Face Sunscreens

Sunscreens for Face: The Step That Matters Most of All

The face is exposed to ultraviolet radiation almost every day, winter and summer, at the sea and in the car. UVB burns and reddens. UVA is not noticeable, it passes through glass and is linked to photoaging, that is, to fine lines, sagging and age spots.

The most widespread misconception concerns the number. SPF 50+ index is not double that of 30: SPF 30 reduces UVB reaching the skin by about 97%, SPF 50 by about 98%. No sunscreen filters 100% of UV radiation. SPF is measured only against UVB. For UVA look at the symbol UVA within a circle, which means that UVA protection is at least one third of the declared SPF, and the PPD index, which shows how much it delays immediate tanning. High broad-spectrum protection means SPF 50+ together with the UVA symbol.

Quantity: The Most Useful Thing on This Page

The indices result from a test with 2 mg of product per square centimeter of skin. In practice, most people spread about one third of this amount, and so an SPF 50 behaves much closer to SPF 15. For face, neck and ears you need about two fingers, that is, two continuous lines of product on the index and middle, or about half a teaspoon. It is clearly more than you think. Spread on five points and distribute without rubbing until it disappears.

The other half of the work is repetition: every two hours as long as you are exposed, and certainly after swimming, heavy sweating or wiping with a towel. The water-resistant formulas retain part of their performance after a few minutes of diving, but they do not withstand the towel.

How to Choose Yours

Based on Skin Type

The texture determines if you will use it every day. Rich creams are suitable for dry and normal skin, fluid textures for normal to combination skin. If shine and pimples are your concern, non-comedogenic oil control formulas for oily skin and acne keep the face matte. The sensitive skin prefers formulations without fragrance with metal filters, while when you do not know where you belong or are looking for a product for the whole house, check the options for all skin types.

Based on Form and Need

Colored sunscreens with color even out the tone and often replace make up, while sunscreen powders solve the renewal over ready-made make up. For forgotten areas there are special products for lips and eyes, while formulations for tans combine very high index with colorants. The autobronzants give color without exposure, but do not offer any protection.

Chemical or Physical Filters

• Organic filters, the so-called chemical: absorb radiation, spread invisible and suit medium and dark skin tones better.
• Inorganic filters, the so-called physical, with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide: sit on the surface, act immediately and rarely irritate.
• The white imprint almost always comes from inorganic filters. For dark skin prefer organic filters or colored compositions that neutralize the gray cast.
• Iron oxides in products with color add coverage against visible light, which is of interest to those with discolorations.
• Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, together with glycerin, niacinamide and panthenol, contribute to radiance and make the product comfortable for daily use.

Popular Choices

The Frezyderm Sun Screen Velvet and the colored Frezyderm Sun Screen Color Velvet are timeless best sellers in the category, with velvety texture that does not shine. The Galderma Actinica offers very high protection with a dispenser that helps with the right amount. From La Roche-Posay Anthelios stand out the UVMune 400 for the long wavelengths of UVA and the Anthelios Age Correct. More specific needs are covered by the Avene Sunsimed, the Lierac Sunissime and the Ducray Melascreen.

In Practice, During the Day

The sunscreen goes last in the care routine and first before make up. Leave it two minutes to spread before the foundation, otherwise it will clog. SPF inside make up or moisturizer is not enough as sole protection, because the amount spread is much less than required. In winter the UVB decreases, but the UVA remains constant all year round and passes through the glass. With cloud cover it passes a significant percentage of the ultraviolet, and on snow and water reflection is added.

When working on spots, sunscreen is the base: without it, discolorations tend to return with each exposure. See also the suggestions for tans and discolorations, anti-aging and the rest of sun protection for body and hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

A SPF 30 with the right amount or a SPF 50 with little?

A SPF 30 with the right amount, without a second thought. The index you actually enjoy depends more on how much you put and how often you renew than on the number on the box.

Do I need sunscreen if I sit all day in an office?

If you sit next to a window, yes. Ordinary glass stops UVB but lets most of the UVA pass. An early application covers the day in the office, with renewal if you go outside.

How long does an opened sunscreen last?

Look at the symbol of the open jar with the months, usually 12M. If it passed the summer in the heat in the beach bag, start the new season with a new one.

Does sunscreen prevent tanning?

It slows it down and makes it more gradual, it does not cancel it. The color you get with protection lasts longer, because the skin does not burn and does not peel.

The information on the page is informative and concerns cosmetic products for sun protection. They do not replace the advice of a dermatologist or pharmacist. For changing spots or a history of photosensitivity, consult a doctor.