Daily Sunscreen: What is The Best Facial Sunscreen for You?

Drum roll please…. SPF for the face should be used every. single. day. We know, you’ve heard it a million times already. However, it’s not only the key to the health of your skin, but actually how it looks and behaves. It should be made the No.1 product in your beauty arsenal for better looking skin.

The good news is, daily sunscreen for the face is not a chore. They are pleasant, not gunky, glow-giving instead of the ghastly white caste of yesteryear. The latest batch also makes for a brilliant base for foundation and concealer; it has anti-pollution protection and won’t propel a breakout for combination or acne-prone skin.

So as the sun comes out and we’re busy scrubbing off the fake tan, let’s talk about the benefits of sunscreen? It’s simple. Exposing your skin to ultraviolet (UV) light, whether natural (the sun’s harsh rays) or artificial (a tanning bed), is the leading cause of melanoma, the most common form of cancer in the world. So using sunscreen on your face and body every day is the best preventative method, according to long-term research.

Can I use the same sunscreen for face and body?

Clarins Training Manager, Charlotte McHale explains: “You need to be aware of the differences between the skin on your face and body and then make the appropriate choice. Clarins’ face and body sunscreens have different ingredients; we put facial skincare ingredients in our sun care facial products, including some which are particularly good for combating premature ageing caused by the sun. They also have a slightly different texture.

“If a product is formulated specifically for the face, that means it’s been tested there, so we know it’s safe to use. If you put a body product on your face, you’re doing so knowing that it hasn’t been specifically formulated for the delicate skin of the face.”

Why use a separate face sunscreen?

Your face is often more sensitive than the rest of your body, so many people prefer a lightweight, non-greasy face sunscreen formulated specifically for the face, especially for everyday wear. These are less likely to clog pores, cause breakouts, or irritate the skin.

Plus, the body sunscreen formulations can be highly fragranced – the coconut, floral or muskier concoctions smell lovely on warmed limbs; team that with dense pore-clogging oils – and your skin will sprout spots and irritations before you’ve even donned your summer kaftan.

Why we need to use daily sunscreen for the face

It’s crucial to apply SPF daily as part of your skincare routine. Some people think they only need sunscreen when they’re outside in the sun. But harsh UV rays can damage the skin when it’s cloudy, or you’re sitting inside. “Even when the sun is nowhere to be seen, 80% of its UV rays still hit your skin,” explains the Academy of Dermatology.

You’re still likely to come into contact with UV rays through the window – be it your at-home office or the car. Also, did you know it takes about twenty minutes for (non-mineral) sunscreen to become effective?

Studies show that daily sunscreen for the face can significantly lower your risk of skin cancer and signs of skin ageing, such as wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

It’s also important to use sunscreen when you use skincare ingredients such as AHA and BHA, which can cause your skin to become photosensitive.

UVA vs UVB: What are the differences?

UVB rays cause sunburn. They play a key role in developing skin cancer. UVA rays causes skin damage. They tan the skin and are also responsible for skin ageing and wrinkles.

If you see the words ‘broad spectrum’ on your sunscreen label, this means the product protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

What SPF should I use on my face, SPF 30 or 50?

SPF (sun protection factor) measures the amount of solar energy required to cause sunburn when you’re wearing sunscreen compared to when your skin is completely unprotected.

“A sunscreen with an SPF of 30, used as directed, prevents 97% of UVB rays from reaching your skin,” says The Journal of Clinical & Aesthetic Dermatology. SPF50 blocks 98%, it says. “While higher SPFs offer more protection, they don’t last any longer than those with lower numbers. So you need to reapply them just as often.”

Higher or lower SPF – what’s best?

A clinical trial found that “The minimum SPF to use is 30.” Period. Here’s how to calculate the SPF number to use:

• A sunscreen’s SPF number refers to how much UVB protection it provides. For instance, SPF30 protection means the skin would take 30 times longer to burn than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen.
• SPF30 only allows around 3% of UVB rays to reach your skin, while SPF50 lets about 2% of rays through.
• The best sunscreen? “A water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for any extended outdoor activity. Reapply 30 minutes before going outside and every two hours after that.”

And to answer 'What SPF should I use on my face daily?': “The best sunscreen to use is the one you want to use,” McHale says. “Make sure it’s one you like and that you enjoy the smell and the texture. And make sure it doesn’t sting your eyes because sunscreen is useless if it’s sitting on the shelf. It’s got to be one that you enjoy applying and that suits your skin. It doesn’t make you break out; it doesn’t smell weird. That’s your everyday face sunscreen.”

What to consider when looking for a daily face sunscreen

Ingredients

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) says mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – tiny particles that sit on the skin’s surface and stop UV rays from penetrating. These ingredients have been declared safe and effective by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

Chemical sunscreens allow UV light to be absorbed into the skin. Their ingredients “create a chemical reaction where UV light is converted to heat, and the heat dissipates from the skin.”

SPF for your skin type

Just like other skincare products, there are different formats of SPFs that will be better suited for certain skin types. People with sensitive skin might prefer a physical sunscreen to a chemical. Oily or acne-prone skin might want to look for a sunscreen that's oil-free or mattifying.

Best facial sunscreen

Best everyday SPF for combination, oily and blemish-prone skin

Youth-protecting Sunscreen High Protection SPF30 is a top-rated sunscreen that leaves a dry-touch matte finish and perfectly matches oily and combination skin. This sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays and prevents the appearance of dark spots. Organic cocoa extract helps boost skin hydration and provides firming benefits for an anti-wrinkle action.

Best daily SPF for city dwellers

If you live in a large city, try the UV Plus [5P] Anti-Pollution Translucent or Rose – these shades suit all skin tones. This sunscreen protects against 5 pollutants encountered in everyday life: atmospheric, indoor, pollen, blue light and photo-pollution. With a lightweight and easily-absorbed gel cream, your skin will have an instant dewy glow.

In the sun all day? Get your hands on an Invisible Sun Care Stick SPF50. This sun stick comes in a pocket size to take with you anywhere. Just slip it into your pocket when you go out for a walk.

How much sunscreen should you apply on the face?

Pour a third of a teaspoon of sunscreen (the size of two peas) into the palm of your hand.

Using a fingertip, dot the sunscreen onto cheeks, forehead and chin. Also, don't forget to appliy to hairline, ears and temples.

Then, pat in gently.

So now you know, SPF is a non-negotiable part of your daily skincare routine. Find the one for your skin needs and start reaping the benefits!

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