When it comes to protecting your face from sun damage, the best SPF50 for your face is an absolute must. Not only will this protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun, but it can also help prevent signs of ageing and skin cancer. With so many products on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. In this blog post, we will take a look at what to look for in an SPF50 product for your face, as well as our top picks. So, if you’re ready to learn more about the best SPF50 for your face, keep reading!
What is SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The higher the SPF number, the more protection it offers. An SPF 50 sunscreen blocks 98% of UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburns, while an SPF 30 sunscreen blocks 96.7%.
It is important to note that no sunscreen can block all UV radiation and you should also remember to reapply throughout the day for maximum protection. Additionally, physical sunscreen products containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide offer superior protection as they reflect the sun’s rays away from your skin, as opposed to chemical sunscreens which absorb the UV radiation.
What does SPF 50 mean?
SPF 50, or sun protection factor 50, is the highest level of protection available for sunscreen products. It means that the product provides 98% protection from the sun’s UV rays, the primary cause of sunburn. The higher the SPF, the longer the time you can be in the sun without getting sunburned.
SPF is measured by how long it takes for a person to get sunburned while using a sunscreen product compared to how long it would take to get sunburned without using any sunscreen. For example, if it normally takes 10 minutes for someone to get sunburned without sunscreen, then using a product with an SPF of 50 would provide protection for up to 500 minutes (10 x 50 = 500).
However, even with SPF 50 sunscreen, you still need to reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Also, sunscreen doesn’t protect against UVA rays, so you should also wear protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when spending extended time in the sun.
How to choose the best SPF 50 for your face
Finding the right SPF 50 sunscreen for your face can be overwhelming. With so many different types, brands and formulations available, it’s difficult to know what’s best for you. To make sure you get the most out of your SPF 50 sunscreen, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Skin Type: Different skin types have different needs. If you have sensitive skin, look for an SPF 50 that is specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Similarly, if you have oily or combination skin, make sure to choose a sunscreen that won’t clog your pores.
- Ingredients: Check the ingredient list on the label to make sure there are no irritants that could cause reactions on your skin. Look for ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these natural ingredients provide broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
- Texture and Finish: Do you want a matte finish or a dewy glow? Depending on your preferences, there are a variety of formulas that can give you the desired effect. Water-based formulas are usually lightweight and non-greasy, while oil-based formulas provide additional hydration and tend to be thicker.
- SPF Strength: SPF 50 is the highest level of sun protection, but it’s important to remember that it is only effective when applied properly. Make sure you apply enough to cover your face and neck, and reapply regularly throughout the day.
By taking into account these factors, you can find the best SPF 50 for your face. Remember that no sunscreen can protect you completely from the sun’s rays, so it’s important to also wear protective clothing and seek shade when possible.
Our top picks for the best SPF 50 for your face
- VICHY Idéal Soleil Dry Touch Face Cream SPF 50 50ml – Very high protection with a dry touch texture.To help protect against the harmful effects of the sun and protect the skin, Capital Soleil Dry Touch includes a wide spectrum filter system and photostable UVA-UVB based Mexoryl ®.
- Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 50ml – Specially formulated for mature or prematurely ageing skin, Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 is a medium-weight, emollient daily moisturiser that will soften and hydrate your skin, whilst defending against the internal and external factors that can cause skin ageing.
- Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Sun Defense For Face SPF 50 50ml – The Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Sun Defense For Face SPF 50 helps shield skin against harmful UVA/UVB rays that can cause sunburn, surface skin cell damage and premature signs of ageing.
- NUXE Sun High Protection Fondant Cream for Face SPF 50 – Suitable for fair and sensitive skin, the NUXE Sun Fondant Cream SPF50 for Face provides high sun protection to shield skin from harmful rays and prevent premature ageing.
- Avène Very High Protection B-Protect SPF50+ Sun Cream for Sensitive Skin 30ml – Formulated for sensitive skin, this 3‐in‐1 facial skincare hero provides anti‐UV and anti‐pollution protection with light tinted coverage. Offering High protection SPF50, the facial sunscreen is packed with antioxidants to help protect against environmental aggressors, along with UV exposure.
How to apply sunscreen
Sunscreen is an important part of any skincare routine, so it’s important to apply it correctly. Here are some tips for applying sunscreen to your face:
- Start by cleansing your face. This removes any dirt and oils that can prevent sunscreen from absorbing properly.
- After cleansing, wait at least 15 minutes before applying sunscreen. This gives your skin time to dry and will help the sunscreen to stay in place longer.
- Using about a nickel-sized amount, apply sunscreen to your face. Make sure you cover all exposed areas, including your nose, forehead, cheeks, chin, ears and even the tops of your feet if you are wearing sandals.
- Use gentle circular motions to blend the sunscreen into your skin.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you’re getting the full protection that your SPF 50 offers. And don’t forget to wear a hat and sunglasses too!
