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Here are the signs of a good sunscreen and examples of products you can use. When choosing a sunscreen, consider where you intend to use it – in the urban jungle or on the sea coast.
What is SPF factor
Face cream with SPF protection is a cosmetic product that we must use on a daily basis, so its choice should be approached with all seriousness. Today, the range of sunscreens is quite wide and meets a variety of requirements.
Choose a face cream with SPF according to your phototype.
SPF (English Sun Protection Factor, in translation – “sun protection factor”) is an index that determines the level of protection from the sun, namely ultraviolet B rays (UVB). The number next to the abbreviation tells how much UV will hit the skin when using the product:
at SPF 10, the skin will receive 1/10 of the total radiation, that is, the filter will block about 90% of UVB rays;
SPF 15 will cut off 93% of the rays;
the highest possible protection level of 50+ neutralizes 98-99% of UVB radiation.
Recently, a separate label has been introduced to inform consumers about the degree of protection against UVA radiation: in accordance with the recommendation of the European Commission, the UVA symbol in a circle is applied to the packaging of sunscreens. This means that the formula provides a minimum level of UVA protection (minimum 1/3 of UVB protection), which increases with the SPF value.
Try our quiz to find out which Garnier sunscreen is right for you.
The need for SPF protection for the face
Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen every day, regardless of season or cloudiness. After all, ultraviolet can not only cause a burn, but also accelerate the aging of the skin.
It is for this reason that it is necessary to use a product with broad-spectrum filters and an SPF corresponding to the solar activity index. As a rule, SPF 30-50 is needed in summer.
How to choose a really good cream
A sunscreen will truly serve the safety of your skin if you choose it based on several criteria, including the type of filter and your own phototype.
Filter types
There are two types of filters that differ from each other by the principle of operation.
Physical, or mineral (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) reflect the sun’s rays on the principle of a mirror.
They are part of creams from sun protection lines and fluid screens with high SPF, which are applied over a moisturizer and create a protective film on the skin. In everyday creams, they are used infrequently: the mineral particles are too large, overload the formula, make the texture heavier and give the face a characteristic whitish tint.
Chemical (there are more than 20 compounds, including parsol 1789, avobenzone, oxybenzone) do not repel, but absorb and neutralize UV rays.
Unlike physical ones, they are destroyed within two hours of continuous insolation. Therefore, in direct sunlight, reapplying sunscreen every two hours is strictly necessary.
Face cream with SPF is useful both on vacation and on working days.
Determine your phototype
This criterion indicates the degree of sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet radiation. Sensitivity is determined by the amount of protective pigment – melanin, which is produced in the sun in the lower layers of the epidermis. The classification of phototypes was made by Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick in 1975, dividing humanity into 6 groups according to the totality of external signs.
I Celtic type. Signs: milky white or pink skin, which is called porcelain for an even tone. Red hair, light eyes, a scattering of freckles on the face and body. Burn instantly, do not sunbathe at all.
II European (Scandinavian, Nordic). Representatives of this phototype resemble the previous one in appearance, they have light eyes, hair and skin. They quickly burn, sunbathe badly, but when tanned, the skin acquires not a red, but a golden hue.
III Central European (mixed). Ivory skin. Hair is dark blond, chestnut. Eyes – brown or light. There are no freckles or they become visible only in the season of active sun. They sunbathe well, although they can burn.
IV Mediterranean, or South European, type. Typical inhabitants of Spain, Italy, Greece. They are easily recognizable by their dark olive skin. Eyes and hair are dark. They tan quickly, without burns.
V Asian (Eastern). These people are distinguished by swarthy skin, dark hair and eyes. They sunbathe perfectly, it is almost impossible for them to burn.
VI African type. Very dark skin, hair and eyes. They don’t burn.
The most vulnerable to ultraviolet light are I-III phototypes. Dermatologists advise such people to take a responsible approach to the choice of sunscreen.
What SPF do you need
The choice of sunscreen depends on the circumstances of your life: location, time of year and day. The lighter the skin, the lower its own defense mechanism, which means that the likelihood of a burn is higher.
Regardless of the phototype, it is recommended to renew the sunscreen every 2 hours. In the summer in the southern countries, the sun is merciless, and people are characterized by imprudence, forgetfulness and just laziness: a little gape, casually applied the cream – and did not notice how burned.
In addition, no remedy is able to provide 100% safety, so it is important to remember the rules of sun exposure. In places of increased UV activity (sea, mountains, hot countries), choose a cream with SPF 30-50. Below are more specific recommendations.
Creams with SPF protect against burns and premature wrinkles.
Recommended sun protection for different phototypes
| Skin type | strong solar activity | Average solar activity | Weak solar activity |
| Phototype I | SPF 30-50 | SPF 30-50 | SPF 15-20 |
| Phototype II | SPF 30-50 | SPF 30-50 | SPF 12-15-20 |
| Phototype III | SPF 20-30 | SPF 20-30 | SPF 12-15 |
| Phototype IV | SPF 20-30 | SPF 12-15 | SPF 12-15 |
Cream with SPF for every day
If everything is more or less clear with the sun and the beach, then the need for UV protection in urban environments is in doubt. Is it necessary at all, especially in winter? The answer to this question depends on the UV index at that particular time. Look into the weather app on your smartphone and act according to the circumstances.
UV-index below 2 – you can do without SPF.
The UV index is below 4 and you don’t plan to stay outside for more than 30 minutes – protection is not required.
UV index 4-6 – use a cream with SPF 20.
UV-index above 6 – solar protection with a factor of 25-30 is required.
Cosmetics developers and manufacturers do not always include SPF in their daily face cream, preferring not to overload the formula aimed at solving specific cosmetic tasks: moisturizing, nourishing, fighting wrinkles.
But sunscreen lines every year appear a variety of products with innovative textures and additional effects, addressed to different skin types.
The higher the UV index, the stronger the photoprotection should be.
Protection in the city
There are at least three fundamental differences in sunscreens for the city.
Compound formula. “Urban” means, in addition to repelling the attack of ultraviolet radiation, will have to deal with aggressive environmental factors. This means that they include antioxidants, for example, green tea extract.
Additional Functionality. To save time on morning preparations, “urban” SPF products are often equipped with additional features. Some of them can act as a foundation, mattify the skin, and work to reduce age spots.
Low SPF. City funds allow a relatively small degree of protection, for example, SPF 15 or 20. Indeed, sometimes your entire stay on the street on weekdays is limited to jogging for lunch at the nearest cafe or a short walk from home to the metro and from the metro to the office.
Beach protection
Everything is strict with beach formulas: water resistance (an indispensable condition) plus a filter of at least “thirty”.
Best SPF Facials
Once you’re shopping for the right sunscreen, think about where you’re most likely to use it. For daily use in the city, this tool is no less important. The editors of Healthy-Food have compiled a selection of the most successful, in her opinion, products.
Moisturizers
Advanced Brightening UV Defense Light Sunscreen, SPF 50, SkinCeuticals
Provides not only powerful protection, but also maintains the level of moisture in the skin. Reduces pigmentation with tranexamic acid, niacinamide and mika.
Cream for face and skin around the eyes Anthelios Ultra, SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay
In addition to neutralizing the sun’s rays, it provides additional protection with antioxidants: baicalin, vitamin E and thermal water with a high content of selenium. There is an option with SPF 30. Suitable for sensitive, normal and dry skin.
Anti-aging
Sunscreen face fluid Ambre Solaire, SPF 50, Garnier
Prevents signs of photoaging and fights existing ones. It contains hyaluronic acid, which promotes hydration. Suitable for the eye area.
Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel, SPF 50 PA++++, Anti-Pollution, Kiehl’s
The texture of the refreshing oil-free gel is suitable, including oily skin, has a moisturizing effect, does not cause a sticky effect. Protects from both the sun and free radicals, preventing signs of photoaging. The formula is enriched with vitamin E.
For combination and oily skin
Face & Eye Sunscreen, Anthelios Fluid, SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay
Universal sunscreen, ideal for summer and skin of any type, has the lightest texture, is resistant to sweat and water. Shake before use.
For problem skin
Sun Gel Cream for Oily, Problematic and Acne-Prone Skin Anthelios, SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay
Combines photostable filters backed by antioxidants with acne-fighting ingredients salicylic acid and niacinamide, plus signature mattifying technology. Waterproof.
For beach
Refreshing sun spray-veil for face and body “Solar water”, SPF 30, Garnier
The weightless texture spreads evenly over the skin with a patented round spray applicator with a 360° reach. Immediately cools the skin by 2°C and provides long-lasting moisturizing effect thanks to the aloe juice in the formula.
What is the difference between an SPF cream and a sunscreen?
functionality. The care cream moisturizes the skin, smoothes, etc. plus, if sunscreens are added, it has a sunscreen effect. Sunscreen for the face is aimed solely at protecting the skin from ultraviolet radiation, although it may also contain components for additional care, but this is a nice bonus. Day cream with SPF is suitable for urban summer, not for the beach.
Can you use body sunscreen on your face?
Not worth it. The skin of the face is much thinner and more sensitive than the skin of the body, so cosmetics for them are basically different, first of all. And secondly, the application technique: in the same way that we rub sunscreen on our legs or back, we will not rub it on our face. If there is a mark “for face and body”, all these nuances are taken into account.
How long do SPF day creams last when sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2 hours?
Day cream with SPF, if you do not spend all day in the sun, does not require constant renewal, because the chemical filters in the composition of the product do not disintegrate on their own in two hours, but only under the influence of ultraviolet rays.