How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for Your Face

Look for a High (But Not Too High) SPF...

SPF stands for “sun protection factor”. It measures the fraction of UV radiation that will reach your skin after you apply sunscreen. For example, SPF 15 means that 1/15 of UV rays that can cause sunburn will reach the skin.

Generally, anything with SPF 15 or higher is considered decent protection, but we recommend to go for a sunscreen with SPF 30 or 50, especially if you have pale skin or spend a lot of time outdoors. After SPF 50, however, the amount of UV rays a sunscreen block increases very insignificantly. For example, a product with SPF 50 blocks 98% of UV rays, while a product with SPF 100 blocks 99% of UV rays.

Check this out: 6 Tips for Relieving Sunburn

...And for a Broad Spectrum

There are two types of ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB. Although UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer, UVA rays also endanger your skin. All sunscreens protect against UVB rays, but only some of them also provide protection against UVA rays. They are labeled “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB”.

Check Out the Ingredient List

There are different types of active ingredients that can be found in sunscreen, including (but not limited to) p-aminobenzoic acid, padimate O, cinoxate, dioxybenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, otcyl salicylate, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and others. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are considered one of the best sunscreen ingredients because they provide broad sun protection and are not absorbed into the skin. They are considered less allergenic compared to other active ingredients.

Check this out: 5 Ingredients to Avoid in Your Face Wash

Choose the Texture According to Your Skin Type

Sunscreens some in different forms including lotions, creams, sprays, foams, gels, sticks, and powders. If you have oily skin, go for lightweight, water-based products, while thicker creams and lotions that contain oils are better for dry skin. Spray and powder sunscreens aren’t advisable for anyone because they contain nanoparticles that can be inhaled.

If you don’t like to use too many beauty products, check out 2-in-1 products such as moisturizers with SPF or tinted facial sunscreens. However, this only works when you spend most of your day indoors. If you’re going to spend several hours in the sun, you’d better apply a separate sunscreen product.

Check this out: How to Choose the Right Oil for Your Skin Type