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This article is especially recommended for those who think that the “XNUMX” on a bottle of sunscreen is too much. We will tell you who needs a sunscreen for the face with the highest SPF factor, how it works and under what conditions it is simply irreplaceable. The best means, according to the editors of Healthy-Food, are in our review.
Why you need strong sun protection
What does the SPF 50 mark on a cream bottle mean?
The abbreviation SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. And the number 50 is the protection level, which indicates how effectively the SPF protects the skin from UVB rays of the sun. Without protection, the skin of an adult can burn in 15–20 minutes of exposure to the sun, the skin of a child can burn three times faster.
Protection is weakened due to the fact that we usually apply 2-3 times less cream than recommended.
Solar radiation is of three types.
UVA rays have a length of 320-400 nm, penetrate clouds, glass and the epidermis. These rays reach the cells of the dermis and, although their effect is painless, cause enormous damage: they provoke the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, photodermatitis, skin cancer.
UVB rays have a length of 290-320 nm, some of them trap clouds and glass, they do not penetrate deep into the skin – they linger at the level of the epidermis. That is why this type of radiation is responsible for the appearance of sunburn. And it also causes sunburn. By the way, sunburn is nothing more than a protective reaction of the skin to damage.
UVC rays – the most dangerous, are blocked by the ozone layer of the atmosphere (that’s why ozone holes are so dangerous).
Remember that SPF only protects against UVB radiation, so sunscreen packaging should have a special mark about protection from UVA rays.
The UVA protection option is indicated by a special marking:
Asian funds – PA +++;
American – the phrase broad spectrum (“broad spectrum”);
European – UVA icon in a circle.
Differences between SPF 50 and lower values
According to the American Skin Cancer Association, SPF 50 protects against 98% of the rays. For comparison: funds with SPF 30 can save from 97%, with SPF 15 – from 93%. It may seem that the difference is not critical, but for people with photosensitivity (allergy to the sun) or those who are predisposed to oncological formations (oncology in the past or in close relatives), it is very noticeable.
When choosing a sun cream, be guided by your phototype.
What type of skin is recommended
First of all, creams with a protection factor SPF 50 are necessary for children, as well as representatives of phototypes 1, 2, 3.
To the first phototype (based on the table developed by the American scientist Thomas Fitzpatrick) are people with milky-white freckled skin, blond or red hair and light eyes.
To the second – people with fair skin, blond hair and blond or brown hair.
To the third – people with dark skin, dark blond or light brown hair, brown or light eyes.
To the representatives of the remaining three phototypes (dark-skinned and dark-skinned people with black hair and dark eyes) SPF 50 is useful on vacation in hot countries.
The SPF factor only protects against UVB rays.
Which sunscreen with SPF 50 is better to choose
When choosing a sunscreen, focus on several factors:
your phototype;
weather conditions: in cloudy weather, the protection factor may be lower (you remember that the UVB rays that SPF protects from are partially blocked by clouds);
individual characteristics of your skin: type, tendency to allergic reactions, heredity;
climatic zone.
Sun filter type
This is another parameter to consider when choosing a sunscreen.
Physical (inorganic, mineral) filters
These include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which reflect the sun’s rays like a mirror.
Chemical (organic) filters
There are many filters of this type, among them are avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, etc., they absorb the sun’s rays.
| mineral screens | Chemical filters | |
| composition | inert, opaque, insoluble powders with high coverage | soluble synthetic molecules with double chains |
| how they work | reflect and scatter rays | according to the principle of selective absorption |
| benefits | good tolerability, long-term effect, photostability | UVA protection, good cosmeticity, directional action, the possibility of combining with other products |
| shortcomings | poor protection against UVA rays, destruction by heating, occlusive effect, insufficient cosmeticity | relative safety and relative photostability |
Additional components included
In addition to filters, sunscreen formulas contain substances intended for skin care.
Antioxidants
Under the influence of solar radiation, free radicals are formed in the skin – one of the main factors of aging. And to combat them, sunscreen formulas include antioxidants (vitamin E, baicalin).
hyaluronic acid
Provides a moisturizing and anti-aging effect, smoothes wrinkles and evens out skin texture.
Minerals
Indispensable in protective creams for oily skin: matte, control sebum production, reduce inflammation.
The expiration date of sunscreen is indicated on the packaging.
How to use
As for the use of creams with SPF, the main requirements are not to use expired products and reapply on the skin in a timely manner. Details below.
Shelf life
It is listed on the packaging. On the packaging of products made in Europe, you can see the marking of the expiration date in accordance with European legislation – the image of a jar with an open lid and a number from 6 to 12, which indicates the number of months during which it is permissible to use the product after opening the package.
As a rule, sunscreen cosmetics have a short shelf life. And if you take the product with you to the beach – even less, because under the influence of the sun the formula can transform and lose its protective properties. The universal rule for using SPF creams is not to use them for more than one season.
Application rules
Here are the most common questions asked by professionals.
When to apply? Face cream with SPF is recommended to be applied to the skin 20-30 minutes before going outside – this time is enough for the filters of the product to be evenly distributed.
How much? The recommended rate is 2 ml of the product per 1 square centimeter of skin. Thus, for the face you will need a volume of a teaspoon, and for the body you may need up to 3 tablespoons of the product, depending on the area of application. This is quite a lot, and most people use half as much product as they need. As a result, protection is unreliable. The exception is sunscreen. Their texture is the most economical.
How often to update? During the day, the cream wears off and the protection weakens. To prevent this from happening, update the product every 1,5–2 hours if you are outside.
Rating of the best funds with SPF 50
Our selection of ten sunscreens with SPF 50, designed for different skin types and needs, are the best, according to the editors of Healthy-Food.
For sensitive skin
Sheer Mineral UV Defense Sun Fluid, SPF 50, SkinCeuticals contains only mineral filters, recommended after aesthetic procedures.
Sunscreen for face and body “Expert Protection”, SPF 50+, Garnier Designed for fair skin, especially sensitive to the sun, suitable for face and body.
Sun stick for sensitive areas Anthelios, SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay reliably protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation, is resistant to water and sweat. Can be used in the city and on the beach.
For oily skin
Mattifying Emulsion Dry Touch Capital Soleil, SPF 50+, Vichy absorbs quickly and does not leave a greasy sheen. Contains 4 sunscreens, minerals and vitamin E.
Sunscreen gel for oily, problematic and acne-prone skin Anthelios SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay, In addition to a patented complex of sunscreens combined with antioxidants and the well-known airlicium mattifying technology, it contains two powerful ingredients to combat imperfections: salicylic acid and niacinamide.
For dry skin
Sunscreen for face Soleil Bronzer SPF 50, Lancôme includes a sunscreen system fortified with vitamin E. The product provides broad spectrum protection against short and long UV rays. An additional bonus is the protection of the skin from excessive moisture loss, as well as nutrition.
For all skin types
Ambre Solaire Solar Water Refreshing Sun Spray with Aloe Vera, SPF 50, Garnier – A bi-phase lightweight treatment with a very high degree of protection, moisturizing effect and non-sticky texture, suitable for both face and body.
Sun milk Sublime Sun “Extra protection”, SPF 50 +, very high protection factor, L’Oréal Paris leaves no white marks, non-greasy, provides protection against burns and prevents photoaging of the skin.
Anthelios XL sun spray for face and body, SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay thanks to a special technology, Intelimer improves the efficiency of filters due to a more even coating. Resistant to sweat, water and sand.
Dear readers, share your impressions and tips on sun protection in the comments.