Sunscreen and antioxidants go together like peanut butter and jelly. They are a classic “better together” skin-care pairing because they protect our skin from different parts of the same problem: environmental damage. The UV filters in sunscreen either reflect or absorb ultraviolet radiation, intercepting it before it causes damage, like sunburns and signs of aging. But, even with the most formidable SPFs, some UV rays will still get through, and in that case, antioxidants can swoop in and fight the free-radical formation they cause.
That’s why I love a sunscreen that prioritizes not only broad-spectrum sun protection, but also antioxidant protection, like Timebeam Beauty’s Sunbeam Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 ($38). Here’s my honest review.
The Benefits of This Mineral Sunscreen
When I first squeezed out this creamy sunscreen, I noticed the pink color, which I realized was coming from the astaxanthin in the formula. This is the hero ingredient, which is a microalgae-derived super-antioxidant (it’s up to 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C) that helps protect skin from environmental stressors like pollution and blue light, as well as UV exposure. Other antioxidants in the mix are green tea, niacinamide and ascorbyl palmitate (a vitamin C ester), which all bring a bevy of benefits.
The formula is lightweight and gives my skin a hydrated feel and dewy finish. I was thrilled when it layered nicely with my other products, makeup included, and didn’t pill. It’s not heavy, chalky or drying like some mineral sunscreens can be, even with 10-percent zinc oxide, and the pink hue helps offset the white cast as well. I have light skin, and I had no issues blending it in fully.
I also appreciate that Sunbeam is fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin. In fact, the brand told me that it’s so gentle, it can even be used after in-office treatments like lasers and peels. If you are someone who regularly gets these types of treatments and wants an efficacious sunscreen to protect your investment, this is a great one to consider.
The Bottom Line
This is a lightweight mineral sunscreen that goes above and beyond basic sun protection to offer potent antioxidant defense and all skin types can benefit.
