Expert Review Of The Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Invisible SPF50+ Brightening Fluid
Has Garnier Finally Cracked the Code for Affordable SPF?
Is this the sunscreen that won’t irritate eyes, trigger breakouts, or leave the skin feeling greasy? Let’s explore.
Sunscreen is one of the trickiest products to buy, it is also one of the hardest products for brands to create, and the most important product you will ever use in your skincare routine. So, when I spotted Garnier had launched a new sunscreen for under £13 I had to buy it. I've always held the belief that a product crucial to your daily skincare regimen shouldn't come with a price tag that makes it unaffordable for everyday use.
What protection does Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Invisible SPF50+ Brightening Fluid provide?
Before I dive into the sunscreen review, let’s first look at the level of protection you can expect. The UVB protection is rated at SPF50+, which is excellent because it exceeds SPF50 (indicated by the plus sign). Although exact levels beyond SPF50 are not disclosed due to regulations, it’s a reassuring sign you are going to be protected.
Without graded UVA filters, determining their level can be challenging. Always look out for the international grading system which is written PA++++. Aim for four pluses, the maximum, to ensure optimal UVA protection.
As well as UVA protection this also tackles the damaging long UVA rays. If this is new to you it is something you want to look out for, UVA comes in different wavelengths, these long UVA rays are around all year round and produce free radicals resulting in oxidative stress to the skin cells, causing the skin cells to be either damaged or dying. This stress will also be responsible for lipid degradation (think skin barrier) and oxidation of proteins like collagen and elastin.
What are the other skin benefits of using Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Invisible SPF50+?
In addition to providing protection against UVA, UVB, and long UVA rays, Garnier has developed a formula that offers multiple skin benefits. Vitamin C, a widely recognized antioxidant, plays a crucial role in skincare routines. While it's not meant to replace standalone Vitamin C products, it serves as a great top-up as you can never have enough anti-oxidants. Antioxidants shield the skin from environmental aggressors that can harm individual skin cells, including the skin barrier and essential elements like collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. For those who find Vitamin C challenging to incorporate, this formula offers a gentle, water-soluble option. Once absorbed into the skin, enzymes called alpha-glucosides break it down into l-ascorbic acid. This process provides brightening and radiance while neutralizing free radicals.
Will it help prevent dark spots?
The brand does claim this SPF will prevent dark spots, although all SPFs will help prevent dark spots however this largely depends on how much you apply and how frequently you reapply. It is crucial to get into the practice of reapplying sunscreen to prevent dark spots especially in intense sunlight and during the summer months.
How much should you apply?
The amount of product suggested by the brand is the length of two fingers to cover your face and neck. I have small fingers and find that two fingers are nowhere near enough and don't come close to a quarter of a teaspoon which is the recommended amount. This technique isn’t as reliable as people make out as this depends on the length of the fingers and the size of your head.
Do I need to apply moisturiser underneath?
The brand suggests you can use this as your moisturiser. I recommend you try this with your moisturiser first as it's lightweight and layers beautifully, I didn’t feel it was too much for my skin to have layered both. I did try it without moisturiser and it wasn’t enough hydration and moisture for my skin.
What's the difference between the invisible and the glow?
Garnier Daily UV Fluid is available in two variations -invisible and glow. The invisible is my favourite, it’s transparent and leaves no white cast and the skin has a healthy smoothness thanks to the added benefit of hyaluronic acid and peptides.
Whilst the glow gives a radiant, sheer finish and has niacinamide included in the formation, this tint is suitable for all skin tones, even the palest of skin tones will find this suitable to use as it is a sheer finish however they may struggle to get the full quarter of a teaspoon on so the invisible may be the better choice.
The Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid Invisible SPF50+
The Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid Glow SPF50+
My Final Pro/Con On The Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Invisible SPF50+
I was impressed with this sunscreen, I loved the texture and the way it layered with the rest of my skincare. A huge plus for me is it didn’t sting the eyes.
My only negative would be whilst I am delighted to see protection against long UVA there is no UVA grading so I am unsure of the level of UVA protection. This is important because sunscreen should shield your skin from both ageing and skin cancer.
Thank You For Reading
I hope you have enjoyed this blog, please let me know if you need any help with your skin.
Stay tuned for more blogs and follow me on social media for the latest launches and more Skin School blogs!
Bye for now,
Fiona x
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