In a recent poll on the RMS insta account, it seemed just under a third of us aren’t wearing sunscreen on our face when we’re doing our day-to-day business in the UK. Of those who do slather it on 59% are utilising the sun protection factor of their moisturiser or make-up base rather than layering on a dedicated SPF.
I’ve not got any judgy pants on here, I’m purely relying on my moisturiser SPF at the moment as I’ve had a reaction to my previous standalone sunscreen, and when I was wearing a dedicated product it was only when the sun was shining. In summer I do wear a straw hat and where possible try to keep my face out of the sun. I have to say in winter I rarely leave the house in the week. When I am out and about I know those cheeky rays can get through cloud yet I’m lazy when it comes to winter application.
As is very apparent, I’m no scientist so I’ll keep this bit brief. In short the reason a facial SPF is recommended is to protect skin from damaging UV rays and to prevent premature ageing.
Can I use body sunscreen on my face?
There are several reasons why it’s recommended you use a different product on your face to the rest of your body:Lighter and more easily absorbable than body sunscreenOptions such as tinted, oil-free, hypoallergenicFormulations such as cream, sprays, sticks and gelsChemical or synthetic sunscreen contains active ingredients which absorb into skinMineral sunscreens contain natural active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium oxide to sit on top of skin and reflect light
Reader recommendations for facial sunscreen
After the poll there were several repeat recommendations for products which I’ve mentioned below.
Biore Aqua Rich
Factor 50, but the lightweight, watery texture feels like a serum and gives UVA and UVB protection. Apparently there’s a high alcohol content in it though so it may not be suitable for dry skins.
No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Sun Protection Stick SPF50
Easy to apply applicator for more targeted protection. Apparently the ‘formula is powered by Matrixyl 3000 PlusTM, a combination of the most powerful form of Matrixyl plus a next generation peptide that work together to help restore more youthful skin.’
Chanel CC Cream
So unusual for a CC cream to have an SPF of 50 and with a CC formulation it’s probably going to be good for dryer skins too. Non oily and available in five shades too.
Heliocare Cream SPF50
Recommended by Adam’s wife, Lizzie, Heliocare products contain Fernblock, a natural fern extract which provides biological photo-protection against damage caused by the sun’s rays. Suitable for dry, normal and spot-prone skins it costs around £18 .
Cetaphil Face Suncream
This was recommended on my recent sensitive skin post. Boasting the credential of winning the Instyle 2013 Beauty Award it has a pump design for easy application, absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a white residue. Available from Superdrug for £12.99
The La Roche Posey facial sunscreen I was using was factor 50. Interestingly both Charlotte and Becky mentioned that they’d heard from several dermatologists that such high a factor wasn’t the best idea as you shouldn’t be exposing your skin to 50 times its tolerance. There’s also an argument higher factors have to contain more chemicals to increase the protection and that higher SPF stops you absorbing vitamin D which helps the body absorb calcium and phosphate from our diet. It’s confusing isn’t it?
