Sunscreen for the face

Protect your skin against premature ageing! Did you know that UV radiation from the sun is responsible for about 90% of the signs of skin ageing, such as wrinkles, pigment spots and loss of elasticity?

To avoid unpleasant sunburn or premature wrinkles, use effective SPF on your face every day. Face sunscreens are developed to meet the needs of different skin types. Whether your skin is sensitive and dry, mature or you suffer from acne, you can find the best sunscreen for the face that’s made to measure at Notino.

Why try a special face sunscreen?

• They are usually enriched with brightening and moisturising ingredients as well as special anti-ageing ingredients such as plant extracts and vitamin E.
• Compared to body sunscreens, SPF face creams are lighter and tend to be fragrance-free and less greasy, so they don’t feel heavy on the skin.
• They often have specific effects, such as mattifying the skin, being tinted to even out skin tone or promoting faster tanning.
• There are many types of creams, oils and tanning mists for different skin types to suit your needs.

Why is it important to protect my skin from the sun?

The delicate skin of the face is far more sensitive than the skin on the rest of the body and is exposed to the sun all year round. Radiation from the sun is divided into UVA radiation, which causes photo-ageing of the skin, and UVB radiation, which results in skin burning and cell damage. UVA radiation affects our skin all year round, even through clouds and smog, in the shade or even through glass, and not only contributes to reduced elasticity, collagen loss and skin ageing, but can also lead to melanoma. All sun damage accumulates in the skin and can manifest itself over several decades.

High-quality SPF protection for the face should therefore be part of your daily skincare routine, not only in the mountains or at the beach, but also when running errands in town and on the way to work.

How to choose a sunscreen for the face

Modern facial sunscreens use an innovative formula that hydrates and nourishes, protects against sun allergies and, in the case of broad-spectrum creams, also prevents premature wrinkles and pigmentation. When choosing, go for a high SPF and take your phototype and the specific needs of your skin into account. Then it’s up to you whether you prefer to wear a sunscreen gel or fluid, an SPF spray for the face or a tinted cream.

Selecting SPF for the face by phototype

In general, the lighter your skin is and the faster it burns, the higher the SPF you should use. If you’re a fair type, always choose a face sunscreen with SPF 50; if you tan easily you’ll rarely get sunburnt, so SPF 30 will do.

Remember that:

• SPF 15 filters about 93% of UVB rays.
• SPF 30 filters about 97% of UVB rays.
• SPF 50 filters about 98% of UVB rays.

Face sunscreens by skin type

Sunscreens are tailored to different skin types and vary in their ingredients and consistency, so there is a suitable sunscreen for absolutely everyone. Which one is right for you?

• Greasy, spotty skin requires a special face sunscreen for oily skin and acne which has a light, non-greasy consistency, absorbs well, mattifies the skin and has a low comedogenic index. Traditional oily and thick creams could lead to blocked pores, so always choose non-comedogenic sunscreens. With higher acne levels, we recommend a sunscreen for acne that contains zinc oxide to regulate sebum and soothe the skin. A tinted face sunscreen evens out your skin tone and is perfect for concealing skin imperfections.
• Normal skin needs to maintain optimal sebum levels while being nourished and hydrated regularly. You can try creams with a light or thicker consistency and see what suits you best.
• Dry skin requires an increased dose of hydration as the sun dries it out even more. So choose a facial sunscreen with SPF 50 or SPF 30 that has moisturising ingredients and a smooth consistency that leaves it soft and fresh.
• Sensitive skin can be allergic to certain ingredients contained in cosmetics, which can manifest themselves in redness, rash and burning. Choose creams with a gentle formula and soothing active ingredients, such as thermal water. Sunscreen for sensitive skin should be fragrance-free. Mineral SPF for the face is also suitable as it is not absorbed into the skin and does not irritate it unnecessarily. TIP: Try creams for sun allergies.
• Mature skin needs intensive protection against the effects of UV rays that cause skin ageing, as well as nourishment and sufficient hydration. Try a sunscreen with active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or vitamin E.
• Atopic skin can be hypersensitive to allergens in cosmetics. For this reason, you should try mineral sunscreens, in which the filters do not penetrate the skin and which are effective immediately upon application.

The sun and pigment spots

If you have hyperpigmentation on your face, try a facial sunscreen for pigment spots. Ideally, what should that provide?

• high protection against UVA and UVB rays to prevent further spots – always choose SPF 50+
• even skin tone – tinted creams are ideal
• lightening existing pigment spots

A face cream with SPF, foundation with SPF or sunscreen for the face?

There are many different types of face creams and other cosmetics with SPF. What is the difference between them?

• Face sunscreens primarily have a protective role, acting as a shield against UVA and UVB rays. They are suitable for summer, sunbathing and holidays in warmer regions. Always opt for a high SPF when sunbathing.
• An SPF face cream has a primarily nourishing and moisturising role and the level of sun protection may be lower if you do not use enough. They are suitable for everyday wear, but for a beach holiday you should pack sunscreen or apply a thicker layer.
• Foundation with SPF has the same quality sun filter as sunscreen products, but the difference again is in the amount applied. Foundation is not usually applied thickly enough for perfect sun protection, so apply a generous layer of SPF or sunscreen before applying foundation.
• Tinted creams, such as the popular BB creams and CC creams, may contain quality UV factors in addition to moisturising and nourishing agents, but would again require a thicker layer to provide sufficient sun protection. For your journey to work or a walk in town, this type of cream will be enough, but when you go to the mountains or the beach, it is better to supplement it with sunscreen.
• Tinted face sunscreen is a special kind of face sunscreen with a very high SPF and its main role is to give the skin sufficient protection against UV rays. In addition, tinting evens out skin tone and covers slight imperfections.

EXTRA TIP: Try a face tanning mist! Thanks to the spray, it is very easy to apply and goes on evenly, leaving no greasy film, and you can easily apply it to your face at any time of the day – even over your makeup!

How to use sunscreen on your face

• SPF protection for the face is necessary all year round, even if it is cloudy out.
• If you use products with retinoids or acids, choose creams with UV filters that have the highest SPF level.
• Apply a generous amount of the cream to your skin, following the manufacturer’s instructions on the label.
• Apply the UV face cream to your skin after a nourishing day cream and let it become absorbed for at least 15 minutes before applying foundation.
• One application of sunscreen is not enough – especially on sunny days. Reapply another layer every 2 to 3 hours, or whenever you perspire or bathe. For application over makeup, an SPF mist for the face is best, lightly sprayed over the face and neck.
• When applying it, don’t forget the ears, neck, décolletage and hairline.
• If you're avoiding chemicals, try a natural sunscreen for your face that works on the basis of a physical filter of fine minerals and doesn’t become absorbed into the skin.

Enjoy the sun’s rays without worrying about sunburn or photo-ageing and your skin will reward you for all your care! At Notino, you can now find high-quality SPF 50 and 30 face creams, protective lip balms with SPF for gentle lip care and gentle after-sun products to soothe and hydrate the skin.