It’s the only thing that works on my sensitive skin.
18 May 2022
When I was little, my mum would dutifully coat me and my siblings in thick layers of SPF ahead of long days spent in the sun. I somehow still wound up bright red every evening, so she would slather on more – which would, in turn, make me even redder. It took a visit to the doctor to give us the strange but obvious diagnosis: ‘she’s allergic.’
I still haven’t determined exactly which ingredient in chemical sunscreens causes an allergic reaction. However, in the years since, I’ve tried countless formulas. Each summer, I test a small patch of the latest ‘it’ sunscreen on my arm to see if I’ve outgrown the allergy. Each year, a red rash appears, and I seek recommendations for the best mineral sunscreens.
The thing about mineral sunscreens is that they sit on top of the skin, acting as a physical barrier, whereas a chemical sunscreen soaks in – which, in theory, makes mineral formulas a better option for those with sensitive skin. I’ve spent an outrageous amount of money trying different brands, each boasting they leave no white cast. However, almost every one I’ve tried has left a ghost-like or worse, a purple tint on my skin. I’ve found some brands that were close to sheer, but one was too thick, another too greasy, and one smelled funky – I am truly the Goldilocks of mineral sunscreen.
Last summer, I finally found the perfect fit: One day while lounging on Rockaway Beach after a two-hour surf lesson, a friend introduced me to a yellow tube of sunscreen and encouraged me to give it a try. It was Kinfield’s Sunglow, described as ‘a lightly tinted mineral face sunscreen that adds a luminous, sun-kissed glow to flatter all skin tones.’ I was doubtful. Yet, after application, I was pleasantly surprised to see my face glowing without any chalky cast to be found.
Upon returning home, I ordered Kinfield’s Dew + Glow SPF bundle, which includes the Sunglow SPF 30 and Daily Dew SPF 35, a non-tinted mineral sunscreen that is water-resistant. It kept my skin protected during my surf lessons and helped revive the appearance of my already-faded summer tan.
Since discovering my favorite mineral sunscreen, I use the Daily Dew daily. I’m acne-prone and have sensitive skin, so I am cautious about any product I apply on my face – but this one doesn’t irritate me. It absorbs easily and has a beachy scent that instantly brightens my mood, even on gray days. I suspect it’s the sea kelp that gives it that appealing aroma, which is also a super moisturizing ingredient. I enjoy the dewy look it provides my skin. For those preferring something more matte, I recommend exploring alternatives that might suit less sensitive skin.
Being in the water is my happy place. I was part of the swim team throughout high school and taught swimming lessons during summer college breaks, often spending long hours in the pool. Because I disliked the texture of mineral sunscreens, I skipped applying anything for years, which unfortunately exposed my skin to sun damage. However, I’m relieved to have finally found my go-to face sunscreen.
