Types of SPF

How to choose the right sun protection?

An important factor are the symbols on the packaging. UVA and UVB are the standard. UVA protects us from skin ageing while UVB prevents sunburn. This is why you need to pay attention to these symbols on the products. 

Personally, I like both chemical and mineral filters. Both type generally work really well, but some people prefer mineral ones. Those are particularly great for sensitive skin and for kids. Some brands combine both types of filters. If you suffer from sun allergies, your best bet is to find a product with a mineral filter. As a nice bonus, mineral filters are more environmentally friendly. 

Another important aspect is the texture. If your skin is on the oilier side, choose a light emulsion with a non-sticky formula. These products also don’t form peels under your makeup. The Capital Soleil Mattifying 3 in 1 protective face cream with SPF 50+ is great for people who deal with increased sebum production. This type of skin doesn’t do well with multiple layers of product. Try to only use a skin serum and a cream with SPF.

Another attractive type of product is an SPF oil. An oil will leave your skin shiny. Some have greasier texture, others work more as a dry oil. Oil-based products with SPF can also contain fine golden shimmer which gives your body a nice sheen.

Do you like to stay active? Then you’ll appreciate a handy spray-on SPF product that is extra easy to apply. These SPFs usually offer a higher water-resistance and sweat-resistance, plus they’re easily reapplied when the first layer won’t do the trick. You can maintain your sun protection by using them at any time, even on top of your makeup. They also typically have a high SPF.

The Sun Sunsistick protective stick for sensitive areas with SPF 50+ offers a high protection and is primarily designed to be used on selected areas. It offers great protection to your lips, nose, ears and other sensitive spots. Keep in mind that tattoos, scars and areas that have been through dermatological interventions also need an easily applied product with a high SPF. These SPF products are often transparent or tinted. They tend to leave a light cast so that you can tell where you’ve already applied your SPF.

How to protect your hair from the sun?

Did you know that your hair needs protection from the sun just like your skin? Whether you have coarse and porous hair or a delicate and sensitive scalp, you need to use high protection, especially at the beach where your hair is exposed to the sun as well as salt from the water. Your hair might get excessively dry and your scalp could be just as affected as your face. Many hair products contain UV filters and nourishing oils which regenerate or hydrate your hair. 

The Kérastase Soleil Huile Sirene moisturising 2-phase oil mist for beach effect will create a gorgeous effect of beachy waves. Apart from its other effects, it also gives great definition to wavy hair. Plus it provides hydration to dry hair including the tips.

Which SPF is ideal for face?

I personally use SPF 30. As part of my morning routine, I apply a layer of SPF over my day cream. Since I have dry skin, I prefer to use several light formulas. Make sure to use sun protection all the time, not just when you’re on holiday. If you haven’t started using one on a regular basis, it’s probably time to do so. 

Studies have shown that using an SPF on a daily basis significantly reduces the process of ageing. This means that good sun protection is your main defence against skin ageing – and that goes for men as well. Men’s skin might be a little more rough, but it tends to get dry and more porous throughout their life, even though men don’t tend to pay much attention to it. However, their skin reacts to the sun in a very similar way. They develop more prominent wrinkles after the age of 40, their skin becomes tighter and they suffer from broken capillaries. Men also more often develop a basal-cell carcinoma. This is a skin growth that occurs on very exposed parts of skin, and can be malignant or benign. So remember to have your whole family’s birthmarks checked every year. 

Do you have sensitive skin? Then try the Heliocare 360° fluid sunscreen with SPF 50+. A weakened skin barrier needs a stronger protection. If you suffer from hyperpigmentation, you really need to use SPF products on a regular basis.

If you’re one of the people who don’t like using many products, try the light Purito Daily Go-To Sunscreen for face with SPF 50+. Lightweight products like this one are easy to layer without feeling like your skin is suffocating. Another option is to skip your day cream and only use an SPF product, particularly in the summer months.

Many women are dealing with delicate, sensitive skin on the lips. I recommend using lip balms with a high SPF which work both as a balm and as great sun protection. 

Will my foundation with SPF offer sufficient protection? 

Is it enough to simply use a foundation with SPF and rely on its sun protection? Not really. While foundations with SPF add some protection, they can never replace a good sunscreen. The reason is simple: We never tend to apply our foundation in the same way we use our sunscreen – to every part of our face, neck and cleavage. In fact, some of us only use foundation as a concealer for specific areas of the face. 

That being said, you absolutely can use a foundation with SPF on top of your sunscreen. Some skin types will be better protected from hyperpigmentation when using a foundation with added SPF. In any case, using a foundation, tinted moisturiser or BB cream with SPF is a great way to enhance the protection of your sunscreen. 

In short, SPF is a total must. A necessity. A routine. Don’t avoid the sun. But enjoy it within reason.