Author: Ljubica Barbulović, MPharm

Summer months bring more time spent outdoors, sun, sea, and annual vacations. Sunlight positively affects our mood, but excessive exposure to UV rays can have extremely negative consequences on the health and appearance of facial skin, which is the thinnest and most exposed.

Therefore, a face sunscreen (SPF) is absolutely the most important step in your daily care routine, whether you are on the beach or taking a city walk.

UVA and UVB rays – why is the face particularly at risk?

There are three types of UV rays, two of which directly compromise the texture and health of the face:

  • UVA rays: Penetrate into the deepest layers. They are the main culprit for facial photoaging, the appearance of deep wrinkles, and dark spots (hyperpigmentation). They are present all year round and pass through glass.
  • UVB rays: Remain on the surface and directly cause sunburn on sensitive parts of the face (nose, forehead, cheeks).

Regular use of a face cream with a sun protection factor (SPF) is proven to be the best anti-aging treatment you can afford for your skin.

How to choose a face sunscreen by skin type?

A face cream must not be the same as a body cream. Formulas for the face must be lighter, non-comedogenic (must not clog pores), and must work well under makeup.

  • Oily facial skin and acne-prone skin: Choose fluids labeled "Oil Control" or "Dry Touch". They mattify the face, regulate sebum, and do not leave that heavy, greasy shine.
  • Dry facial skin: Look for SPF face creams enriched with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which will hydrate the face and prevent flaking.
  • Sensitive facial skin: Mineral filters or pharmacy brands with thermal water are recommended, as they do not cause redness and do not sting the eyes.

Dermatological favorites: Best SPF fluids and face creams

In pharmacies, you can most often find specialized face lines from well-known brands. We have selected 6 premium products formulated exclusively for facial skin.

1. For sensitive face: LRP Anthelios Fluid

The iconic UVMune 400 invisible fluid for the face. An ultra-light texture that leaves no white marks, is an ideal makeup base, and most importantly – does not sting the eyes.

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2. For reactive face: Avène Sun Fluid

Formulated for faces prone to irritation. Thanks to the high concentration of Avène thermal water, it intensely soothes facial skin while protecting it from the sun.

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3. For oily face: Eucerin Oil Control

A facial gel-cream with a mattifying effect for up to 8 hours. Prevents excessive sebum secretion and is ideal for faces prone to pimples and acne.

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4. Against shine: Uriage Bariésun Fluid

A great pharmacy facial fluid that provides complete protection, hydrates the skin thanks to Uriage thermal water, and gives the face a flawless matte finish.

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5. Water texture: Bioderma Aquafluide

Innovative water-based face protection. Refreshes facial skin like a toner, provides the highest SPF factor, and absorbs perfectly without leaving traces.

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6. Anti-aging: Vichy UV-Age Daily

A water fluid that protects the face from the sun and simultaneously reduces wrinkles and dark spots thanks to niacinamide and peptides.

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Mineral and chemical filters – what is the difference?

Sun protection preparations contain different types of UV filters:

  • Mineral (physical) filters: Stay on the skin's surface and reflect UV rays like a mirror. They work immediately upon application and are often recommended for children's skin, highly sensitive skin, and allergy-prone individuals.
  • Chemical filters: Absorb into the skin, absorb UV rays, and convert them into harmless heat. For daily facial care, most people prefer preparations containing a combination of mineral and chemical filters because they are lighter and leave no white cast.

Protecting skin from within and after sun care

Skin protection doesn't just mean using creams with a sun protection factor. Antioxidants also play an important role in protecting skin cells from the inside. Antioxidant-rich foods include fruits and vegetables, as well as vitamins C and E. Vitamin C is especially important because it participates in collagen synthesis and helps preserve facial elasticity.

After sun exposure, it is important to properly care for facial and body skin to prevent dehydration. After-sun care products often contain aloe vera, panthenol, coconut, and argan oil, which help in deep hydration and regeneration.

How to properly use face sunscreen

For maximum SPF face protection, it is recommended to:

  • Two-finger rule: Squeeze the cream along the entire length of your index and middle fingers – this is the optimal amount for the face, neck, and ears.
  • Apply the cream 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure.
  • Reapply every 2 hours (and obligatorily after swimming, towel drying, or heavy sweating).
  • Avoid the strongest sun between 11 AM and 4 PM.
Pharmacist's Advice

The face requires special attention, so our pharmacists recommend the following routine:

  • Sunscreen is applied as the last step of facial care (after daily moisturizer, but before foundation).
  • Do not use body creams on your face! They are thick, full of oils, and will quickly clog your facial pores, leading to blackheads.
  • If you are prone to dark spots (melasma) on your face, be sure to use specialized SPF face creams with anti-pigmentation ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need sunscreen if it is cloudy?
Yes. Up to 80% of dangerous UVA rays can pass through clouds, so protection is necessary even on cloudy, gray days.

2. What is the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50?
SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. The percentage difference is small, but it is extremely important for a sensitive face or skin prone to pigmentation.

3. Do sunscreens have an expiration date?
Yes. Creams usually have a shelf life of 12 months after opening. Follow the open jar symbol (PAO) on the back of the packaging.

4. How much sunscreen should be applied to the face?
The "two-finger" rule (cream squeezed the entire length of the index and middle finger) is recommended to ensure optimal protection of the face and neck.

5. Can I use last year's sunscreen?
If the cream was open and exposed to heat on the beach, its UV filters have degraded and weakened. It is much safer to buy new face protection.