Which sunscreen is best? High-protection sunscreen: how to choose and what to pay attention to. What types of sunscreens are there: understanding the abbreviations on the labels

UV protection is critical to preventing signs of aging and skin cancer.

There are no 100% effective methods of sun protection. Perhaps the most effective way is not to leave the house, but this is impossible.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of different conflicting information - negative articles in the scientific community, tricks of marketers and biased reviews from beauty bloggers, all this complicates the choice and leads to confusion. In this article we will reveal the mechanism of how sunscreens work and give some tips for choosing.

How does sunscreen work?

Sunscreens (creams, sprays) affect the skin in two ways, protecting against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

• Reflect. Most products create a thin layer of “screen” that diffuses and reflects the sun's rays.

• Absorb. Some products work as sunlight absorbers - they stop ultraviolet radiation, absorb and prevent it from penetrating the skin.

No matter what principle the operation of a particular product is based on, all sunscreen cosmetics do not provide 100% protection. Some of the radiation will still penetrate the skin.

UVA and UVB

There are several types of solar radiation - UVC, UVB and UVA:

• UVC rays are deadly to humans, which are scattered in the ozone layer of our atmosphere without harming all life on Earth.

• UVB is short-wave radiation that penetrates only the top layer of skin (epidermis), but it is this type of ray that causes sunburn and is a common cause of cancer.

• UVA is long-wave radiation that surrounds us and permeates everything from the moment the sun rises until sunset. These rays affect the body even when we are indoors and penetrate deeper than the epidermis into the dermis. Does not cause burns, but promotes tanning, pigmentation, photoaging of the skin and the appearance of wrinkles. Research is underway to identify the involvement of UVA rays in the formation of skin cancer.

What is SPF

SPF is an abbreviation for Sun Protection Factor. The numerical indicator is an indicator of the degree of protection from solar radiation. On average, the skin is exposed to UVB rays and gets burned in 10 minutes, for example, if you apply sunscreen with SPF15, the protection will last for 150 minutes (an average of 10 minutes multiplied by the SPF number).

But, unfortunately, not everything is so simple and unambiguous. If you compare a cream with SPF15 with SPF30, the latter will not be twice as effective. SPF 15 blocks approximately 93% of rays, SPF 30 - 97%, SPF 50 - 98%. When choosing a sunscreen, it is worth considering many nuances: skin tone, geographic location, climate, time of year and much more. For example, for fair skin it is advisable to select products with a numerical SPF value higher than for dark skin. If you live in the Leningrad or Moscow regions, then the SPF number in the cream will be lower than the value of the product that you take for traveling along the equator.

What is PA

PA is a rating used by sunscreen manufacturers in Korea and Japan to indicate protection against UVA rays. PA+ means minimal protection, PA++ means moderate, PA+++ means strong.

Product examples

Korean sunscreen SPF-50 / PA+++ with aloe for face and body Farm Stay

Sunscreen with light texture and high protection spectrum - SPF-50 / PA+++. Aloe vera softens and nourishes the skin, preventing redness after sunbathing.

Effectively protects against long UVA rays, prevents photoaging, sun allergies and redness. Snail extract heals skin injuries, vitamin E nourishes and has a rejuvenating effect.

What to look for when choosing sunscreen

Compound

Effective sunscreens should contain:

• Avobenzone(avobenzone) is a waterproof, mild chemical that is excellent at absorbing UVA rays.

• Titanium dioxide(Titanium dioxide) and zinc oxide(zinc oxide) - classic broad-spectrum sun filters that absorb UVB rays and some UVA. Despite their stability and effectiveness, these synthetic components should not dominate, otherwise there is a risk of clogging the sebaceous glands and cell mutation.

When choosing a product, pay attention to the list of ingredients; along with synthetics, the composition should contain many moisturizing and nutrients of organic origin.

Product examples

Cream SPF 15 for normal and dry skin Mineralium with avobenzone and titanium dioxide

Avobenzone and titanium dioxide effectively protect the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight. The hyaluronic acid, aloe, vitamins, rice proteins and Dead Sea minerals contained in the composition moisturize, nourish the skin, and smooth out wrinkles.

Sunscreen SPF15 with a matte effect for oily skin Mineralium with avobenzone and titanium dioxide

Contains avobenzone and titanium dioxide. Also contains vitamins C and E, aloe, and Dead Sea minerals. The cream carefully removes sebum and protects the skin from sun rays.

Water resistance

If you use sunscreen before exercise, going to the beach, or you live in a humid climate, your sunscreen should be moisture and sweat resistant. Please note that the term "water resistance" does not imply complete water resistance. On average, sunscreens with this label can withstand up to 2.5 minutes of active water activities (for example, water polo). Also, after being in the water and then drying your skin with a towel, you will have to reapply sunscreen.

Product examples

Waterproof Sunscreen Moisturizer for Face and Body SPF 50 from Sea Of Spa

Contains Dead Sea vitamins and minerals to moisturize and nourish the skin. Provides strong protection against UVB and UVA rays. Resistant to water and sweat.

Waterproof sunscreen for face and body SPF30 ea Of Spa Mineral Sun Block

Contains Dead Sea vitamins and minerals to moisturize and nourish the skin. Also contains titanium dioxide. Provides strong protection against UVB and UVA rays. Resistant to water and sweat.

Sunscreens shouldn't cause discomfort

If you experience itching or burning after applying any sunscreen or spray, you should stop using that product and find a new one that is suitable for your skin type.

Choose light creams for acne-prone skin

Acne occurs as a result of a malfunction of the sebaceous glands, inflammation of the pores and hair follicles. When choosing a sunscreen for acne-prone skin, you should be very careful. We recommend oil-free, water-mineral based products.

Product examples

Pay attention to the expiration date

Buy products that have a sufficient shelf life. If a sunscreen product reaches its expiration date, many synthetic sunscreen filters are likely to degrade - at best, the product will not be effective, at worst, it will harm the skin or cause allergies.

Symbol indicating expiration date in months

How to Apply Sunscreen

• Squeeze out the cream or gel and apply with your palms to areas that will be exposed to sunlight. Rub until completely absorbed. Experts recommend not skimping and applying two tablespoons of cream to the entire body.

• We recommend applying sunscreen 30 minutes before leaving the house.

• When exposed to intense sunlight, reapply the product every two hours.

• Pay special attention to your facial skin, apply the cream to all areas, including lips, ears, and chin. Creams with SPF and PA will be an excellent base for makeup.

• If you use sunscreen spray, be careful not to get it in your eyes or inhale it.

And remember that no product provides 100% sun protection. During the period of sunny activity (from noon to evening), be sure to wear hats and light cotton clothes with long sleeves, use sunglasses, minimize the time spent under the scorching sun, and stay indoors under air conditioning.

1. 1

   UVB stimulate the production of melanin, that is, they are responsible for tan. They also cause solar burns.

2. 2

   UVA penetrate deeper into tissues, destroy cell DNA, provoke photoaging(wrinkles, age spots), photodermatitis, can cause malignant neoplasms.

When choosing Sanskrin, it is important to know what it protects against © Getty Images

Numbers next to the abbreviation SPF(Sun Protection Factor) inform about the degree of protection only from UVB rays, that is, from burns. The level of protection against A-rays has a different indication. Such protection is provided by products with the following markings:

the letter "A" in a circle;

broad spectrum inscription;

abbreviation PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening) or PA - in the Asian market.

What types of creams with SPF are there?

Sanskrins are divided into several groups depending on the SPF value.

1. 1

   Low degree of protection - these include all means with SPF below 15. Such products are suitable only for people with very dark skin phototypes V and VI.

2. 2

   Average degree of protection - SPF 15-20. Addressed to naturally dark-skinned people who do not get sunburned. However, much depends on the level of solar activity. In the scorching summer sun in the mountains, tropics or on the coast, such protection will not be sufficient.

3. 3

   High degree of protection - SPF 30 and 50.

4. 4

   Very high degree of protection SPF 50+- this category includes sunscreen products with a factor of 70, 80, 100.

Sunscreen with SPF 70, 80, 100

The higher the SPF value of sunscreen, the better it protects from the sun. Does this mean that you can feel safe if you choose a cream with a three-digit protective factor? The answer is no, you can’t, and here’s why.

1. 1

   None of the existing cosmetics provides complete sun protection.

2. 2

   The consumer, following the simplest logic, thinks that SPF 30 protects the skin twice as much as SPF 15, and SPF 100 is twice as high as SPF 50. In fact, the logic is different.

SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays.

• SPF 50 (+) - 98%.

As you can see, the difference between fifty and a hundred is very small, only one percent. Therefore, European recommendations require the maximum SPF 50 to be indicated on the packaging, and everything higher to be marked with a “+” sign.

Dermatologists believe that “weaving” purely psychologically gives the consumer a false sense of complete security and he begins to neglect the rules of “safe tanning”, without which creams with SPF simply will not be able to provide the declared protection,” says Garnier expert Marina Kamanina.

So if you get sunburned even under the cover of SPF 50+ cream, then you did something wrong. Test yourself again by reading.

Let us recall two basic rules for using SPF cosmetics.

1. 1

   Apply generously and evenly.

2. 2

   Renew every 2 hours and after swimming.

Rating of the best creams with SPF 50

In this review, we have collected the best, in the opinion of the site team, products with a maximum protection factor of 50 and 50+.

Mattifying gel-cream Anthelios XL, SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay

A godsend for those who struggle with oily shine on their face every summer. The product not only protects the skin from the sun, but also mattifies it thanks to the Airlicium component.

Anthelios Ultra Cream, SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay

A non-greasy moisturizer that can be applied to the face, including the eyelid area.

Sunscreen moisturizing dry facial spray Ambre Solaire “Expert Protection”, SPF 50, Garnier, 75 ml

Undoubted advantages: lightness, compactness and the ability to apply even over makeup.

Sun protection stick for sensitive areas and lips Capital Idéal Soleil, SPF 50+, Vichy

Saves sensitive areas from sunburn and prevents photoaging. The stick can be used instead of hygienic lipstick, used to treat moles, and applied to the delicate skin around the eyes. The list of ingredients contains a lot of useful things: cocoa and shea butter, castor oil, vitamin E.

Body spray Sublime Sun “Extra Protection”, SPF 50+, L"Oréal Paris

Enhanced protection against UVB and UVA rays is combined with an airy texture that is imperceptible on the skin. And no white marks.

Gel "Vetskin" Anthelios 50+, La Roche-Posay

Water-repellent sunscreen is created using a special technology that allows it to be applied directly to wet skin. At the same time, the sun protection properties remain high.

Toning treatment against age spots, SPF 50+, Vichy

A three-in-one product: tones, protects against ultraviolet radiation and, therefore, prevents unwanted hyperpigmentation. Plus it fights existing age spots.

Today you will find out which face sunscreen SPF 50 is suitable for your skin type. Remember, you need to use SPF cream daily in warm seasons if your skin is prone to pigmentation and severe dryness. It has been proven that ultraviolet rays lead to premature aging of the skin.

What does SPF 50 stand for?

Abbreviation SPF(Sun Protection Factor) indicates the coefficient of protection of the skin from exposure to ultraviolet rays. Thin, dry, freckled skin needs to be protected year-round. Choose foundations and BB creams with at least SPF 20 for residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg, and young girls will need products marked SPF 30.

Did you know that...

Residents of northern regions age more slowly due to the low impact of UV rays on the skin.

Applying SPF 50 daily is not recommended unless you plan to spend the entire day in the sun. But even with protection, you should avoid direct rays; SPF 50 protects 98% from aggressive UVB rays. There is no 100% effective sunscreen yet!

Why use sunscreen?

It used to be that aristocratic pallor was the highest degree of beauty, but over the years there has been a fashion for the hot, tanned bodies of lifeguards and Malibu lifeguards. It is believed that tanning was introduced into fashion, not surprisingly, by the aristocrat Coco Chanel in the 20s of the 20th century. For a long time she did not allow her dazzling skin to tan, but one day an incident happened, and the trendsetter became covered with a bronze tint. But Coco was not at a loss and announced that “asperin-colored skin” is no longer relevant, and tanned skin glows with health and passion.

Beautiful aristocrats hid their wide-brimmed hats, summer gloves, and veils away and went to the seashores to sunbathe. A special tanning boom hit American youth in the 50s and 60s of the 20th century!

But something went wrong...

Doctors gradually began to notice that it was the skin that was exposed to the sun for a long time that was most susceptible to the formation of wrinkles, irregularities, age spots, and spider veins. While the areas in protected places - the lower abdomen, inner thighs, etc., remain in better condition. As a result, scientists came to the conclusion that it is not age that affects the appearance of signs of aging on the face, but UV radiation, which can cause abnormalities in DNA and dermal molecules.

Therefore, it is imperative to use sunscreen, and instead of regular foundations, choose ones with UV protection.

• You will be 98% protected from burning.
• The risk of early wrinkles will decrease.
• Preventing the development of skin cancer.
• Protection against freckles and large age spots.

Types of sunscreens?

Creams differ in the principle of operation - the type of sun filters. There are 2 main types Sunscreen and Sunblock, and the common one is a combination of these filters.

Sunscreen

The main components of such protection are avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, oxybenzone. Of these only avobenzone is safe for skin, including children's (from 6 years old). And homosalate does not neutralize UV ​​exposure on its own. The last three components are harmful; oxybenzone generally works like the hormone estrogen (and this can cause malfunctions in the body).

Sunblock

This option is considered the safest and is classified as mineral. Blocks UVA and UVB rays, 98% effective. The active ingredients are: titanium dioxide And zinc oxide. I recommend choosing creams with zinc oxide - the safest option.

The third option is to combine the Sanscreen and Sanblock components. For example, one cream can use, for example, avobenzone and zinc oxide (a good combination, quite safe), or oxybenzone and titanium dioxide (this combination can cause harm!).

5 rules for choosing sunscreen

• Choose sunblock creams, not sunscreens!
• Do not use sunscreen sprays. You inhale 20% of the composition through your lungs; substances can be deposited on the walls of the lungs for many months, and then cause pneumonia. Be careful!
• Do not buy creams with vitamin A (retinol, palmitate). In combination with components that work against UV rays, it increases the risk of developing skin cancer.
• Choose creams only with double protection! Effective against UVA and UVB rays at the same time.
• Read the entire composition of the cream carefully! In addition to the components described above, please note that the composition does not contain parabens, and.

Rating of the 7 best sunscreens

Let's move on to the most interesting thing - a full-fledged top of protective products against UV rays. The products presented in the rating are as natural and safe as possible for the skin. But finding more or less high-quality sanitary blocks for the face or soft sanitary screens turned out to be quite difficult. The presented creams will save snow-white skin from heat and aging. Don't forget, dark-skinned women need to use sunscreen too!

AVENE Soins Solaires AV SPF 50+

An ideal solution for those with sensitive skin prone to the formation of age spots after exposure to the sun. French-made day cream controls the process of melanin production with the help of titanium and zinc dioxide components. The cream gets rid of existing stains and prevents new ones from appearing! The product remarkably moisturizes and nourishes the epidermis, while protecting 98% from UV rays.

The manufacturer indicates that the cream does not contain fragrances or parabens, but does contain EDTA, and Methylparaben. Of course, it’s great that the main active ingredients are sanitary blocks, but I don’t recommend using them for daily use!

Volume - 50 ml

Price - 1000 rubles

RUBORIL EXPERT SPF 50+

Recommended for those with thin and dry skin over the age of 35. Protects against redness and rosacea formation. The sunscreen resembles a BB fluid, slightly evens out the tone and mattifies. Must be used daily before going outside.

The active component is zinc oxide. Parabens are present in the composition, so it is not recommended to use it constantly, only in the summer.

Volume - 30 ml

Price - 1200 rubles

A’Pieu Pure Block Natural Daily Sun cream SPF45/PA+++

Korean-made sunscreen is not very popular in Russia, but is very famous in Asia. You can also buy it only in Korean online stores. Refers to Sanskrin, the composition contains extracts of pomegranate, bird cherry, eucalyptus, rose, watermelon, aloe vera. The main component that blocks UV rays is avobenzone. The composition contains synthetic substances and small dosages that act as preservatives and extend the life of the product.

Volume - 50 ml
Price - 800 rubles

SPF-50 Sun Wellbeing Nature's

Italian product to protect skin from sunburn. Transmits 2% of rays, but protects against destruction of the elastic fibers of the dermis. It contains a lot of useful things - almond oil, melon juice, apricot extract, coffee oil and jojoba.

The main component against UV exposure is titanium dioxide. But the composition cannot be called natural; the cream contains PEG and various emulsifiers, but no parabens!

Although the cream is only 70% natural, it is of sufficient quality and can become your veil on the seaside.

Volume - 50 ml
Price - 800 rubles

Medium Holy Land Age Defense CC Cream SPF50 (Medium)

Anti-aging CC cream with high protection against UV rays, belongs to professional cosmetics, recommended by cosmetologists and makeup artists. The cream gives the skin a light tan, evens out the tone well and mattifies perfectly.

The composition is quite good, the main components are zinc oxide, mineral oil, Gingko Biloba and camellia extracts. But again, there are parabens, I recommend using the cream only in the summer. And if you do not plan to be in the sun for a long time, then use gentler products with SPF 50.

Volume - 50 ml
Price - 1000 rubles

Ultra-high protection baby sunscreen milk SPF 50 Alphanova® bebe Alphanova

Natural cream can be used not only for children's skin, but also for adult skin. The product is more or less natural, but not without alcohol in its composition. But preservatives and emulsifiers are of plant origin. All natural sunscreens have a white coating immediately after applying the cream and a short shelf life (2-3 months).

Natural creams have the property of being absorbed for a long time, the shelf life is only 3 months. The main active ingredients are titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, additionally it contains extracts of calendula and walnut, rose hips, string, chamomile, flaxseed oil, almond oil, tea tree oil, emulsifiers and preservatives of plant origin.

The bottle has a dispenser, but you need to make sure that the container is not in a vertical position, the cream may leak due to its liquid consistency.

It is absorbed in about 1-2 minutes, leaving white streaks at first. You need to apply the cream 30 minutes before going out into the sun. A huge minus is that the cream remains white in the folds of the skin. But if you choose naturalness, effectiveness, or skin without white streaks, I’d rather choose white streaks and figure out how to get rid of them faster than poisoning the dermis!

No parabens, fragrances or synthetics in the composition!

Volume - 100 ml
Price - 750 rubles

Noni Care - reliable protection for lips from UV rays

You need to protect not only your skin, but also your lips! You don't want wrinkles around the mouth and shrunken lips from lack of moisture? Girls with such problems are increasingly found on the streets of the city, and the reason is insufficient protection of their lips from UV rays.

Contains coconut, olive, shea, cocoa oils, vitamins, wax, and various plant extracts. There are no chemicals in the composition! The manufacturer claims that Noni Care balm protects against age-related folds on the lips, dryness and loss of lip volume. Recommended to use all year round!

Cost - about 200 rubles

Personally, I chose Levrana cream for myself; I will write a detailed review on it separately, after testing its strength under the scorching sun!

Sunscreen for the face is one of the most difficult to choose because there are too many factors to pay attention to. And on sun filters, and on the SPF factor, and on the stability of these same filters, as well as the safety of the sun protection cream itself. And all this has been done for us a long time ago, we just have to look at the results!

Continuing the series of posts about and how to choose the right one, today we will talk about a beach sunscreen version of face cream with a high protection factor. Unlike daily sunscreen in the city, these creams are distinguished by increased stability on the skin and a high protection factor, which reaches the maximum protection factor allowed in America SPF 50.

What is the difference between SPF 30 cream and SPF 50 cream?

I looked at the statistics, and most often on the Internet people want to buy SPF 50 sunscreen with the highest possible sun protection factor, but in reality the difference between SPF is not that big.

A higher SPF is thought to provide greater protection against UVB rays, but in fact, an SPF 30 cream provides protection against 97% of UVB rays, and an SPF 50 cream provides 98% protection.

The difference between a cream with SPF 30 and 50 is only 1% protection against UVB rays!

At the same time, people usually apply only a third of the recommended amount of sunscreen, which means they also receive only a third of protection. Doctors recommend staying away from direct sunlight, even with cream, as There is no sunscreen for the face yet that will provide 100% sun protection.

The SPF protection factor does not mean how much protection we will receive from more aggressive UVA rays, which quietly penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin like an enemy, causing aging and irreversible damage. And this is where graphs and diagrams come to the rescue. built from real sunscreen testing.

All of the face sunscreens listed below are the winners of the 2014 rating, they all have excellent stability of solar filters. And even they have different protection against UVA rays:

• MODERATE - average degree of protection (but acceptable to become a winner)
• GOOD - good degree of protection
• EXELLENT - excellent degree of protection

As you can see, there are not many winners in the “sunscreen for face” category, but there are plenty to choose from.

Sunscreen face cream SPF 20

This facial sunscreen does not clog pores and provides protection with two mineral filters. It contains antioxidants and extracts that enhance the sunscreen properties of the cream, and is free of parabens and fragrances, which can increase skin sensitivity in the sun. Provides average protection against UVA rays.

• Alba Botanica, Very Emollient Sunscreen, Facial Mineral Protection, SPF 20

A very light sunscreen lotion for the face, which is recommended to be applied with your hands, using them as cosmetic brushes. Contains mineral filters and concentrated algae extracts grown in the ecologically clean area of ​​​​Hawaii, as well as the active component Seamollient ® to moisturize and improve the elasticity of facial skin.

• Caribbean Solutions, Faces Only SPF 20, Natural Skin Care

Sunscreen face cream SPF 30

Face sunscreen SPF 30 protects our skin by 97% by filtering out UVB rays. There are also several winners in this category, with the first two creams providing such ideal protection that they can be used for outdoor activities, for surfing and for people with sun allergies and rosacea.

Two Badger creams showed the same protection diagrams, the only differences being their water resistance. Both creams are fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin, providing excellent protection and excellent water resistance for beach and outdoor activities.

• Badger Company, Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream, SPF 30, Unscented
• Badger Company, Sport Sunscreen Cream, Broad Spectrum SPF 35, Unscented

Two creams from this brand are also suitable for the face and do not contain petroleum products and are safe for sensitive skin and coral reefs. They do not leave greasy marks on the skin and contain antioxidants - plant extracts. I did not see any strong differences between these two creams.

• Elemental Herbs, Kid's Sunscreen, SPF 33
• Elemental Herbs, Sport Sunscreen, SPF 33

The only sunscreen for the face of the Kiss my Face brand that became a winner and contains a good degree of protection against UVA rays (the second winner is a cream for children). The composition contains vitamins E and C (this is very good, antioxidants enhance skin protection), there are no fragrances or parabens, and they promise water resistance for 40 minutes.

• Kiss My Face Natural Mineral Sunscreen with Hydresia, SPF 40

And another winner in this category of face protective products is ANTHELIOS 40 sunscreen, which is the only one among its line that has an excellent degree of protection against UVA rays. But as it turned out, for some reason it is not offered for sale in Russia.

There is only one SPF 50 sunscreen in this category; all the others did not pass the strict selection process for various reasons, ranging from poor protection from rays, instability of chemical filters in the sun, the presence of the most dangerous filters, and simply harmful composition. There is only one winner, the True Natural brand is part of the Lavera concern, or vice versa))

Sunscreen SPF 50 provides excellent protection, is suitable for sensitive skin, and contains antioxidants in the form of vitamin E and green tea extract. The protection system consists only of physical filters of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Odorless.

• True Natural All Natural Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin, Unscented, SPF 50

Sun protection stick SPF 50

A sunscreen stick for the face is no less important than sunscreen, because it is what saves your lips, nose, cheekbones and forehead from the scorching sun; you can renew it every hour. I found another use for it - around the eyes, in places where the rays of the sun go, crow’s feet or “crow’s feet”, as these expression wrinkles are called in America))

The two sun sticks of this brand have the same graphics and excellent protection. Both contain only zinc oxide as a sun filter, so you can choose whichever one is available, they are constantly selling out.

• All Terrain, KidSport Face Stick, SPF 28

Badger all-season sun stick for snowboarding and surfing, provides equal protection in all conditions, suitable for children and adults, and is water resistant for 80 minutes. The recommendation for use states that the stick should be applied liberally to exposed areas of the body, and then rubbed to reduce the whitening effect.

• Badger Company, All Season Face Stick, Sport Sunscreen, SPF 35, Unscented

The sun protection stick is suitable for children and adults; it was originally created by a company for surfing enthusiasts, but then migrated into the pockets of everyone in need. It is also quickly sold out, because all the glossy magazines constantly mention this particular stick in their reviews of cosmetics.

Another sun stick from the list of winners, it provides a good degree of protection for the face and body, offers 80 minutes of water resistance and contains antioxidants and mineral (physical) filters.

• True Natural, All Natural Sun Stick, Sport, SPF 30, Unscented

With the onset of warm spring days, we all rush to visit nature and soak up the gentle rays of the sun. However, even such slight tanning for those with very sensitive facial skin and a very light phototype can result in the appearance of freckles, age spots and redness. This does not mean that they should not be in the sun, they just need to protect their delicate skin from excessive ultraviolet radiation. And sunscreen for the face spf 50 will help with this, reviews and features of which we will consider in our review.

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Features of cream with spf 50

Many, of course, will ask what do the numbers 50 mean? SPF 50 is the designation for the greatest protection against negative ultraviolet rays. This sun cream blocks up to 99% of all ultraviolet radiation that hits the skin. That is, if you see a cream labeled 60 or higher spf (there are even 100), then it is still the same regular product with blocking 50, only under a different name. These numbers do not mean anything more than a regular marketing ploy.

What is special about spf 50 sunscreen? As we know from physics lessons, there are two types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA and UVB. Both types fall on our skin along with the warm and pleasant rays of the sun. However, if UVB rays penetrate only the upper layers of the skin, causing tanning, freckles, darkening, then UVA rays penetrate into the deeper layers and lead not only to premature aging, but also visible damage. This includes wrinkles, moles and even cancerous skin changes.

All face sun creams provide protection from both UVB and UVA damage. The difference lies in the permissible time of safe exposure to the sun. That is, the higher the number, the longer the time you can not be afraid of skin damage. This is due to the special composition of the creams.

You can calculate the permissible time spent in the sun, as well as the required level of protection, using a special scheme. To do this, take into account your facial skin phototype and the permissible time spent in the sun without protection, multiplied by the number indicated on the package after the letters SPF. For example, if you have the fairest skin type, then your safe time in the sun is only no more than 5 minutes. This means the allowable time with SPF 50 cream is 5*50 = 250 minutes.

A cream with protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation should be selected individually, taking into account your skin phototype. Remember, the lighter the skin phototype (see diagram for more details), the more protection is required. Blonde people are the most sensitive to sunburn, so sunbathing without a cream with maximum protection is not recommended for them.

Compound

To choose the necessary protective face cream marked “spf”, you need to take into account not only your light type or phototype, but also the composition of the product itself. For example, manufacturers often include cheap oils, silicone or waxes, which are not suitable for problem skin. In addition, the composition may contain natural healthy products that cause allergies, for example, honey, citrus extracts, plant extracts.

However, the main question about the composition of such products remains, what provides such special protection? Let’s say right away that you shouldn’t think that these are herbal or natural ingredients. No. Powerful chemical compounds provide such protection from ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, even in those products that are called natural, they are necessarily present. Let us consider the approximate composition of protective components in more detail:

• cinnamates are the main substances that absorb ultraviolet radiation;
• benzophenones (sulisobenzone or oxybenzone) - substances that provide protection against UVA rays;
• zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are substances that provide protection against UVA rays.

In addition, creams may contain additional caring components, for example, oils, plant extracts and extracts, vitamins, and glycerin for moisturizing. The more natural substances, the more preservatives and stabilizers the manufacturer will need. So don't be intimidated by the long list of ingredients. Find out even more useful tips and recommendations from the video (Lady Izvestia).

Pay attention to the presence of components such as parabens, dyes, SLS and phenoxyethanol, dioxanes. High-quality products should not contain these substances. Also look at the consistency and expiration date. A good cream should not spread over the skin or, on the contrary, be too dense. When applied, it should lie smoothly on the face without creating a film effect or a greasy residue.

The best creams: the hot five

As they say, there is no match for taste and color, but when it comes to creams, there is an individual approach. However, taking into account user reviews and the popularity of the brand, we have created a rating of the best sunscreens with SPF 50. All options have undergone strict dermatological testing, have many positive reviews and truly effective sun protection.

Ruboril expert SPF 50+ from ISISPHARMA

This cream is ideal for both young and mature skin. It has a light tonal effect and hides skin imperfections, so it can be applied in the summer as a decorative base. Reviews note the special quality of the cream - it applies evenly and very easily to the skin and, unlike many foundations, does not leave marks on clothes. A special composition with protective and caring components reduces visible redness, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, and is therefore recommended for people who have a “mesh” of blood on their skin.

Stick Solare SPF 50 from L’ERBOLARIO

This cream contains four types of sun filters, so it is specially created for people with the fairest phototype and sensitive skin. It is recommended as a protective agent against the occurrence of freckles, age spots, and papillomas. It applies easily and is quickly absorbed. Contains a whole complex of natural caring components, created on the basis of palm oil.

Medium Holy Land Age Defense CC Cream SPF 50

An ideal cream for summer with a light tanning effect. The product has very high sun protection and a special natural composition for skin care and moisturizing. Namely: vitamin C and E, green tea extract, gingko biloba, natural oils. Suitable for all ages, normalizes the water balance of the dermis, which is very important in summer, has a good antioxidant effect due to green tea extract.

Uv Beauty Shield Spf 50 from Yves Rocher

Light natural cream with a high degree of protection, intended for use at any time of the year. As reviews indicate, the product does not leave a greasy residue or shine, does not weigh down the skin, is quickly absorbed, and has a light texture. However, such a cream is not suitable for protecting the skin on the seashore, as it is quickly washed off. Due to its natural composition, it cannot boast of a budget price.

Supra D-TOX SPF 50 from Biotherm

This brand is not familiar to many people, but it is included in our TOP 5 rating of the best creams, as it provides good protection against ultraviolet radiation. Hydrolipid cream is perfect for use in the hot season; the oils included in the composition nourish and protect the skin from drying out. It holds well on the skin, lays evenly and softly when applied.

How to use the cream correctly?

In order for any product to have its maximum effect, it must be applied correctly. This also applies to creams with special SPF protection. Ideally, each product should come with instructions. We also draw attention to the fact that any product should be prescribed by a dermatologist, taking into account the individual characteristics and needs of the skin. This is especially important if there are any problems or defects on the skin. If your skin is healthy, you don’t have any special problems, but just need regular sun protection, then we offer instructions:

1. It is necessary to apply protective cream to the entire skin of the face and décolleté 15-20 minutes before leaving the house. This time is necessary for all components of the product to take effect and create a maximum barrier to ultraviolet rays.
2. Don't rub in too much in hopes of further protecting the skin. The effect is achieved even with the thinnest layer. Apply a small amount of cream to your fingers, rub a little and apply evenly to the skin with light movements.
3. If the use of cosmetics is intended, the cream must be applied to clean skin under a decorative product, and not vice versa.
4. If necessary, the level of protection can be renewed throughout the day by reapplying an additional layer.

Photo gallery

Holy Land Age Defense CC Cream SPF50 (RUB 1,750) Supra D-TOX SPF 50 (RUB 1,500) Stick Solare SPF 50 (RUB 655)

Still unsure whether you need a protective cream? Then the following video with recommendations from a cosmetologist will be useful (Cosmetologist.net).