The Importance of SPF Face Sunscreen
Today's topic is all about the importance of using SPF, or face sunscreen. A lot of people ask if using SPF is really necessary or if they can use the same sunscreen they use on their body on their face. We are here to answer all of your questions and provider you insights on our favourite SPF products.
Why You Must Wear Face Sunscreen?
Sunscreen is the most important skincare product you can use. I know it can sound repetitive more its true! Everyone should be applying a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher every day to protect their skin.
A Broad Spectrum or Full Spectrum sunscreen protects your skin from the damaging exposure of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. There are two types of ultraviolet (UV) light, UVA and UVB.
- UVA rays penetrate into the skin’s dermis prematurely aging the skin causing it to wrinkle and develop brown age spots.
- UVB rays can burn the skin, they vary in intensity depending on the season, location and time of day.
Keeps Complexion Even
Using sunscreen on your face helps to keep your complexion even. Sun damage is one of the many causes of uneven skin tones and daily sun cream helps to prevent those effects.
Sun Protection
One of the most obvious and notable benefits of sunscreen is that it protects your skin against the sun's broad spectrum of harmful UV rays. Sunscreen actually minimizes the penetration of UV rays into the skin and the triggering of a variety of skin disorders. Even the mildest of sunburns can have damaging effects so it is important to protect your skin.
Helps Protect Against The Visible Signs of Premature Aging
We all want youthful, radiant, and healthy looking skin. But overexposure to sunlight can increase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In other words, using sunscreen can help protect against the harmful effects of premature aging or skin aging.
Reduces Risk of Cancer
Fortunately, sunscreen is very effective in reducing the risk of developing a variety of skin cancers, especially melanoma. This type of skin cancer is known to be extremely aggressive and can be life-threatening for many women, particularly those in their 20s. However, you must apply sunscreen daily to see the cumulative protection over the days and months.
Prevents Wrinkles
The skin that’s directly around your eyelids is very thin and delicate in comparison to the rest of your face and body. And when exposed to UV light, this area is very prone to wrinkling. Sunscreen is the best and most effective way to combat the effects of the sun on your face and in particular, around these sensitive areas.
Reduces Broken Capillaries
Did you know that excessive sun exposure can lead to the eruption of red spider veins on your face? The sun’s rays can damage the tiny blood vessels that in your face and cause them to stay dilated. This can result in broken capillaries around your chin, cheeks, and nose. The best way to prevent them from forming is by using a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin when outdoors.
Protects Skin Proteins
The proteins in your skin help to keep it looking smooth and healthy. That’s why you need to protect the keratin, elastin and collagen in your skin with sunblock that has titanium oxide in it.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL SUNSCREENS?
Chemical sunscreens contain organic compounds, such as oxybenzone or octinoxate, which change the UV rays into heat and release the heat from the skin. Chemical sunscreens have become more popular because they are easier to rub-in and come in multiple formulations tailored to various skin types.
Physical sunscreens contain active mineral ingredients, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which deflect UV rays away from the skin. A classic physical sunscreen is the white zinc oxide seen on the lifeguard’s nose. Those days are gone! Today physical sunscreens are more cosmetically elegant. They are perfect for young children because they won’t sting the eyes. They also work well on sensitive skin or post-procedure following chemical peels or laser treatments.
What are the Best Face Sunscreens?
ELTAMD UV CLEAR
A longtime favourite, EltaMD UV Clear, is also a top pick among dermatologists. In addition to being fragrance free and noncomedogenic, EltaMD’s sunscreen is especially effective because it’s rich in antioxidants that help protect against skin-damaging free radicals. It includes niacinamide, a vitamin B3 derivative with anti-inflammatory properties that can fight breakouts. It it’s lightweight and oil free, so it won’t clog pores and contains lactic acid, which will gently exfoliate the skin and regulate sebum buildup keeping breakouts at bay.
SKINCEUTICALS PHYSICAL FUSION
Proven to be water resistant for up to 40 minutes (around the time you’d want to reapply after swimming anyway), SkinCeuticals’ physical sunscreen comes recommended. It’s one of our top picks because it features zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, natural minerals that protect skin from ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light in our environment. It easily absorbing into the skin without a greasy feel.
