Face Cream with SPF [Day Moisturizer Review]

Why is it important to use an SPF face cream every day?

There are two types of ultraviolet rays that have a negative effect on the skin – UVA and UVB rays:

• UVA rays make up 95% of all ultraviolet reaching the surface of the earth, and are the most dangerous for the skin. It is they that start the process of destruction of collagen and elastin, damaging the cells of the dermis, eventually provoking malignant changes and contributing to photoaging. UVA rays penetrate clouds and glasses all year round and even in winter they can adversely affect the skin, contributing to the synthesis of free radicals.
• UVB rays partially absorbed by clouds and the ozone layer, only 5% of them reach the ground. The peak of UVB activity occurs in the morning and daytime (from 10 am to 16 pm) and clouds and glass impede their patency. It is UVB rays that are responsible for obtaining a dark shade of tan, and are also capable of provoking sunburn and an allergic skin reaction.

Exposed areas of the body, especially the face, are most susceptible to the negative effects of UV radiation, which can be minimized by sunscreen. Face products with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) are recommended to be used before each exit to the street. The protection factor index for such funds can be different – from 10 to 50+. Let’s figure out how to choose the right sunscreen.

How to choose the right face cream with SPF?

Today, cosmetics manufacturers offer a wide range of modern sunscreens that meet different requirements. When choosing a sunscreen for your face with SPF, consider your skin type, skin phototype and where you plan to use it – in an urban environment or during a seaside vacation.

Step 1. Determine your skin type

There are different formulas and textures of sunscreens for different skin types: oily and problematic (matting, non-comedogenic), dry and dehydrated (moisturizing, softening), sensitive (hypoallergenic, soothing, based on natural ingredients).

Step 2. Determine your phototype

There are 6 skin phototypes, depending on its natural ability to protect itself from ultraviolet radiation and produce melanin pigment:

• fair-skinned owners of phototypes 1-2 with high photosensitivity are recommended to use products with the highest SPF 50+;
• for people with phototype 3-4, creams with SPF 20-30 are suitable;
• for owners of dark skin of 5-6 phototypes with low photosensitivity, an SPF 10-15 filter will suffice.

Properly selected sunscreen not only protects against burning, but also prevents photoaging: the appearance of early wrinkles, age spots, dryness, and a decrease in skin turgor.

Step 3. Purpose of application

• Many cosmetics manufacturers add SPF filters to corrective day care products: in addition to sun protection, they are designed for different skin types and meet their needs. Such creams are suitable for daily use in a metropolis and can be used as a base for make-up. City funds are distinguished by a relatively low protection factor SPF 15-20.
• Holiday face creams are highly protective (SPF 50+) and are most often used as independent sun protection products – it is not recommended to apply cosmetics over them. Caring components are also added to their composition: moisturizing moisture-retaining, vitamins, antioxidants and valuable oils.

Remember that the SPF only blocks sunburn-causing UVB rays. To protect your skin from UVA rays that cause photoaging and pathological cellular changes, choose products that have a circled UVA label on the packaging, which indicates the presence of a minimum level of protection against type A radiation.

There are two types of filters:

1. Physical or mineral (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide), reflecting UV rays from the surface of the skin.
2. Chemicals (avobenzone, mexoril, tinosorb, ensulizol, etc.), absorbing either UVA or UVB rays, only a few are able to neutralize the effects of both types. There are about 20 chemical filters.

Makeup base with SPF

New generation makeup bases are designed not only to even out the relief and tone of the face, preparing the skin for makeup application, but also mattify, moisturize it and have formulas with SPF filters to protect against photoaging. Simply put, modern bases play the role of an intermediate care between the application of a day product and decorative cosmetics.

The degree of primer protection most often varies from SPF 10 to SPF 20 – the former block up to 90% of ultraviolet UVB rays, while the latter block up to 95%, respectively. Also, look for “broad spectrum” markings on products to protect against A and B types of radiation.

Face sunscreen with SPF

Modern care cosmetics manufacturers sometimes include SPF 15-50 sunscreens in the basis of their daily product formulas. Such products, in addition to their main task: moisturizing, nourishing, fighting acne or wrinkles, also protect the skin of the face from the effects of ultraviolet radiation and resist other negative environmental factors. Apply a day cream with SPF in the morning as a basic care product.

Anti-aging face cream with SPF

It has been proven that ultraviolet accelerates the aging process of cells and dries the skin, literally pulling moisture out of it. Cosmetologists say that 70% of the skin ages due to the influence of sunlight on it. Therefore, manufacturers of anti-age cosmetics for corrective care often include high-spectrum sunscreens SPF 30-50 in the formula.

Such products not only provide powerful protection from the sun, but also maintain the level of moisture in the cells, providing a powerful antioxidant effect, prolonging the beauty and health of the skin.

What functions does SPF perform in the basis of anti-aging formulas:

• prevents premature wrinkles;
• prevents the appearance of age spots;
• prevents dry skin and reduces dehydration lines;
• reduces the visible vascular network;
• prevents the expansion of pores and changes in skin texture.

Best SPF Facials from La Roche-Posay

Anthelios XL Mattifying Gel Sun Cream, SPF 50+ / PPD 21

Anthelios Sunscreen Mattifying Facial Spray, SPF 50+ / PPD 25

The spray formula is suitable for oily, sensitive and normal skin, reduces shine throughout the day, has an invisible texture.

Anthelios sunscreen moisturizer for face and eyes, SPF 50+ / PPD 35

The formula is suitable for sensitive, normal and dry skin. The composition includes thermal water with a high content of selenium, which is a powerful antioxidant.

Anthelios sun stick for sensitive areas, SPF 50+ / PPD 26

Designed to protect skin areas that are extremely sensitive to the sun (nose, ears, lips, moles, scars, tattoos).