We find deliverance in beauty cans in the battle against UV rays. Let’s look at some of the non-obvious SPF products now that we’re familiar with SPF face and body creams.
WHAT IS SUN PROTECTION FACTOR?
SPF (or Sun Protection Factor) is a protection factor against UV radiation, and the higher the value, the more effective the protection. There are two types of UVA and UVB rays that have a negative impact on human skin.
– UVA represents 95% of all UVA rays reaching the earth’s surface and is the most damaging to the skin. They are the ones that degrade collagen and elastin, damaging dermis cells, which over time can cause cancerous changes and promote photo-ageing.
– UVB rays account for only 5% of all UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface: most of it is blocked by clouds and glass. UVB rays penetrate the epidermis so the skin not only tans but also receives sunburn which can provoke allergic reactions or develop cancer cells.
Cosmetics with SPF reflect the sun’s rays like a mirror and prevent their damaging effects.
SPF not only prevents sunburn but also other unwanted consequences:
– photo-ageing;
– allergic dermatitis;
– the occurrence of sunburn;
-development of malignant changes.
You should protect exposed skin, especially the face, from UVA and UVB rays all year round. During the daytime use SPF cream to prevent photo-ageing: dry skin, the appearance of premature wrinkles and age spots, loss of firmness and elasticity, couperose.
WHAT DEGREES OF PROTECTION ARE THERE?
The protection class against UVB radiation that causes sunburn is normally determined by the number given next to the SPF symbol:
SPF 10 blocks less than 90% of UVB rays;
SPF 15 – 93%;
SPF 30 – 97%;
SPF 50 (+) – 98%;
SPF 100 filters out up to 99%.
Use sunscreen with SPF not only in summer but also in spring, winter and autumn.
The maximum number on the SPF 60+ label is 60, because anything higher only provides a slight increase in protection, creating a false sense of security. SPF 100, for example, is not half as effective as SPF 50 and it does not mean you can stay in the sun twice as long.
– All sunscreens should protect against rays of all spectrums – i.e. UVA and UVB – as UVA penetrates deeper into the skin and even through glass and water.
– Only two ingredients are worth noting as safe and effective: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Ingredients such as PABA (or para-aminobenzoic acid) and trolamine salicylate are not considered useful due to safety concerns.
– Not only the ingredients but also the textures of the products need to be tested to verify the effectiveness of each.
PROTECT EVERY MILLIMETRE OF YOUR BODY
In the fight against UV rays, we discover deliverance in beauty cans. Let’s have a look at some of the less obvious items now that we’re aware of SPF facial and body lotions.
HAIR CARE
If natural hair is coloured, then it is subject to more severe damage from the sun. Use the best SPF products with UV filters that protect both the hair and the scalp from drying out.
RAHUA HYDRATION DETANGLER + UV BARRIER 193ML
Prime hair with this leave-in detangler that creates instantly brushable hair.
Create instantly brushable hair with this leave-in detangler. Prime hair by misting all over to detangle and glide the comb through hair. This moisturising formula also softens hair, smooths frizz and prevents breakage and damage. The plant power of Morete oil helps provide a UV defence barrier — provides colour-treated hair with photoprotection. Scented with the tropical aromas of passion fruit and mango. Mist generously on damp or dry hair and comb through. Leave in, do not rinse. Prime hair for health and easy styling after cleansing and conditioning.
HAIR AFTER SUN
Right after sun care is essential to prevent sun damage to hair that has been exposed to the sun, saltwater, and chlorine.
SACHAJUAN HAIR AFTER SUN 125ML
Refresh your locks with the Hair After Sun Cream from Sachajuan. Ideal for all hair types, the ‘After Sun’ cream is designed to be used after hair has been exposed to UV sunlight. Working as both a leave-in or rinse-out formula, the cream utilises Sachajuan’s signature ‘Ocean Silk’ technology, which delivers moisture and shines to locks. Also delivering a gentle styling effect, the cream leaves hair rejuvenated and healthy-looking.
FACE MIST
Summer is the time for sunscreen and mists, and clever people have figured out how to combine the two pleasures. It’s a great option in case you need a quick refresher during the day. Don’t touch the face with your hands (you know), freshen up and enjoy life.
COOLA MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY SPF 30 50ML
Ready, set, go! A few mists of COOLA Organic Makeup Setting Spray SPF30 keep your 9 am face going until you call it a night. The weightless, matte-finish spritz helps makeup stay put and delivers a quick hit of hydration and sun protection anytime you need it.
Infused with Hyaluronic Acid, Organic Makeup Setting Spray SPF30 is water Resistant (80 Minutes). It has a natural Green Tea Scent. Cucumber and Aloe Vera refresh and calm skin. Helps makeup stay on longer
COOLA DAILY PROTECTION REFRESHING WATER MIST SPF15 1.7OZ
Mist away and reset the day with Coola breakthrough Refreshing Water Mist sunscreen. This alcohol-free formula infuses organic aloe and coconut water with Coola’s plant-derived Full Spectrum 360° technology to help mitigate the effects of today’s modern skin aggressors, including HEV light (aka blue light). Featuring a blend of antioxidants and Indian Jasmine plant stem cells, this weightless Water Mist helps keep you hydrated, refreshed, and protected no matter where your day takes you.
POWDERS
Mists aren’t exactly handy if you like wearing make-up all the time. But even here, cosmetic manufacturers have managed to find a solution: they have released powders with sun protection factors. It is not recommended to use them as the only product with SPF, but if you correct your makeup during the day, the powders will help and take upon themselves an additional protective function.
RMS BEAUTY GRANDE DAME LUMINIZING POWDER 15G
RMS Beauty Luminizing Powder is a silky smooth, moisturizing, luminizing powder that challenges today’s traditional baked powders by being pressed (which avoids the heat) therefore preserving their healing nutrients. This approach instantly enhances the complexion with light-reflecting, ultra-fine mineral pigments that will not cause the drying and floating minerals seen in baked powders. Your highlighted skin will look glowing and radiant with a luminous, youthful finish.
LIP BALM
The skin on the lips is very thin and delicate, so it needs special care. The use of lip balm with an SPF of at least 15 will help to protect the lips from burning and drying out.
SOLEIL TOUJOURS HYDRA VOLUME LIP MASQUE SPF 15 – SIP SIP 10ML
The ultimate in lip luxury. Envelop lips with modern moisture barriers that protect the most delicate skin, all while stimulating collagen and creating suppleness and fullness that is truly unique. Formulated with 100% mineral SPF, organic oils and anti-ageing peptides, this tack-free Soleil Toujours Lip Masque is the perfect solution to treat, volumise and shield. The line debuts in 6 neutral shades, inspired by our global travels.
MAKEUP
When choosing a foundation, powder or BB / CC cream, pay attention to the indication of SPF in the composition. Nowadays, many manufacturers add UV filters to their products, thereby protecting your skin throughout the day. But don’t forget that the layers of foundation and powder are usually too thin to provide reliable protection, so use them as an additional source of sun protection
ILIA BEAUTY SUPER SERUM SKIN TINT BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30 30ML
Super Serum Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 30* is a clean, light-coverage, tinted mineral SPF 30 serum that boosts skincare benefits.
Your tinted SPF will never be the same. This first-of-its-kind formula fuses skincare, makeup, and sun protection into one easy step: a weightless serum that leaves your skin looking like skin. Boasting SPF 30 coverage with non-nano zinc oxide (safely shielding skin from UVA, UVB, UVC, blue light, and infrared) in an unprecedented 18 shades. Created with a blend of Hyaluronic Acids, plant-based Squalane, and Niacinamide, ILIA’s Skin Tint evens tone, softens fine lines and imperfections and dries down to a natural, dewy finish.
COOLA MINERAL FACE ROSILIANCE LIGHT/MEDIUM TINT SPF 30 44ML
And the final rose goes to… Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 Rosilliance BB+ Cream, nourishes, protects, and evens out the look of your skin all in a few drops.
It is an organic mineral SPF 30 with moisturizers, potent antioxidants, rose stem cells, and BB cream coverage. Leaving a luminous, radiant glow, the lightweight formula has a barely-there feel while offering sheer tinted coverage that blends seamlessly to even out skin tone and enhance radiance.
Some products can have an SPF lower than 15. These products are intended for use in combination with other means of sun protection, for example, a cream with SPF 30.
SPF MOISTURISING FACE CREAM
The good face SPF creams are not always easy to find, but they do exist. A non-comedogenic SPF cream that will hydrate and protect your skin. Some of the best face SPF products can also neutralise free radicals, repair DNA damage, and brighten your complexion.
MZ SKIN HYDRATE & NOURISH AGE DEFENCE RETINOL DAY MOISTURISER SPF 30 50ML
Hydrate & Nourish Age Defence Retinol Day Moisturiser features a pioneering combination of encapsulated (non-irritant) Retinol and SPF 30 to simultaneously refine the complexion and protect the skin. Retinol boosts collagen production and smooths fine lines and wrinkles, while the addition of SPF 30 protects from UVA/B rays and free radical damage. Rich in Hyaluronic Acid this moisturiser helps restore hydration, leaving the complexion smooth and supple and skin tone brighter.
EVIDENS DE BEAUTE THE TOTAL SHIELD SPF 50 50ML
The Total Shield by EviDenS de Beauté is a moisturising anti-age treatment that has a non-greasy light veil texture and acts as a shield against external aggressions.
Thanks to an SPF 50, it effectively protects the skin against UVA and UVB rays while antioxidant vitamin E and Polygonum Aviculare extract have anti-inflammatory properties to complete its protective action. Improving radiance and revitalising the skin is the exclusive Triple Collagen.
THE ORGANIC PHARMACY CELLULAR PROTECTION SUN CREAM SPF 50 100ML
Hydrating mineral sun protection suitable for all skin types, with extracts of Rose Hip, Calendula and nourishing Shea Butter.
This broad-spectrum mineral sun protection for the face and body is infused with Rose Hip and Calendula to soothe and nourish, while extracts of Aloe Vera and Shea Butter seal in moisture to protect the skin.
The Organic Pharmacy‘s Cellular Protection Sunscreen SPF 50 is packed with clinically proven antioxidants and provides mineral protection from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays thanks to the presence of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.
SWIPING BODY SUNSCREEN ACROSS YOUR FACE? NO, NEVER!
Face and body sunscreen are two different SPF products for a reason. Face sunscreen is lighter in both texture and weight, making it more comfortable to wear under makeup and less likely to cause breakouts. Look for an SPF product that’s oil-free and non-comedogenic so it won’t clog your pores.
If you are already using a face moisturiser with SPF, great! If not, it’s time to add one to your skincare routine.
READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Zinc Oxide
