Top Sunscreen Brands to Try in Istanbul This Summer

Living in Istanbul, especially during the summer, means lots of sunshine and outdoor activities. As a cosmetic dentist with a passion for aesthetic medicine, I can’t stress enough the importance of good sunscreen. It’s not just about preventing sunburn; it’s about protecting your skin from premature aging and skin cancer. But with so many options out there, it’s hard to know which one to choose. So, I thought I’d share my thoughts on some of the top sunscreen brands available in Istanbul. Let’s dive in!

When I first moved from the Bay Area, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of sunscreens available here. I’ve tried quite a few, and while some have been amazing, others not so much. But before we get into that, let me clarify something: not all sunscreens are created equal. There’s a lot that goes into making a good sunscreen, and it’s important to know what you’re looking for.

You’re probably thinking, ‘Rodrigo, what makes a good sunscreen?’. Well, I’m glad you asked. A good sunscreen should offer broad-spectrum protection, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. It should also have a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor), preferably SPF 30 or higher. But here’s where it gets tricky: some sunscreens can be too thick, leave a white cast, or cause breakouts. Is this the best approach? Let’s consider…

Top Sunscreen Brands in Istanbul

La Roche-Posay

If you’ve done any research on sunscreens, you’ve probably come across La Roche-Posay. This French brand is a favorite among dermatologists worldwide, and for good reason. Their sunscreens offer high protection and are suitable for sensitive skin. I’ve used their Anthelios line and it’s fantastic. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and doesn’t leave a white cast. The only downside? It’s a bit on the pricier side. But ultimately, you get what you pay for, right?

Vichy

Vichy is another French pharmacy brand that’s widely available in Istanbul. Their sunscreens are also great for sensitive skin. I tried their Ideal Soleil line and was impressed. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and has a slight tint that helps even out skin tone. But I must admit, I’m torn between this and La Roche-Posay. Both are great, but if you’re looking for something slightly more affordable, Vichy is a good choice.

Eucerin

Eucerin is a German brand that’s known for its high-quality skincare products. Their sunscreens are no exception. I’ve used their Sun Fluid Mattifying SPF 50 and it’s amazing for oily skin. It leaves a matte finish and doesn’t cause breakouts. The only thing is, it can leave a slight white cast. But if you have oily or acne-prone skin, this is a small price to pay.

Maybe I should clarify, not all Eucerin sunscreens leave a white cast. Their Sun Gel-Cream SPF 50 is a great alternative if you’re looking for something more lightweight. It’s a bit more expensive, but it’s worth it.

Nivea

Nivea is another German brand that’s widely available and affordable. Their sunscreens are great for everyday use. I’ve used their Sun Protect & Moisture Face Sun Cream SPF 50 and it’s a good basic sunscreen. It’s moisturizing, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly. The only thing is, it’s not suitable for very sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Garnier

Garnier is a French brand that’s known for its affordable skincare products. Their sunscreens are great for everyday use. I’ve used their Ambre Solaire SPF 50 and it’s a good basic sunscreen. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and has a nice scent. But here’s the thing: it’s not suitable for sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to stick with brands like La Roche-Posay or Vichy.

Bioderma

Bioderma is another French pharmacy brand that’s known for its high-quality skincare products. Their sunscreens are great for sensitive skin. I’ve used their Photoderm Max SPF 50 and it’s amazing. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and doesn’t leave a white cast. But it’s a bit on the pricier side. But if you’re looking for something high-quality and suitable for sensitive skin, it’s worth it.

Avene

Avene is a French brand that’s known for its thermal spring water skincare products. Their sunscreens are great for sensitive skin. I’ve used their Cleanance SPF 50 and it’s amazing for acne-prone skin. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and doesn’t cause breakouts. The only thing is, it can leave a slight white cast. But if you have acne-prone skin, this is a small price to pay.

L’Oreal

L’Oreal is a French brand that’s known for its wide range of skincare and makeup products. Their sunscreens are great for everyday use. I’ve used their Sublime Bronze SPF 50 and it’s a good basic sunscreen. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and has a nice scent. But here’s the thing: it’s not suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Clarins

Clarins is a French luxury skincare brand. Their sunscreens are high-quality but come with a higher price tag. I’ve used their Sun Care Milk-Lotion Spray SPF 50 and it’s amazing. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and has a nice scent. But it’s a bit on the pricier side. But if you’re looking for something high-quality and luxurious, it’s worth it.

Shiseido

Shiseido is a Japanese luxury skincare brand. Their sunscreens are high-quality but come with a higher price tag. I’ve used their Senka Mineral Water Essence Sunscreen SPF 50 and it’s amazing. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and has a nice scent. But it’s a bit on the pricier side. But if you’re looking for something high-quality and luxurious, it’s worth it.

But wait, there’s more. I want to quickly mention a few Turkish brands that are worth trying. Brands like DermoVe and Dermokrem offer great sunscreens at affordable prices. They might not be as fancy as some of the international brands, but they get the job done.

A Personal Challenge

So, there you have it. Some of the top sunscreen brands available in Istanbul. But remember, the best sunscreen is the one you’ll use every day. So, I challenge you to try out a few and see which one works best for you. And don’t forget to reapply every two hours!

As someone who works remotely and spends a lot of time outdoors with my rescue cat Luna, I can’t stress enough the importance of good sun protection. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about staying healthy. So, do yourself a favor and invest in a good sunscreen.

FAQ

Q: What does SPF stand for?
A: SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It’s a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect skin from UVB rays, the kind of radiation that causes sunburn, damages skin, and can contribute to skin cancer.

Q: What does broad-spectrum mean?
A: Broad-spectrum means that a sunscreen can protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots. UVB rays can burn your skin. Too much exposure to either can cause skin cancer.

Q: How often should I reapply sunscreen?
A: You should reapply sunscreen approximately every two hours, or after swimming or sweating, according to the directions on the bottle. Make sure to apply a generous amount of sunscreen to all exposed skin.

Q: Can I use last years sunscreen?
A: If you found a bottle of sunscreen that you bought last year and want to use it, first check its expiration date. Sunscreens are designed to maintain their original strength for up to three years. This means that you can use leftover sunscreen from one year to the next.

You Might Also Like

• Top Skin Care Products to Try in Istanbul
• Best Anti-Aging Creams Available in Istanbul
• Essential Beauty Treatments to Experience in Istanbul