Protecting your skin from the sun is essential, especially for your face, where the skin is more delicate and exposed to harmful UV rays daily.
Choosing the best sunscreen for your face requires a little more thought than picking a basic sunscreen. Y
our face may have specific skin care needs, like dehydration, acne, or sensitivity. But beyond your skin, it’s just as important to protect your lips, which are often neglected when it comes to sun protection.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to choose the right facial sunscreen and the importance of SPF lip balm.
Why Sunscreen for Your Face is Different?
The skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive than the skin on other parts of your body.
It is also more prone to issues like acne, dryness, sensitivity, and signs of ageing.
Therefore, using a sunscreen specifically formulated for your face is crucial to ensure adequate protection without causing irritation or breakouts.
Here’s what to look for when selecting the best sunscreen for your face:
1. Broad-Spectrum Protection
Always choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection. This means it shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
UVA rays cause long-term skin damage, including wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn. Protecting against both is key to maintaining healthy skin.
2. SPF 30 or Higher
For everyday wear, dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
If you spend extended time outdoors, you may want to opt for a higher SPF to ensure more robust protection.
SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks approximately 98% when applied in the correct amounts.
3. Formulated for Your Skin Type
- Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive or reactive skin, mineral sunscreens (also known as physical sunscreens) containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are excellent choices. These ingredients sit on top of the skin reducing the risk of irritation.
- Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: For oily skin, look for oil-free or non-comedogenic sunscreens. Gel-based or water-based sunscreens are light on the skin and help prevent clogged pores, which can lead to acne.
- Dry Skin: If you have dry skin, a hydrating sunscreen with added moisturisers, like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, will help keep your skin hydrated while protecting it from the sun.
- Mature Skin: Consider sunscreens with added antioxidants like vitamin C or E to combat free radicals and prevent signs of ageing.
4. Lightweight and Non-Greasy Formulas
For your face, you’ll want a sunscreen that feels comfortable and doesn’t leave a heavy or greasy finish.
Facial sunscreens that use chemical UV filters are often very lightweight formulas that blend easily and don’t leave a white cast.
Tinted sunscreens can also offer light coverage and prevent the appearance of chalkiness, especially for darker skin tones.
Don’t Forget SPF for Your Lips
While protecting your face, many people overlook one crucial area: the lips.
Your lips are highly susceptible to UV damage because they lack the melanin found in other parts of your skin.
Prolonged sun exposure can lead to dryness, sunburn, and even increase the risk of skin cancer in the lip area.
An SPF lip balm is the perfect solution to keep your lips safe from the sun’s harmful rays.
Look for a lip balm with at least SPF 15, though SPF 30 or higher is ideal for extended outdoor exposure.
The best SPF lip balms also contain moisturising ingredients like shea butter or jojoba oil to keep your lips soft and hydrated.
Reapply Regularly
Regardless of how great your sunscreen or SPF lip balm is, reapplication is key.
Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially if you are sweating, swimming, or wiping your face.
Remember sunscreen is only part of overall sun safety though and it’s recommended to seek shade, and wear protective clothing.