From premature aging, to sunburns, and even skin cancer, protecting your face with a good sunscreen is essential. But with so many options out there, finding the best sunscreen for your face can feel a little daunting. Don’t worry though, our handy guide to choosing the best sunscreens for your face will help you pick the perfect facial sunscreens for your unique skin type.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MINERAL AND CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS?
Sunscreens generally fall into two categories: mineral and chemical. Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, sit on top of your skin and reflect the UV rays away. Chemical sunscreens absorb the UV rays and convert them into heat, which is then released from your skin.
Mineral sunscreens are ideal for sensitive skin, as they tend to be less irritating if your skin is prone to reactions. Look for ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Although these ingredients can leave your skin with a white cast and cause ‘flashback’ on flash photography, newer formulas are much sheerer.
Chemical sunscreens are often more lightweight and absorb into your skin quickly, making them a good choice for oily or acne-prone skin. The most common chemical sunscreen ingredients include oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate.
CHOOSING THE BEST SPF FOR FACE
Struggling with dry skin? Look for a hydrating sunscreen that’s formulated with hyaluronic acid or ceramides. Lotions and creams will offer your skin the nourishment and comfort it needs. Our customers love Bioderma Photoderm Crème SPF 50+ for Dry Sensitive Skin. This creamy yet light textured cream won't leave an oily finish or white traces on your skin, and is perfect on its own or as a makeup base.
For oily skin, lightweight, oil-free sunscreens are your skin’s BFF. Look for sunscreens labelled as "non-comedogenic," which means it won't clog your pores. Gels or fluids are great options for oilier skin types. Our customers love Dermalogica Clearing Defense SPF30. This ultra-lightweight, shine-reducing moisturiser protects your breakout-prone skin from environmental stress. With a long-lasting matte finish, the moisturiser contains patented TT technology that works with your skin's natural microbiome.
Sensitive skins will love mineral sunscreens. Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulas are the best to look for. To ensure the formula is suited to your skin, we recommend adding a small amount onto your inner arm as a patch test before using it on your face. Our customers love Bondi Sands SPF50+ Mineral Face Lotion which is a zinc mineral sunscreen. It provides UVA and UVB protection in a low irritant, lightweight formula that leaves your skin with an invisible, non-greasy finish.
For skin that’s prone to acne, choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen that has ingredients like zinc PCA or niacinamide – these can help with acne. Our customers love Heliocare SPF 50 Gel which is an ultra-lightweight sunscreen. It protects your skin against the ageing effects of the sun without leaving a greasy residue or a white cast. Light to the touch and easy to apply, the non-comedogenic formula is water resistant and perfect for all skin types.
TOP TIPS TO GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR FACE SUNSCREEN
CHOOSE A BROAD-SPECTRUM SPF
SPF 30 is the minimum recommendation for daily use, however, most of our FTF team favour wearing SPF50 daily.
WEAR SPF DAILY
The sun’s harmful UV rays are present whether it’s bright, cloudy, or even rainy, so make sure to protect your skin daily and make sunscreen a part of your morning and top-up routine.
REAPPLY THROUGHOUT THE DAY
Your sunscreen breaks down over time, so it’s super-important to keep reapplying it through the day to ensure your skin is protected. Guidelines suggest that you should reapply your sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming, towel drying, or perspiring.
APPLY ENOUGH
Many people aren’t applying enough sunscreen to deliver the maximum level of protection; Guidelines say we should be applying two fingers worth of product onto our faces. Also, don’t forget to apply to your ears, too.
By following these tips and choosing the right sunscreen for your skin type, you can keep your face healthy, glowing, and sun-safe all year long. Remember, happy skin is healthy skin!
