directions belong to Clear Skin SPF 60, not automatically to Oil Correct.16

For that US Clear Skin SPF 60 product, do not apply to damaged or broken skin. Keep it out of your eyes and rinse with water if contact occurs. Stop using it and ask a doctor if a rash develops.6