La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Aquagel SPF 30: how to use it

What is in Hyalu B5 Aquagel?

The version tested in 2022 was named Hyalu B5 Aquagel SPF 30+ and contained pure hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, vitamin E and thermal spring water. For a current SPF 30 bottle, check the full ingredient list and directions on your local pack rather than assuming that every version has the same formula. Sunscreens come in gels as well as creams and lotions, so texture is a format, not a character reference.13

Is SPF 30 enough?

SPF 30 meets the minimum strength recommended for sunscreen, but SPF mainly measures protection against UVB, the rays responsible for sunburn. Broad spectrum protection covers UVA as well as UVB. Check for that coverage separately: on UK packaging, look for at least four star UVA protection or the UVA circle indicating the EU standard. Do not spend longer in the sun because you have applied sunscreen.34

How to use it for sun protection

Use the directions on your bottle for product specific application. The following steps are general sunscreen guidance, rather than a special Hyalu B5 layering routine. Sun protection is needed outdoors even on cloudy days and in winter.35

1. 1Check that your chosen product provides UVA and UVB coverage and SPF 30 or higher. If you expect swimming or sweating, choose a sunscreen labelled water resistant.
2. 2Apply before going outdoors. General sunscreen guidance calls for application about 15 minutes before sun exposure; follow any additional directions on the bottle.
3. 3Apply enough and spread it thoroughly. For the face, use at least one teaspoon, approximately enough to cover the length of your index and middle fingers.
4. 4Protect other exposed areas too, including your neck and ears. Use sunscreen on skin not covered by clothing and an SPF 30 or higher lip balm on your lips.
5. 5Reapply every two hours outdoors, and immediately after swimming or sweating.

If you apply sunscreen too thinly, its protection is reduced. For planned exposure long enough to risk burning, UK guidance advises applying sunscreen 30 minutes before going out and again just before leaving. Reapply after towel drying or whenever sunscreen has rubbed off, even if the product is water resistant.4

Can it replace a separate moisturizer?

A combined moisturizer and sunscreen can cover both jobs, which is a useful reduction in bathroom administration. Choose a formula intended for your skin type: a gel name alone is not a reason to assume suitability for oily or sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, look for that wording on the label. A hypoallergenic claim still leaves a possibility of an allergic reaction.2

What results should you expect?

Daily moisturizer can minimize the appearance of fine lines, while sunscreen helps protect against premature skin aging. Give a sunscreen and moisturizer routine a few weeks before deciding whether you need something for a remaining concern. Expect modest cosmetic improvements rather than dramatic wrinkle removal. Avoid adding several new products for skin aging within a few days or weeks, because that can irritate skin.25

In a study involving 51 healthy adults, the tested Hyalu B5 Aquagel reduced measured cheek redness after application but also increased water loss through the skin and reduced measured surface hydration. These measurements describe skin barrier changes, not a promised visible result. People with inflammatory skin diseases and those taking treatments that could alter the skin barrier were excluded. Do not choose the gel on the assumption that its moisturizing description makes it a treatment for a damaged skin barrier.1

Effective products for skin aging come in all price ranges, so a larger price tag is not an extra active ingredient. Choose by suitable formula and sun protection rather than price alone.2

What changes for swimming or a long day outdoors?

Confirm water resistance on the bottle before choosing Hyalu B5 Aquagel for swimming or sweating. No sunscreen is waterproof; all eventually wash off. Water resistant sunscreen still needs reapplication after water exposure. Use shade, protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses alongside sunscreen, rather than asking one facial gel to handle all your sun protection.34

How should you store it?

Keep sunscreen away from excessive heat and direct sun, including while you are outdoors. Follow the expiry date and the period after opening shown on your packaging. An open jar symbol with a number and M indicates how many months the product lasts after opening. Do not use expired sunscreen.34

If sunburn causes you to feel unwell, or skin becomes badly swollen or blistered, seek medical help. Stay out of the sun until all redness has gone.4