We hope you are well aware that you need to constantly apply sunscreen to your skin - whether you are sunbathing on the beach, drinking cocktails on a sun lounger under an umbrella, or going to work on a cloudy day. The fact is that ultraviolet rays easily pass through the haze of clouds, and it is important to remember this (especially with the onset of the spring-summer season).
Why are SPF products so important? Exposure to the sun without proper protection can seriously affect your health, greatly increasing the risk of premature wrinkles and skin cancer. However, skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer with more than 4,000,000 cases diagnosed every year.
As a reminder, there are two types of ultraviolet rays: UVB, which causes sunburn, and UVA, which penetrates deeper into the skin. Today in cosmetic stores you can find a lot of products with SPF and impressive numbers nearby, but how to choose ideal option and, importantly, few know how to use it correctly. In this article, we have collected seven myths about sunscreen products that we advise you to stop believing right now.
1. All sunscreens are the same
No, this is not true - sunscreens may differ in the way they protect the skin. Some manufacturers use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to filter UVA and UVB rays, while others accomplish the same task using chemicals (such as avobenzone). Among the new sunscreen ingredients that are not yet widely used are helioplex and meroxyl, which are highly photostabilized.
Which one provides better protection is a matter of scientific debate. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it's important to make sure your sunscreen has an SPF of 30 or higher, covering both UVA and UVB rays.
2. Moisturizer should have SPF
"Only one of the products you use every morning should have an SPF of 30 or higher," Mona Gohara, a professor of dermatology at Yale University, tells Allure. In other words, SPF is SPF, whether it's in your foundation, daily serum, or moisturizer.
3. SPF 15 protection is enough
Experts note that the minimum SPF that should be used on your face, even if you sit in the office from morning to evening, is SPF 30. At the same time, in order for the sun protection factor to work in full force, you need to apply about half a teaspoon of the product to your skin.
4. Lotions, sprays and creams work differently
“In fact, there are no significant differences here. They're just sunscreens, so the choice depends on what format the consumer likes, James Spencer, a Florida dermatologist, tells WebMD. The expert notes that men, according to statistics, more often use alcohol-containing sprays because they do not like fatty foods. While women are more suitable for lotions and cream products that provide nutrition and hydration. But whatever form you choose, try to apply the product according to all the rules: on dry skin and 15-30 minutes before you go outside.
5. Several products with SPF offer better protection.
“SPF is not an equation. That is, you cannot use SPF 15 foundation and SPF 20 powder to get SPF 35 protection, says Mona Gohara. - Ultimately, your defense will be as strong as the highest factor. That is, SPF 20.” However, if you're only applying tint to small areas of your face, it's wise to double your SPF products to increase overall coverage.
6. Foundation with SPF lasts up to 8 hours
Despite the fact that this is an obvious lie (to put it more beautifully - a marketing ploy), it is difficult to find a girl who will remove the foundation and reapply it every two hours. Unfortunately, any product with SPF works at full strength for only 2 hours, after which the activity of the product decreases, and within an hour it completely disappears. There is a simple and logical way out of this situation - use weightless powder with SPF 30 or higher, and correct your makeup every two hours with its help.
7. Last year's bottle will still work
Is the SPF you used last summer still expired? “Great, that means you won’t have to buy a new one,” you think, and you turn out to be wrong. "If you have sunscreen left over, it means you didn't use it often enough or didn't apply as much as you should," explains Jennifer Stein, MD, New York University. “If you do everything right, then you will definitely have to buy a new bottle.”
1. Vichy Normaderm BB cream
Simply a great product! It has a very light texture and applies well. It’s easy to apply and doesn’t immediately harden into a mask; rather, this cream is more like a daytime moisturizer. Of course, it will not disguise noticeable imperfections, because it applies in a very thin layer. But it creates such an effect that the skin itself becomes smooth and naturally radiant. In principle, it doesn’t even require powder - it’s such a light tone that doesn’t turn your face into a mask. The only point is that you need to choose your tone, because the cream does not adapt to your skin color. It smells delicious, the aroma is a bit like perfume.
2. Erborian CC Cream
When squeezed onto your hand, it has a white color with small black grains. Already when applied to the skin, its tone appears. Not suitable for very fair skin as the shade is quite dark. To adjust its tone, you can mix it with your regular day cream, preferably the same brand. This way you can avoid unexpected reactions, and the skincare effect will only increase. The CC cream is easy to apply and blend. It has a subtle pleasant smell. It is not noticeable on the face; it makes the skin feel more velvety to the touch. The result is a rested, and in the case of fair skin, even a slightly tanned look.
3. Foundation Eveline
Overall, the cream applies well and perfectly moisturizes the skin without leaving a feeling of tightness. The texture is not too liquid, but not quite dense either, so it is applied conveniently and quickly. There is no aroma, which, of course, can be considered a plus. Covers bruises and minor redness well. The bottle says that the cream is mattifying, but if you have quite oily skin, the mattifying effect will not last long.
4. Biotherm BB cream
It has a light texture and applies evenly. Completely blends with skin tone and easily adjusts, improving complexion. A nice bonus is that after removal, the skin becomes renewed and tightened, which means this foundation works great.
5. BB cream SPF 20 Babor
Its texture is light, weightless, there are no fragrances, but there is a pleasant, subtle aroma. The cream is applied very easily and evenly, and we couldn’t believe our eyes, this cream simply adapts perfectly to the skin color! The border is not visible at all, and the complexion is fresh and radiant. This is a really smart cream.
6. CC cream L "Occitane
Perfectly masks minor imperfections, but is completely invisible on the skin. Light and moisturizing, when applied it activates pigment particles and visibly improves complexion. Lasts until the evening. And the delicate scent of peony did its job - you can safely spend the whole summer with it!
7. Teint Couture Balm Givenchy
It has a creamy consistency, not liquid or dense, something in between. It applies very easily and can be applied directly with your fingers. It's comfortable to wear and you don't notice it's on your face. Pleasant aroma, like all Givenchy products. It creates the appearance of moisturized and well-groomed skin, but does not completely hide all skin imperfections - that’s why it’s a balm. The shade turned out to be darker than needed, but it’s okay, for the time after vacation - that’s it!
8. Premium BB cream, Dr.Jart
Quite dense in texture, but at the same time it amazingly adapts to the natural shade of the skin. Well disguises minor imperfections and gives a slight shine. It is not noticeable on the skin, is quickly absorbed and does not “disturb” during the day, namely, it does not stain clothes and does not change shade.
9. Sleek MakeUP CC Cream
It has a very pleasant smell, the texture is delicate and light. Applies without any problems. You can't feel it on the skin either. It doesn’t cover everything, but in general, it’s very suitable for people with a minimum number of imperfections.
10. Yves Rocher BB Cream
It has a pleasant unobtrusive aroma. It evens out skin tone well, but you need to be careful with it, apply a little more and it will be hard on your skin underneath. Therefore, with such a product it takes time, you cannot apply it without looking and run. It requires elaboration and careful shading.
11. Light foundation with a velvety effect NARS
A good toner with a pleasant aroma. The texture is a little oily, but it applies easily and quickly. Moisturizes, hides all unevenness and redness. True, at the same time it forms a mask, the face under it almost does not breathe. This cream is good for photo shoots.
12. Vichy Dermablend foundation, 15 Opal
Perfect for working on camera. It has a velvety structure, hardens very quickly and turns into a matte mask (in a good way), so it needs to be applied quickly. It adapts to the skin tone and evens out the skin so that it seems that “Photoshop” is built into it, but the most pleasant thing is that it is matte and has no oily sheen. Perfectly covers everything you need. “Friends” with powder and blush, in combination with them it makes the face simply perfect. It has an unobtrusive scent, suitable for capricious girls who do not like decorative cosmetics to have strong aromas.
13. Anti-aging cream with tonal effect SPF 30 Pevonia
It has a subtle aroma, similar to the aroma of Diorissimo perfume. Applying it to the skin is a pleasure. It has a high sun protection factor, which is very important in summer period. It tightens the skin well and works very effectively in problem areas. Adapts to skin tone, maintaining your natural glow.
14. BB cream with SPF 30, tone 2 nature, Essence
In the summer, a high protection factor of 30 is an excellent bonus, since in Russia there are quite a lot of “lucky” owners of very fair skin. The first effect after squeezing the cream onto my hand was not very happy. The texture at first glance seemed dense, but the product is well and evenly distributed on the skin and is quickly absorbed. For a natural tone, this BB is too dark, but when shaded, it adapts well to the skin color; it disguises minor redness and unevenness perfectly. There is no obvious boundary between “your own” and “toned” skin. This “bibishka” has no fragrances at all (but this is a plus for girls with sensitive skin), but at the same time it has some specific sour aroma (the expiration date was okay).
15. Toning fluid “Perfect skin” SPF 20 Caudalie
With a very pleasant aroma and light texture. Removes redness, visually hides pores and improves skin tone. Fits like a second skin. It does not leave any greasy feeling, the skin becomes soft and tender.
16. Erborian BB cream
It has a light pleasant aroma, which makes the process of applying BB a real beauty mystery. It distributes perfectly, eliminates imperfections and stays on perfectly. It works flawlessly in any weather, leaves no marks on white collars and miraculously refreshes the complexion.
17. La Roche-Posay BB Cream
A good product, moisturizes, makes the skin soft and silky. The texture of the cream is very light, easily applied and distributed. Literally one minute is enough - and your facial skin is in perfect condition. The camouflage abilities are quite weak, but BB is not intended to camouflage the skin. He has other tasks. The result: the skin color is natural and radiant, minor imperfections are hidden, significant ones have become less noticeable.
18. CC cream Stellary
The cream has a distinct scent and is quite greasy in texture, but is distributed evenly on the skin. It masks quite well, but it feels like the skin is in a “bunker” and practically doesn’t breathe. Overall, this is a good mattifying product, but it did dry out the skin. Another disadvantage of this product is the packaging. A tube with an inconvenient dispenser; you can’t get any cream out of it. I had to remove the lid and squeeze it onto a sponge.
19. CC cream “Black Pearl”
It has a wonderful matte layer, suitable for oily skin. Applies evenly and covers bruises around the eyes well. Easily washed off with water. After removal, the skin looks renewed and well-groomed.
20. La Roche-Posay CC Cream
The consistency is not liquid, closer to thick. Coupled with a convenient dispenser, this product is very economical in consumption. The aroma is pleasant, floral. It moisturizes the skin well, you don’t even need to apply moisturizer, you can do it directly on the skin (manufacturers advise doing so). The only negative is that it does not mask unevenness well, but at the same time it removes redness well and creates a well-groomed, beautiful tone for the skin. It’s nice that the product contains SPF 30 protection, which means you don’t have to worry about age spots.
21. CC cream Smashbox
Foundation Smashbox behaves “decently”, is quite easy to apply, but you need to make sure that no forgotten marks are left out of sight, since it dries quickly. Moisturizes well. The only important nuance that is worth knowing is a light shade of tan (unless you suddenly guess with the shade and take a tone darker), so make sure that there is no unsightly border on the neck. Another plus is that it smells nice.
22. Ton Mattin Vivienne Sabo foundation
Liquid product, pleasant and easy to apply. The smell is pungent, chemical. A little sticky in texture, but it dries quickly and applies well. Improves skin tone, removes pallor, does not become a mask, perfectly levels out pores, they become visible only if you look very closely. Excellent matte finish. Excellent value for money.
23. Stellary foundation
The texture is thick yet classy. It goes on smoothly and perfectly masks imperfections, redness and small pimples. He holds firm - he survived a date, a meeting, and a meeting with friends in one day. There is only one minus - this foundation does not like heat, but hot weather It’s better not to use a dense tone (it’s not very good for pores).
24. Tint Du Soleil SPF 30 Sunforgettable foundation
A great product for those who need results here and now, plus for the whole day. It lies smoothly, quickly adapts to the skin and evens out minor imperfections. You can literally use it on the run, when you are in a hurry somewhere, and there is absolutely no time for beauty.
25. CC cream with SPF 30, tone 2 nature, Essence
It has a fairly dense texture, but is applied and distributed on the skin just as well as its lighter brother BB. Among the advantages, I would like to highlight its unsurpassed camouflage. It perfectly hides skin imperfections and does not require additional help in the form of concealers and powder. But there is also a minus - it gives a rather dense coverage and is “capricious”, does not really adapt to the color of the skin, and remains noticeable on the face. But, nevertheless, the mask effect, as with some foundations, was not noticed.
26. Foundation Extreme SPF 30 Oriflame
Light pleasant cream with pleasant floral aroma. Convenient small tube. The texture is light and easy to apply. The skin underneath breathes. Suitable for dry skin as it moisturizes very well. Does not stain clothes, can be applied by hand. Despite its lightness, it mattifies the skin well. Does not leave a greasy shine. The skin looks natural, without redness or unevenness.
27. Burberry foundation
It has a very beautiful bottle that is pleasant and comfortable to hold in your hands. The lid closes tightly, which means the cream will never stain your cosmetic bag. It is squeezed out just as conveniently, in measured doses, which allows you to use the product until the very last drop. The tone applies well and blends easily across the face. Girls with very fair skin should choose the most light shades. If you don't get the tone right, it can be used as a contouring product. During the day, the cream does not slide off and holds well. Does not have a pronounced odor.
Light-eyed blondes, representatives of phototypes I–III, should first of all think about purchasing a foundation with the option of sun protection. If you don’t yet know what phototype you belong to, take our test, and after that choose cosmetics.
The main feature of foundations with SPF is that the actual evening out of skin tone is a kind of bonus, an addition to sun protection, and often to other functions:
combating imperfections;
prevention of pigmentation;
hydration.
A foundation with SPF can sometimes replace several skincare products at once. © Getty Images
Foundations with a solar filter typically have a lighter, more fluid texture. And as a product intended for care, it does not require the application of a primer.
In short, this is a product for the summer, when a powerful sun protection factor is absolutely necessary. In addition, the usual foundation may be too thick for the hot season, when the skin sweats and shines more often.
To summarize, foundation with SPF 50 is needed in the following cases:
with increased photosensitivity (typical for fair-skinned people);
to protect against hyperpigmentation;
as functional cosmetics (sun protection and prevention of wrinkles caused by photoaging).
Composition of foundations with SPF 50
Tinting agents with photoprotection effect include the following substances.
Sun filters
Foundation can contain both physical and chemical filters. Biotherm brand medical expert Elena Alekseeva explains: “Physical filters do not penetrate the skin, but work on the surface, like tinting pigments. These include zinc oxide (Zinc Oxyde) and titanium dioxide (Titanium Dioxyde). In the list of chemical filters you will find avobenzone, oxybenzone, octyl salicylate and others.”
Antioxidants
Humidifiers
Combining moisturizing ingredients with sunscreens makes perfect sense. Under the influence of UV rays, the skin loses moisture, causing the protective hydrolipid mantle to weaken.
Rating of foundations with SPF 50
Tinting treatment against age spots 3-in-1 Capital Idéal Soleil, SPF 50+, Vichy evens out skin tone, protects against the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation, and prevents hyperpigmentation. Fe-resorcinol acts as a “bleaching agent”.
Ultra-light facial fluid with tinting effect Anthelios XL, SPF 50+/PPD 33, La Roche-Posay with a light texture provides high protection against UVA and UVB rays. In addition to filters, it contains thermal water and senna extract - they support natural skin restoration processes. The fluid helps hide imperfections. Suitable for sensitive skin.
Sunscreen fluid with 100% mineral filters and universal tone Mineral Radiance UV Defense, SPF 50, SkinCeuticals Suitable for sensitive skin. Contains plankton extract. After applying the product, the skin is smooth and silky.
Long-lasting compact foundation fluid cushion Teint Idole Ultra Cushion, Lancôme guarantees ease and uniformity of application thanks to a special sponge. High for decorative cosmetics SPF 50 prevents photoaging.
City or beach
“Toning products with SPF are suitable for both the city and seaside holidays. But I’m not sure that anyone would want to do makeup before going to the beach,” notes expert Elena Alekseeva.
Update
Experts have found that, on average, sun protection needs to be reapplied after 2 hours. This means that it needs to be updated regardless of the presence of tinting pigments if you are outdoors. Follow the manufacturer's directions.
Spring has come, the sun is close, the skin is at risk of peeling off. The active sun, which is about to show itself in all its glory, will soon force us to protect it from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, just as the sleigh is prepared in the summer, so is the luggage - at the beginning of spring.
Grade
SPF protection is an important part of daily skin care. Such creams allow you to protect your face not only from radiation and tanning, but also get rid of the prospect of age spots (especially if you have white and sensitive skin) And early aging which is caused by solar radiation.
Nowadays, SPF protection is added everywhere (not just in sunscreen): in day creams, moisturizers, and, sometimes, highlighters. Everything so that our active sun does not kill us ahead of time (it promises to explode, right?).
Therefore, without neglecting our skin, we offer you a selection of high-quality SPF creams.
Day creams (care)
Clarte du Jour from Payot (400 UAH)
Day cream from the French cosmetic brand Payot perfectly evens out skin tone, makes the shade even and fights the appearance of age spots. Sun protection is at level 30, which means that the cream can be used not only in cloudy Lviv, but also somewhere in Turkey while drinking an all-inclusive cocktail.
Hydraphase UV Intense Legere from La Roche Posay (400 UAH)
Cream for sensitive and delicate skin that is flaky, capricious and irritated. The cream also contains , which means that your face will not only calm down, but also become younger. The cream is also ideal because it allows the skin to retain moisture inside and prevents it from becoming dry.
Contains solar filter 30 and also protects against UVA and UVB rays (red and blue radiation that are invisible to our eyes).
DayWear from Estee Lauder (1300 UAH)
This is a multifunctional cream with antioxidants, which also contains vitamins C and E, eukaryon and the amino acid EGT, and in general everything you need in a cream. AND solar protection 15, of course.
Rénergie Multi-Lift from Lancome (1200 UAH)
This cream also has it all. AND hyaluronic acid, and flax, soy, kombucha extract, as well as SPF15.
As the manufacturer promises, the cream stimulates the production of collagen in the skin and fights the first wrinkles. We must take it!
Superdefense SPF 20 Daily Defense Moisturizer from Clinique (1200 UAH)
The composition also contains SPF20, vitamins C and E, complete protection against free radicals and smoothing out wrinkles with a gentle iron.
Foundations
Some (not all) foundations also contain SPF protection and for this they are more appreciated in the summer. Of course, most of them are just a name, so we found those that don't lie. Alas, there are not many of them.
Anti-aging Foundation SPF15 from La Prairie (1300 UAH)
An American-French anti-aging foundation promises us the youth and pale skin of the Evil Queen. Suitable for all skin types, does not pill, lies in even layers.
