According to dermatologists, the use of face sunscreen is recommended because it decreases the risk of sunburn caused by UV rays, and premature aging of the skin. But given the number of sunscreens available, with different levels of protection, it can be difficult to navigate. So which best face sunscreens should you choose?
Table of Contents
Here are the best face sunscreens you can buy right now
Mimitika Face Sunscreen
With a specific formula, this melting and moisturizing sunscreen effectively protect the face from UVA and UVB rays. Moreover, it has a natural active which allows it to stimulate the natural production of melamine.
This facial treatment is made special by the presence of natural active ingredients, extracted from seaweed, which boosts the production of melamine (known to accelerate the natural pigmentation of the skin). By using this article, your tan will be brighter, and it will also last longer. Enriched with antioxidant vitamin E, this water-resistant cream minimizes the actions of free radicals. It can be used as a classic sunscreen or day cream.
This sunscreen is recommended if you want to perfect your tan while protecting your face from the harmful effects of the sun. If you have sensitive skin, this cream will act as a soothing balm. In addition, its texture has been designed so that it quickly and effectively penetrates your skin without leaving an indelicate white film on your face.
This facial treatment is made special by the presence of a natural active ingredient, extracted from seaweed, which boosts the production of melamine (known to accelerate the natural pigmentation of the skin). By using this article, your tan will be brighter, and it will also last longer. Enriched with antioxidant vitamin E, this water-resistant cream minimizes the actions of free radicals. It can be used as a classic sunscreen or day cream.
This sunscreen is recommended if you want to perfect your tan while protecting your face from the harmful effects of the sun. If you have sensitive skin, this cream will act as a soothing balm. In addition, its texture has been designed so that it quickly and effectively penetrates your skin without leaving an indelicate white film on your face.
Eucerin Sun Protection Oil Control
Eucerin’s flagship product, this facial sunscreen helps prevent premature aging of the face and the appearance of pigmentation spots. Effective, it protects against harmful rays.
It is true that 100% sunscreens do not exist yet, but you will be delighted to know that this cream offered by Eucerin comes as close as possible. This protective facial treatment contains condensed UVA / UVB SPF 50 filters, as well as mattifying principles that allow the skin to regulate the production of sebum which prevents it from shining. The other natural active ingredients included in the composition of this cream allow the face to better protect itself and if necessary activate the repairs it needs.
Entirely natural, this sunscreen is non-comedogenic and contains no fragrance or parabens. It is therefore suitable for all skin types, especially oily skin and those prone to acne. For maximum effectiveness, the manufacturer recommends a generous application of the treatment before any exposure to the sun. Another application is recommended after swimming or heavy sweating.
Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50
Enriched with a battery of natural active ingredients and antioxidants, this dry-touch sunscreen is the ultimate protection your face needs every day. In addition to moisturizing, this cream also protects it from free radicals.
Resistant to water and perspiration, this cream will suit you perfectly if you plan to spend some time in the sun, at the beach or just by the pool. Whatever the nature of your skin (dry, oily or combination), this face sunscreen will provide you with the hydration as well as the nutrients necessary to protect you from the free radicals brought by the ultraviolet rays. In addition, this sunscreen does not prevent you from tanning. On the contrary, it will help to homogenize your tan.
Apart from the many benefits brought to the skin, this face sunscreen is very popular for its ease of use. As it is very light and melting, it is easy to spread and does not stick. Just try to renew the application every 2 hours or when you get out of the water to optimize its effectiveness.
The Body Shop Hemp Face Protector Paraben Free Face Cream
Formulated primarily with hemp seed extracts, this facial moisturizer will hydrate faces and provide almost instant relief.
As the sunny days approach, are you looking for a protective treatment for your face? Try this facial moisturizer for dry skin. In a simple application, this cream will relieve your skin by providing it with all the hydration it needs to resist the attacks of UVA and UVB rays from the sun. In addition to relaxing, your skin will appear younger and brighter.
This treatment owes its high efficiency to hemp, which is recognized for its many aesthetic and cosmetic virtues on the skin. This plant contains a high level of essential fatty acids like omega 3, omega 6, but also essential nutrients and antioxidants like vitamin A and vitamin E. In many ways, this cream is perfect for intensely hydrating the skin of the face.
How to choose your face sunscreen
In order to get the best protection, you should consider the following criteria:
A broad spectrum
SPF is important, but you should also make sure your facial sunscreen reads “Broad Spectrum” so that it can protect against UVA and UVB rays. SPF only describes protection against UVB rays, sunburn rays which also damage your skin’s DNA. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, causing wrinkles and dark spots.
Zinc oxide
The broadest sun protection comes from zinc oxide. Unlike the ingredients in chemical sunscreens like avobenzone and oxybenzone, it is not absorbed by your body.
Titanium and zinc for sensitive skin
In addition to looking for zinc oxide for coverage, use zinc or titanium oxide-based sunscreens if you have sensitive skin. These two ingredients act as physical blockers. They are much less allergenic than all of the other active ingredients in sunscreen which are known as “chemical blockers”.
SPF 30 or more
An SPF 30 will block 97% of the sun’s harmful rays. Most people don’t apply their facial sunscreen the way they should, so using sunscreen with a higher SPF acts as a safety net to provide the most protection.
Water resistance
Water-resistant face sunscreen types are suitable for hot days or during sporting activities. Keep in mind that these types of sunscreens are stickier and need to be reapplied every two hours, but they are very effective in protecting you when going to the beach for example.
Which SPF index is the best?
It is generally accepted that the minimum acceptable SPF index is 30. Below this index, sunscreen for the face does not provide effective protection. However, be aware that higher numbers on labels are more about marketing than actual protection.
The FDA is also proposing sunscreens labeled with an SPF index greater than 50. There is no scientific evidence showing that they offer more protection than lower indices. The suggested recommendation is a minimum of an SPF of 30 and a maximum of 50 .
However, it should be noted that the level of protection required also depends on the skin tone of the person. Thus, a person with dark skin, less sensitive to the effects of the sun, and living in a temperate climate can opt for an index 20 cream.
The different types of face sunscreens
There are two types of facial sunscreens: physical sunscreens and chemical (mineral) sunscreens.
Physical sunscreens
Physical sunscreens contain active mineral ingredients, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which work by covering the skin to deflect and scatter harmful UV rays. They are often called physical blockers.
Advantages :
- Extensive Protection: This type of face sunscreen provides protection against UVA and UVB rays and is a naturally broad spectrum.
- Quick protection : Physical sunscreens protect from the sun upon application, no waiting necessary.
- Long-lasting protection: Their protection lasts longer under direct UV light (but not when you do physical activities that make the skin wet or sweaty).
- Do not irritate the skin: They are less likely to cause a stinging irritation on the skin, which makes them better for sensitive skin.
- Longer shelf life.
Disadvantages:
- Easily Removed : Physical sunscreens tend to come off easily with perspiration or water. This means more frequent application outdoors as needed.
- Unsightly: They can leave a white cast on the skin, making some formulas incompatible for medium to dark skin tones. This also limits uses.
- Limited Protection: They may be less protective if not applied and reapplied liberally and precisely, as UV light can penetrate between sunscreen molecules and penetrate the skin.
Who is it for ?
Physical sunscreens are best suited for people whose skin is activated by heat (such as rosacea and redness) because it diverts the heat and energy given off by the sun away from the skin. Since they’re also less likely to clog pores, they’re ideal for acne-prone skin.
Chemical sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens contain organic (carbon-based) compounds, such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, and avobenzone, which create a chemical reaction and work by turning UV rays into heat and then turning them into heat. releasing this heat from the skin. They are often called chemical or organic absorbers.
Advantages :
- Easier to apply: Unlike physical creams, a thin layer is enough to protect the skin, as there is no risk of gaps between the sunscreen molecules after application.
- Less pasty: As they are thinner than physical creams, they are more easily applied to the skin.
- The formula of chemical sunscreens allows for the addition of additional treatment ingredients, such as peptides and enzymes, which provide other protective benefits for the skin.
Disadvantages:
- Can increase dark spots: They can cause an increase in existing dark spots and discoloration due to a higher internal skin temperature (overheated skin can make dark spots, such as melasma) worse.
- More aggressive to the skin: They have an increased risk of irritation and tingling (especially for those who have dry skin with a damaged moisture barrier) due to the multiple ingredients combined to achieve UVA protection and Broad-spectrum UVB.
- The higher the SPF (like formulas of SPF 50 or higher), the higher the risk of irritation for sensitive skin.
- Less effective protection: The protection they offer wears out faster in direct UV light, so it should be used more frequently.
Who is it for ?
Chemical sunscreens are not suitable for people with sensitive or sensitive skin. This is because they may increase redness for skin prone to rosacea because this type of sunscreen for the face turns UV rays into heat. They can also clog the skin. They are therefore better suited to people who do not have skin problems.
Why buy face sunscreen?
Protect against UV rays
The sun’s rays have a destructive effect on the skin, especially on the face, especially if you are exposed to the sun for a long time. Applying sunscreen for your face allows you to effectively protect yourself from sunburn and sunstroke, but also from skin cancer. It acts as a kind of screen to prevent the rays from attacking your skin.
Hydrate the face
Sun creams for the face have a moisturizing property. It is for this reason that many people use it on the beach, in town or for sunbathing on the terrace. To be renewed every two hours. In addition, sunscreen for the face fits easily in your bags and this allows you to apply it anywhere and anytime.
Slow down the aging of the skin
Some people think that sunscreens should only be used during the summer months. However, its regular application protects the skin of the face and limits the production of free radicals which are the cause of aging of the skin. Your skin will be firmer and you will no longer have those small spots that obstruct the eyes. It is therefore an excellent protection for the skin of the face.
Soften the skin
Putting cream on the face is by no means futility. This is because the use of this substance softens the skin and eliminates the formation of blackheads. It is easy to apply and does not take a long time to take effect. You will see that your face will be smoother and you will feel like you are rejuvenating.
Limit photosensitivity
The face is very sensitive to external elements, and of course to the sun. Without any additional protection like sunscreen, mainly for people on medication, the skin of the face becomes hypersensitive.
FAQ
What is the best sunscreen for the face?
The best sunscreen for the face depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find the best products around.
How do sunscreens work?
The ingredients in sunscreen work in two ways: diffusing and/or absorbing ultraviolet (UV) radiation to prevent it from reaching the skin. Some sunscreens use both absorbent and diffusing ingredients. Examples of diffusing ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium oxide. UV absorbers use ingredients such as oxybenzone, octocrylene, 4 – methyl benzylidene camphor, and butyl methoxy dibenzoyl methane.
What does SPF mean?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. SPF is related to the time required for the appearance of redness on the skin with a barrier cream compared to their appearance in the absence of barrier cream. The test is performed in the laboratory. For example, if it takes 10 minutes for unprotected skin to show redness, a properly applied SPF30 sunscreen, in theory, will take 30 times as long or 300 minutes to start blushing. However, it is difficult to achieve this level of protection in real-life – factors such as skin type, ultraviolet (UV) levels, swimming/drying, and the amount of sunscreen you apply can. affect the level of protection. That is why we always recommend applying liberally every two hours or after swimming, sweating, or towel drying. It is also important to apply 20 minutes in advance before being exposed to UV.
What does “broad spectrum” mean?
Broad-spectrum sunscreens provide protection against UVA and UVB rays, the two types of harmful ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun. UVB is the main cause of sunburn, but UVA and UVB rays help increase the risk of skin cancer.
How do I apply sunscreen?
Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before UV exposure to create the intended protective barrier. It should be applied liberally and evenly to clean, dry skin. For an adult, the recommended application is 5ml (approximately one teaspoon) for each arm, leg, front of the body, back, and face of the body (including neck and ears). This equates to a total of 35ml (about seven teaspoons) for a full-body application. Sunscreen should always be reapplied at least every two hours, regardless of the water-resistance of the sunscreen. Swimming, sports, sweating and towel drying can reduce the effectiveness of the product, so always reapply sunscreen after these activities.
