Choosing your facial sunscreen isn't easy, we know it; there are so many on the market… This is why, we're going to give you a basic guideline to prepare your skin for sun exposure and to choose the one that best suits you.

facial sunscreen

What should you look for when choosing a facial sunscreen? 

You'll need to consider two essential aspects when searching for the appropriate sunscreen: the characteristics of your skin and the characteristics of the sun protection available on the market.

Skin type 

As you already know, there are three main skin types according to the amount of sebum: normal, dry (low sebum production) and oily (high sebum production). We often refer to combination skin when the type is distributed by area and there's a combination of skin types. 

Phototype 

There are other ways of classifying skin. The most commonly used in sun protection is the Fitzpatrick scale, which is based on the skin's reaction to UV radiation. There are six phototypes1, from phototype I (very clear skin that always burns) to phototype VI (very dark skin that never burns). 

Spectrum 

When we talk about solar radiation, we actually refer to the different types of radiation (ultraviolet, infrared, blue light) that make it up.

The most dangerous and concerning radiation is UVB2, but some sunscreens protect from all types of radiation (highly recommendable in the event of experiencing skin conditions or undergoing photosensitising treatments).

This is why this type of sun protection is defined as “broad spectrum sunscreen”. 

facial sunscreen radiation

SPF 

The sun protection factor indicates the degree of protection offered by a specific sunscreen. Despite the existence of several scales, the most common one is provided by COLIPA, which indicates the proportion of UVB that reaches our skin. The scale goes from SPF 2 (the lowest) to SPF 50+ (the highest)

In addition, the COLIPA method classifies products into various types or categories. We talk about a low photoprotection level when the SPF ranges between 2 and 6, medium: 8-12, high: 15-25, very high: 30-50 and ultra when it is higher than 50.

Ingredients and formula 

A facial sunscreen contains different chemical compounds of organic, inorganic, natural and/or artificial origin. In this sense, you should pay attention to all the ingredients present in the composition, especially if you have a skin condition or are taking any medication. 

Galenic forms 

The various galenic forms in which sun protection is presented (cream, gel, spray, stick) condition its texture, fluidity, adherence, etc. We can choose one or another according to the area of application, the moment and duration of exposure or the activity that we're going to carry out.

mesoprotech®
high broad-spectrum sun protection

Discover the innovative range of products that provides complete sun protection against the various types of radiation that reach the skin.

mesoprotech

When and how to use facial sunscreen

As important as using the appropriate facial sun protection is knowing when and how to use it. Here are a few tips on how to apply it:

  1. Apply the sunscreen half an hour before exposure to the sun. 
  1. Apply a sufficient amount of sunscreen on the face, neck and neckline (at least a teaspoon amount). 
  1. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after bathing

Specialised protection

Not everything is suitable for all skin types. There are two conditions that usually require more complex sun protection solutions: oily skin and skin with hyperpigmentation. In the first case, it's due to the counterproductive effect of very oily products, and in the second, because of the specific care required by this skin type. 

Facial sun protection for oily skin

In oily skins, we recommend applying a non-comedogenic sunscreen that does not leave a greasy sensation. It's best to opt for those with a fresh and fluid texture and good spreadability or even spray mist or fluid emulsions with mattifying particles. 

Facial sun protection for skin with hyperpigmentation

When it comes to skin with hyperpigmentation, the ideal anti-spot facial sun protection should contain active substances such as azeloglycine, rosehip oil or vitamin E, since they have melanin regulating properties and a repairing and antioxidant action.  

Facial sun protection for skin with hyperpigmentation

Discover more about the mesoprotech® range and find the right facial sunscreen for your skin.

References

1 https://fotomedicina.com/tipos-de-piel/

2 https://www.cancer.gov/espanol/publicaciones/diccionarios/diccionario-cancer/def/radiacion-uvb 

https://www.elsevier.es/es-revista-offarm-4-articulo-factor-proteccion-solar-13076818