The passe-partout facial sunscreens for spring-summer
How to navigate formats and formulations to enjoy the sun safely
May 22nd, 2024
The sun comes out and, as if by magic, the desire to spend days outdoors rises, to abandon makeup and let the warmth of the rays kiss our foreheads, and a smile appears on our faces. A wave of inexplicable electric happiness pervades us, as if we had been injected with a boost of energy. This doesn't only happen to those with weather sensitivity, but to almost everyone, because the sun has many positive effects beyond giving our complexion a touch of color.
The benefits and harms of the sun on the body
The sun is a precious ally for the skin, as it can help treat psoriatic lesions, eczema, and acne; it acts as a relaxant in many inflammatory diseases; it reactivates the natural synthesis of vitamin D and melanin, increasing collagen and elastin; it stimulates the production of serotonin, which improves mood. However, all these benefits are nullified if we don't take the proper precautions. Sun exposure without protection allows UV rays to penetrate the dermis, increasing the likelihood of serious skin damage such as burns, redness, rashes, premature aging, dark spots, and topical diseases. The only way to enjoy the beautiful season safely? Always use, not just when exposed to direct sunlight, a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of no less than 30. It doesn't matter if we stay in the city, if it's a cloudy day, or if it's autumn. Sunscreen should be worn all year round, in all weather conditions, and in all locations.
What to look for in a sunscreen?
With so many options available on the market, we can find ourselves confused and undecided about which product to buy. Beyond brands and specific needs, there are characteristics that every sunscreen should meet to perform optimally and keep our skin beautiful and healthy. So, read labels and packaging carefully and make sure to find:
- a broad-spectrum protection, effective against both UVB and UVA rays;
- a sun protection factor (SPF) from 30 to 50;
- water and sweat resistance;
- hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to prevent dryness and skin flaking;
- a lightweight, non-greasy, non-comedogenic texture that absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving oily residues or an unsightly white cast, perfect for daily use.
Facial sunscreens based on skin type
The latest generation sunscreens are increasingly sophisticated and available in different formats, allowing us to choose the one that best suits our needs. From sticks, convenient to keep in the bag and apply wherever we are (sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or more frequently in case of sweating or contact with water) to spray and powder products perfect for touch-ups throughout the day. Besides practicality, we should choose the product based on our phototype and skin type. Emphasizing that it's always better to avoid going below SPF 30, the fairer our complexion, the higher the protection should be, while those with darker skin can opt for a slightly lower SPF. In case of extremely sensitive and reactive skin, it's better to choose sunscreens with mineral and physical filters rather than chemical ones, as they are more delicate and reduce the risk of irritation.
The best facial sunscreens of the moment
Choosing a single product is impossible, but for every skin type and need, here are some of the best facial sunscreens currently available on the market:
Best hydrating sunscreen: Anthelios Fluido Invisibile SPF 50+ di La Roche-Posay - this lightweight, invisible sunscreen offers high protection and hydration, perfect for all skin types.
Best for oily skin: ISDIN Fotoultra 100 Spot Prevent Fusion Fluid SPF 50+ - formulated to prevent and reduce dark spots, this sunscreen is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.
Best tinted sunscreen: Bioderma Photoderm Cover Touch SPF 50+ - this tinted sunscreen provides high protection while evening out the complexion with a natural finish.
Best for sensitive skin: Avène Fluido SPF 50+ - formulated for sensitive and reactive skin, this sunscreen offers high protection with a gentle, non-irritating formula.
Best for dry skin: Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 - enriched with antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients, this sunscreen is perfect for dry skin, providing high protection and hydration.
Remember to apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating, to ensure optimal protection. Enjoy the sun responsibly and keep your skin healthy and radiant all year round.