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Sunscreens for the face

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 10.08.2022
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It's no secret that the skin from the sun ages faster, loses its elasticity and firmness, resulting in the formation of wrinkles. To combat exposure to ultraviolet rays, it produces melanin, which is not always evenly distributed over the skin, pigment spots form. Regeneration processes are disrupted, the skin becomes rough, thickened, dehydrated. Such changes are called  photoaging .

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

Release form

Currently, all well-known world brands that produce cosmetics, and those that are simpler, make creams that can protect the face and body from the aggressive effects of sunlight. Among them:

  • Vichy - French manufacturer Vichy promises an innovative hypoallergenic protection formula containing melanin activators and providing hydration, even tan. The cream does not contain parabens, tested on thin sensitive skin, does not cause the formation of comedones;
  • Avon is a delicate cream with a fine texture, waterproof, contains vitamin E and no preservatives. A little pinkish in color, it is well distributed over the face, it is quickly absorbed without leaving the impression of a film. After it, the skin is velvety and soft;
  • The NIVEA SUN line has been tested in accordance with world standards. The cream starts working immediately after application. It is pleasant, efficient and easy to use;
  • The bark is of medium thickness, slightly watery cream in an orange tube. Has a slightly sweet aroma. After application to the skin does not leave a sticky feeling;
  • Garnier is an almost liquid fluid cream, the consistency is light, after it there is no shine on the face, not waterproof. It can be used as a make-up base;
  • Clinic - 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 is formulated with Phyto-Sunactyl2 anti-aging botanical complex and is light, non-greasy and pleasant to use.

Degrees of protection SPF

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

The choice of remedy depends on many factors: skin type, season, location.

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

  • face sunscreen with SPF 30 - used for medium sun activity, for example, on the streets of the city, people with milky skin, blue and gray eyes, red or white hair, freckles on the body. He will also protect swarthy fair-haired, owners of punishment and a light iris;
  • face sunscreen with SPF 50 - the same types of people will need it, but in hotter weather conditions, in nature, on the beach, in the mountains;
  • face sunscreen with SPF 100 is the most powerful remedy. It is intended for people who are generally contraindicated to be under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, for example, pregnant women or with dermatological problems.

Types of sunscreens

Which sunscreen is best for which face type?

  • sunscreen for age spots - hyperpigmentation can be avoided by using products with a high degree of protection (SPF 50-100), unless it is the result of hormonal imbalances, injuries, diseases of the liver, endocrine system, kidneys.

They need to 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 ingredients, with the help of which it becomes smooth and elastic;
  • moisturizing sunscreen - can be of any degree of protection, but contain ingredients that ensure the water balance of the skin, prevent peeling, dryness, increase the immunity of the skin, and prevent the destruction of hyaluronic acid in cells;
  • sunscreen for sensitive skin - it is too vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation. In winter and on cloudy days of other seasons, you need to 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 summer than dry skin, because. The sebaceous glands under the influence of the sun work more actively. Therefore, it is better not to use creams based on mineral oils, but to choose light ones, with chemical filters. As a rule, they have matting components that do not leave shine on the skin;
  • sunscreen bb cream - a three-in-one product: moisturizes, tones, protects from the sun (the degree of protection is different). This cream is best applied with a brush, distributing it evenly over the face and carefully blending. 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 operation of the first is to reflect the sun's rays. For this, methane dioxide and zinc oxide are used. Apply after moisturizer and create a film on the face. As a rule, they are not used in everyday means. Because 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 applied again.

Use Face sunscreen during pregnancy

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

More gentle for the skin such filters: physical, some chemical (panthenol, salicylic acid, benzophenones), and best of all natural ingredients (green tea, aloe, vitamin E, extracts of herbs and flowers).

Side effects Face sunscreen

The active components of protective creams are easily absorbed into the blood, so doctors warn about the possibility of an allergic reaction, hormonal 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 are capable of reacting, creating compounds hazardous to health. Each jar is stamped with the date of manufacture and expiration date. You need to follow this, and after it is over, just throw it away.

Reviews

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

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Sunscreens for the face" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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