CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25: Affordable Sunscreen Elegance

I feel as though I've almost written an entire review on this sunscreen already, but as the mentions are dotted about in different posts I thought I'd collate all of the information into one neat review.

Because this CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion with SPF 25 is a good one; uncomplicated, unperfumed, inexpensive and effective. Its particular USP, as with most of CeraVe's products, is that the formula contains ceramides to help restore the skin's own protective barrier. Ceramides are actually present in the skin already - the fats make up over 50% of the skin's composition, according to Dr Google - but over time, the ceramides become less effective at their job. And their job is, in the simplest terms, forming a protective barrier against the outside world. Helping to keep the stuff we don't want (eg pollution, smoke) out and the stuff we do want (water!) in. If this protective barrier is weakened then you can start to see dryness, itchiness, redness, signs of dehydration and that general feeling of sensitivity and angstiness that we've probably all experienced at one time or another. If the barrier is strong and healthy, then it follows that skin will look and feel more soothed and hydrated. (And hydrated skin, in turn, will usually look far plumper and firmer.)

I wasn't really that au fait with how ceramides worked (I think those dodgy shampoo ads from the nineties made me add the word "ceramide" to my list of beauty gimmicks to ignore!) but it seems that they are - quite literally - the thing holding our skin together. So the inclusion of essential ceramides in a well-formulated cream can't be a bad idea - add in a shovel-load of niacinamide, which is also a marvellous ingredient for strengthening the skin's barrier, and you have yourself a very attractive moisturiser. Especially if you have sensitive, itchy and irritable skin that constantly feels on the verge of a breakdown.

And then there's the broad spectrum sunscreen, protecting against UVA and UVB rays. All in a rather elegant lotion that's hydrating but not greasy, lightweight but not alcohol-laden, doesn't have added fragrance and comes in a sensible, easy-to-use pump-action tube. CeraVe say that this SPF 25 lotion is for normal to dry skin but I wonder whether oily or acne-prone skin might also benefit too. The niacinamide in the formula has skin-calming, sebum-regulating properties as well as being brilliant for helping with the skin's barrier function, so perhaps  a nice choice for those with angry, spotty skin that's flaky and dehydrated at the same time. Has anyone with oily or spot-prone skin tried this? Please report back in the comments, I'd love to hear your feedback.

For those wondering how the CeraVe lotion compares to my "test" SPF, Anthelios XL: I think that the CeraVe is more hydrating than the Anthelios and a better choice for drier skin or skin that's in some way compromised or sensitive. If you want a more velvet, undetectable finish and a featherweight feel, Anthelios is the more appropriate option.

You can find CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 at Boots.com here* - it's £12.