Do I need a different sunscreen for my face?

Facial skin is more delicate and sensitive compared to the rest of the body, necessitating a specialised sunscreen. Facial sunscreens are typically formulated to be lightweight, non-comedogenic, and enriched with additional skin-benefiting ingredients. Using a sunscreen specifically designed for your face ensures optimal protection without clogging pores or causing irritation.

What Causes Sun Damage?

Sun damage can wreak havoc on our skin, particularly our delicate facial complexion, causing a multitude of concerns that extend beyond mere aesthetics. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to visible signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, diminishing our skin’s youthful radiance. Moreover, UV radiation penetrates deep into the skin, triggering cellular damage and inflammation, which can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, essential proteins that maintain skin firmness and elasticity. Over time, this damage can manifest as sagging skin and loss of facial volume, contributing to a prematurely aged appearance. Additionally, excessive sun exposure increases the risk of developing skin cancers, highlighting the critical importance of sun protection in maintaining skin health and vitality.

Tips for Selecting a Sunscreen Based on Skin Type

• Oily Skin: Gel-based or water-based formulations are often ideal for oily skin as they provide a matte finish and help control shine.
• Dry Skin: Choose sunscreens that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides. These help to lock in moisture and prevent dryness. Cream-based sunscreens can offer additional hydration and a dewy finish.
• Combination Skin: Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that balance hydration and oil control. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with a balanced texture will work well for both oily and dry areas of the face.

There are two types of sunscreen:

• Chemical Sunscreen – It absorbs UV rays and converts them into heat, which is then released from the skin. With ingredients like avobenzone and octinoxate, it’s thinner and easier to apply but needs 20 minutes to activate.
• Physical (Mineral) Sunscreen – Physical sunscreen reflects UV rays away from the skin using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It provides immediate protection and is suitable for sensitive skin, though it may be thicker and leave a white cast.

Recommended Ingredients to Look For:

• Niacinamide: Improves skin elasticity by stimulating collagen production. Additionally, helps reduce redness and inflammation in the skin.
• Antioxidants (Sea Buckthorn, Vitamin C): These help to neutralise free radicals and protect against environmental damage.
• Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin: These hydrating ingredients help to maintain moisture levels and keep the skin plump.

Our Daycream Defence Repair SPF 50 is packed with high quality ingredients like the ones listed above, to help repair sun damage in the skin and prevent the formation of new pigment changes and dark spots.

How to apply sunscreen in the best way to protect against sun damage?

With more than 25 years of experience as a skin therapist, Linda has formulated a simple range of skincare products along with a skincare regimen that can help moisturise, repair and protect the skin throughout day and night.