Choosing the right sunscreen for your face is complicated and depends on many factors, such as the SPF rating, water resistance, ingredients, and your skin type. To help you pick the right one, we’ve put together this detailed buyer’s guide where we take a look at each of these factors in-depth so you can understand the type of sunscreen you should invest in.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
Unfortunately, no sunscreen provides a strong enough barrier to block out all of the damaging effects of the sun. Still, the SPF is a solid indicator of how close a sunscreen is to completely protecting your skin. The higher the SPF is, the more protection and the longer you can stay outside without significantly damaging or burning your skin.
Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to choose an SPF rating above 30. For full protection, we recommend choosing a sunscreen that has a SPF of 50 or higher.
Keep in mind that sunscreens with a higher SPF tend to be stickier, which means they’ll feel heavier and will be harder to rub in than lighter, lower SPF sunscreens. But you might need all the extra protection you can get on a sunny beach day.
The level of SPF you need depends on your lifestyle, how often you're going to be out in the sun, and how hot the summers get where you live.
Check for "Broad Spectrum" Protection
Remember to check if your sunscreen offers broad spectrum protection. This means the sunscreen will keep you safe from both UVA and UVB rays. Since all UV rays are harmful to the skin, don't overlook this rating!
Know Your Sunscreen's Key Ingredients
If you're going to be putting something on your face several times a day, it's a good idea to know what's in it. Before you make any purchasing decisions, we recommend reading the sunscreen’s main ingredients. Some ingredients to avoid include oxybenzone, parabens, octinoxate and methylisothiazolinone. If you see any of these in the ingredient list, we recommend you avoid the product. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), some of these chemicals, especially oxybenzone, can cause serious allergic reactions and might even disrupt hormones.
Consider Your Skin Type
When it comes to face sunscreens, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Some people have dry skin and some have oily skin — along with many other variations like sensitive skin and acne-prone skin. Depending on the type of skin you have, you need to look for ingredients that suit you best.
According to certified dermatologists:
Dry-skin sufferers should look for glycerin, dimethicone (or other silicone), aloe oils, and lanolin.
Oily skin prefers gel lotions or lightweight sunscreens with ingredients like isododecane and silica.
Sensitive skin does well with fragrance-free and hypoallergenic sunscreens as well as mineral-based sunscreens made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Preservatives and alcohols are not good for sensitive skin as they can easily cause irritation.
Water-resistance
Water resistance is another important factor to look for in your sunscreen. We recommend looking for a sunscreen with at least 80 minutes of water resistance. If you don’t swim often or sweat much, you should be able to get away with a sunscreen that is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. Always remember to reapply sunscreen after you've washed your face and dried it with a towel.
People Also Asked
Q. Do I have to wait for 20 minutes after applying sunscreen?
A. Yes, sunscreen needs time to dry and create a uniform film over your face. When you apply sunblock, some of it evaporates and the skin is left with a layer of UVA/UVB filters, which take roughly 20 minutes to begin working.
Q. How do I know if my sunscreen is working?
A. If you've been out in the sun for a long period and you don't feel any burning sensations, your sunblock is likely working. If you do feel like your skin is burning or getting hot, try sitting in the shade or reapplying your sunblock.
Q. Can I skip moisturizer and use sunscreen?
A. No, moisturizer is an essential part of any skincare routine and you shouldn't skip it as it helps hydrate the skin. The primary purpose of sunscreen is to keep your skin safe from the sun's harmful UV rays.