I’m a huge fan of sunblock, thanks to a mom who didn’t like sun. I grew up with the smell of Coppertone preceding every swimming session and DH said he had never met anyone who used so much sunblock before until he met me! I recently tried a new sunblock by Vichy for the face. Read on for my review of the Vichy UV Activ SPF 50 PA+++ sunblock.

Experts claim that nothing above SPF30+ can be proven and having a higher SPF sunblock does not mean you can stay out in the sun longer. However, I still usually choose the highest SPF, just to be on the safe side. Vichy UV Activ met my standards with its SPF50 sunscreen, an oil-free sunscreen which promises to deliver maximum UVA protection against the skin-damaging sun to prevent pigmentation and dark spots. UVA rays are more intensive than UVB rays as they attack your skin’s pigmentation throughout the day. Vichy UV Activ concentrates on fighting these rays with its active ingredients of Mexoryl® XL and Mexoryl® SX which act as UV filters.

Like all Vichy products, it contains the magical Vichy Thermal Spa Water that hydrates and moisturises. I was impressed to read that Vichy even guarantees up to 8 hours of anti-UVA coverage to prevent your skin from darkening! However, I was not sure if this was waterproof so you might want to confirm that before using it in the swimming pool.

I found the texture a little thick when I first applied it and was initially worried about it clogging my pores. However, it spreads on quite well and does not seem to have the pore-clogging effect that some thick sunblocks such as Banana Boat has. It can even be used in the place of your daily moisturiser or make up base, however, I usually apply it over my moisturiser as I’m not sure if it is hydrating enough for my dry skin.

Each tube retails for RM90 and can be purchased from any large pharmacy. If you’ve not started using sunblock in our tropical weather, now’s the time to start to prevent dark spots and pigmentation as your skin ages!