How to Choose the Best SPF Face Cream: Your Guide to Sun Protection

Do you protect your skin from the sun every day? Using a face cream with the right SPF, i.e. sun protection factor, is definitely not just a summer issue. Whether you're outside for just a moment or all day, your skin needs protection from harmful UV rays that can cause premature aging or even skin cancer. In this article, we will show you how to choose the right SPF cream that will suit your skin.

What is SPF cream and why is it important to use it?

SPF cream, or sun protection factor cream, is essential to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and the number next to the three letters indicates how many times longer you can stay in the sun without getting burned, compared to you would have no protection on your skin. UVB radiation is the main culprit of skin burning, while UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin and contributes to premature aging and can even cause skin cancer.

Regular use of SPF cream helps prevent these negative effects and keeps the skin healthy and youthful. No matter the season or the weather, daily application of SPF cream should be part of your skin care routine to protect it from the harmful effects of sunlight.

Types of SPF face creams

There are several types of SPF face creams on the market, which differ in composition and method of protection. The main difference is mainly between chemical and mineral SPF creams.

Chemical creams contain organic compounds that absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, preventing it from damaging the skin. On the contrary, mineral creams contain inorganic components such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which act as a physical barrier, reflecting and scattering sunlight away from the skin. Mineral creams are often more suitable for sensitive skin or for people with allergies to chemical ingredients, as they are usually gentler and cause less irritation. The choice between the two types should be based on the user's individual needs and preferences, as well as skin type.

SPF day face cream protects and nourishes

Using an SPF face cream has many important benefits for the health and appearance of the skin:

1. Prevention of skin burn: SPF cream protects the face from UVB radiation that causes skin burn. In this way, it helps prevent painful burns and long-term skin damage.

2. Premature Aging Protection: UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and damage collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of aging. Daily use of an SPF cream helps protect these structures and keep the skin youthful and smooth.

3. Skin Cancer Prevention: Regular application of SPF cream on the face can significantly reduce the risk of developing skin cancers, including melanoma, which can be fatal. Protection from UV rays is key in the fight against this disease.

4. Reduction of Pigment Spots: Sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation such as age spots and melasma. SPF helps minimize this reaction by blocking the UV rays that trigger the overproduction of melanin in the skin.

5. Improve overall skin health: In addition to sun protection, many SPF creams contain antioxidants, moisturizing and soothing ingredients that promote skin health and vitality.

6. Increases the effectiveness of other skin care: SPF cream can act as a protective barrier that helps maintain the benefits of other beauty products such as serums and moisturizers and improves their effectiveness.

These benefits make daily application of an SPF face cream an essential step in your daily skin care routine, providing not only immediate protection but also long-term health and aesthetic benefits.

Day cream with SPF versus sunscreen

SPF day creams and sunscreens are both meant to protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays, but they are designed for different situations and have different formulations. Day creams with SPF are formulated for daily use and as part of your normal skin care routine. They usually have a lower SPF (between 15 and 30) and are lighter on the skin, allowing for comfortable wear under makeup. They often contain other nourishing ingredients such as antioxidants or moisturizing components that protect and improve skin health on a daily basis.

On the contrary, sunscreens are intended for protection during intense sunlight, for example at the beach or during outdoor sports activities. These products typically have a higher SPF (30 and up) and are water and sweat resistant to provide long-lasting protection even in harsh conditions. While an SPF day cream is ideal for routine skin protection on a normal day, you should use sunscreen in situations where you expect to be exposed to more sunlight.

Here's an overview of common SPF categories for sunscreens:

SPF 30: SPF 30 is a common standard for everyday use and provides very good protection, blocking about 97% of UVB radiation. It is recommended for normal outdoor activities and is suitable for people who spend part of the day outside but are not exposed to direct intense sunlight for long periods.

SPF 30-45: A cream with SPF in the range of 30-45 provides stronger protection than SPF 30, blocking approximately 97.5% to 98% of UVB radiation. This range is suitable for those who plan to spend extended periods of time outdoors, such as sporting activities or gardening, and want an increased level of protection.

SPF 50+: SPF 50 and higher is intended for extreme conditions of sunlight, such as beaches, mountains, or long-term exposure to the sun, and blocks up to 98% of UVB radiation. These creams are ideal for people with fair skin that tends to burn more quickly or for those who are particularly sensitive to sunlight. They provide the maximum possible protection and are recommended for all-day protection in intense sunlight.

How to choose an SPF cream suitable for your skin type

When choosing an SPF cream suitable for your skin type, it is important to consider several key factors. First, identify your skin type—whether it's dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or acne-prone. For dry skin, look for creams that are rich in moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which help retain moisture in the skin. For oily and combination skin, it is better to choose lighter formulations, such as gels or fluids, which do not leave an oily film on the skin and do not clog pores.

People with sensitive skin should look for mineral SPF creams, which are usually gentler and easier to tolerate. If your skin suffers from acne, choose a non-comedogenic cream that does not cause breakouts. Also, always check that the cream provides broad-spectrum protection, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. By choosing the right SPF cream that meets the needs of your skin, you will increase its effectiveness and at the same time ensure better care for your skin.

It's also a good idea to read reviews and try samples to find the cream that works best for you.

Read more: Sunscreen for babies: How to protect the sensitive skin of the little ones

Application and use of SPF cream

For maximum protection, you should apply SPF cream on clean skin and in sufficient quantity. Do not forget to apply the cream to the ears, neck and back of the neck. Frequent mistakes include an insufficient amount of cream or its irregular application. Many SPF creams are formulated to be compatible with make-up as well.

Many people think that it is not necessary to use SPF protection in winter or in cloudy weather. The opposite is true, UV radiation is present all year round and can penetrate even through clouds. Other questions often include whether SPF creams can be combined with makeup - and the answer is yes,

It doesn't matter if you spend the day at the beach or have a few moments in the sun every day, an SPF cream should be an essential part of your daily routine. By choosing the right type of cream and applying it correctly, you can ensure that your skin stays healthy and youthful. Remember that prevention is key to maintaining healthy skin.