Sunscreens for the face

It is no secret that the skin ages faster from the sun, loses its elasticity and firmness, resulting in wrinkles. To combat the effects of ultraviolet rays, it produces melanin, which is not always evenly distributed over the skin, and pigment spots are formed. Regeneration processes are disrupted, the skin becomes rougher, thicker, and dehydrated. Such changes are called photoaging.

The face is especially susceptible to external negative influences, as it is constantly open, when other parts of the body can be protected by clothing. But it is possible to positively influence the situation by using sunscreen for the face.

Release form

Currently, all the world's famous brands producing cosmetics, and those that are simpler, produce creams that can protect the face and body from the aggressive effects of sun rays. Among them:

• Vichy - French manufacturer Vichy promises an innovative hypoallergenic protective formula containing melanin activators and providing hydration and an even tan. The cream does not contain parabens, has been tested on thin sensitive skin, and does not cause comedones;
• Avon is a delicate cream with a fine texture, waterproof, contains vitamin E and does not contain preservatives. Slightly pinkish in color, spreads well over the face, absorbs quickly, leaving no impression of a film. After it, the skin is velvety and soft;
• The NIVEA SUN line is tested according to world standards. The cream starts working immediately after application. It is pleasant, effective and convenient to use;
• The bark is a medium-thick, slightly watery cream in an orange tube. It has a slightly sweet aroma. After application to the skin, it does not leave a sticky feeling;
• Garnier - almost liquid cream-fluid, light consistency, after it there is no shine on the face, not waterproof. It can be used as a base for makeup;
• Clinique - blocks UVA and UVB rays. When applied every 1.5-2 hours, the face practically does not tan. It is pleasant to use, light, does not clog pores;
• Clarins - created on the basis of the anti-aging plant complex Phyto-Sunactyl2, light, non-greasy, pleasant to use.

SPF protection levels

What do those three letters on the labels mean? The abbreviation SPF stands for "sun protection factor," and the number next to it shows what share of the total radiation the skin will receive in the sun, provided that a sufficient amount is applied to the face (on average 2 mg/cm ² ).

The choice of product depends on many factors: skin type, time of year, location.

The weakest protection is creams with SPF 10-20, they are suitable for places with low solar activity. Let's consider the rest:

• sunscreen for face with SPF 30 - used in case of average solar activity, for example on city streets, for people with milky skin, blue and grey eyes, red or white hair, freckles on the body. It will also protect dark-skinned fair-haired people, those with dark and light irises;
• sunscreen for the face with SPF 50 - will be needed by the same types of people, but in hotter weather conditions, in nature, on the beach, in the mountains;
• Sunscreen for the face with SPF 100 is the most powerful product. It is intended for people who are generally contraindicated to be exposed to ultraviolet radiation, such as pregnant women or those with dermatological problems.

Types of sunscreens

Which sunscreens are best suited for which face type?

• sunscreen for pigment spots - hyperpigmentation can be avoided by using products with a high degree of protection (SPF 50-100), unless it is a consequence of hormonal imbalance, injury, liver disease, endocrine system, kidneys.

It should be used all year round. It moisturizes, evens out the tone, prevents the appearance of new spots, and makes existing ones less noticeable;

• anti-aging sunscreen - has SPF 50+ protection, enriched with antioxidants that enhance skin regeneration processes, moisturizing components that help make the skin smooth and elastic;
• moisturizing sunscreen - can be of any level of protection, but contain ingredients that provide the skin's water balance, prevent peeling, dryness, increase the skin's immunity, and prevent the destruction of hyaluronic acid in cells;
• sunscreen for sensitive facial skin - it is too vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation. In winter and on cloudy days at other times of the year, you should use creams with SPF 15-20, in summer with high solar activity - SPF 30-50 and do not forget to apply it periodically during the day;
• sunscreen for oily skin - this type of epidermis is no less vulnerable in the summer than dry skin, because the sebaceous glands work more actively under the influence of the sun. Therefore, it is better not to use creams based on mineral oils, but to choose light ones with chemical filters. As a rule, they contain matting components that do not leave a shine on the skin;
• sunscreen bb cream - a three-in-one product: moisturizes, tones, protects from the sun (the degree of protection may vary). This cream is best applied with a brush, spreading it evenly over the face and carefully shading it. It has 4 tones, from which you need to choose the one that suits your complexion.

Filter types

There are 2 types of filters used in sunscreens: mineral or physical and chemical. The principle of the former is to reflect the sun's rays. Methane dioxide and zinc oxide are used for this. They are applied after the moisturizer and create a film on the face. As a rule, they are not used in everyday products, because they have a heavy structure.

Others absorb the rays, neutralizing them. More than 20 chemical compounds can be used in production. Within 2 hours in the sun they are destroyed, so they need to be reapplied.

Use facial sunscreens during pregnancy

Solar radiation can be harmful during pregnancy, so it is best to avoid direct sunlight and be sure to use sunscreen. You should choose it based on the above recommendations in accordance with the characteristics of your skin and your lifestyle, but with a protection factor of at least 20.

Filters that are more gentle on the skin include: physical, some chemical (panthenol, salicylic acid, benzophenones), and best of all, natural ingredients (green tea, aloe, vitamin E, herbal and flower extracts).

Side effects facial sunscreens

The active components of protective creams are easily absorbed into the blood, so doctors warn about the possibility of an allergic reaction, hormonal system disorders, and do not exclude the risk of developing skin cancer.

Shelf life

It is very important to control the expiration date of each product applied to the body, because chemical components can react, creating compounds that are dangerous to health. Each jar has a manufacturing date and expiration date. This must be monitored, and after its expiration, simply throw it away.

Reviews

Numerous reviews indicate that sunscreens are very popular, especially among young people. Girls willingly leave comments about what suits them best, what are the advantages and disadvantages of this or that product.