How nice it is to bask in the sun, get a healthy portion of vitamins for our body, and if all this comes in combination with a beautiful, even tan, there are no limits to joy.
But does this always happen? How to choose the ideal remedy against the sun's harmful rays, what to look for when choosing a high-protection anti-sun cream for the face and body?
Read about the best creams with SPF 50 protection - who is suitable for them, what reviews are there about them, what should be included in anti-tanning cosmetics.
general information
Why avoid tanning at all? If you are still asking yourself this question, then you probably don’t know what it is.
Are there any benefits to sunbathing?
Many people argue whether it is useful. In fact, there is no benefit from it. The sun's rays themselves have a beneficial effect on the body. They produce vitamin D, which is so useful for the formation of strong bones and teeth, increasing immunity, mental and physical activity.
If you look at it from this side, the benefits are obvious. On the other hand, too much exposure to the sun can manifest itself not only in the form of burns and sunstroke.
In order for the choice to be correct, you need to pay attention to three important factors:
- Phototype of your skin.
- Cream protection level.
- Composition of the product.
Watch a video about the effects of sun rays on the skin:
How to find out your phototype
Different skin types react differently to the sun's rays. Therefore, knowing your phototype will help you correctly identify cosmetic products.
Phototype No. 1 - Scandinavian.
This type includes fair-skinned people who have blond or red hair. Distinctive features are light or green eyes and the presence of freckles. Exposure to the sun without protective equipment should be kept to a minimum, as a reaction immediately appears in the form of inflammation and burns. A good tan is almost impossible to achieve.
Phototype No. 2 - European light-skinned (Aryan).
It also includes people with fair skin and hair. Freckles, if present, are less noticeable. Eye color can be grey, green or blue. The face and body quickly burn under the influence of the sun and you should not pretend to have a quick, even tan. Sunscreen should be used daily.
Phototype No. 3 - Central European.
Dark-skinned people belong to this type. Hair can be from light brown to chestnut color. The eyes are light brown. There are no freckles on the face. Getting a beautiful tan is not difficult. But it is still necessary to apply protective agents. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause sunburn.
Phototype No. 4 - Mediterranean.
Those with the fourth phototype are incredibly lucky. They almost never burn, and the tan goes on quickly and easily, and what is equally important, lasts quite a long time. This type includes people with skin color closer to olive, dark brown and black hair. Eyes dark brown or black. Sunscreen is only necessary to prevent early aging.
Phototype No. 5 - Asian.
The skin is yellow, brown or yellow-brown in color. Hair and eyes are black. A tan, even if it does occur, is completely invisible on dark, pigmented skin. There is no need for protective equipment.
Phototype No. 6 - African.
This type includes people with chocolate or black skin. The hair and eyes are also black. The skin has strong natural protection from the sun's rays and prevents it from getting sunburned. Does not require any sunscreen.
What are SPF, UVB and UVA
When purchasing a sunscreen, we should pay attention to almost three main letters on the bottle - SPF, which means the degree of protection of the cream. The ability to cope with one’s task depends on the magnitude of this factor.
Let's look at how these rays differ from each other:
UVB - ultraviolet rays of group B. Rays that have a short wavelength of radiation and are most active in the summer. In small doses, such rays will provide a beautiful tan; in large doses, they will cover us with red, painful burns. But do not forget that it is this type of rays that produces vitamin D and is so beneficial for us and our children. So 15 minutes without any protection will be more than enough.
UVA is long-wave ultraviolet rays of group A. The activity continues throughout the whole year and accounts for more of the sun's rays. Able to penetrate glass and clouds. It is known that it is UVA rays that penetrate the deepest and cause great harm to the body.
What is the process of milk peeling for the face and how lactic acid acts on the skin, you will learn here.
We suggest you read reviews about gas-liquid peeling of the scalp.
What should be included in a good face and body product?
The next thing we look at when buying a high protection sun cream is the composition. If we choose a product for the summer, then it must contain titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or benzophenone. These substances will do a good job of blocking group B rays.
WHY IS SUCH HIGH PROTECTION NEEDED?
- First of all, the cream with the highest protection is necessary for owners of the first phototype, since they are more vulnerable to burns than others.
- High protection prevents the body from dehydration, keeping the skin healthy and elastic.
- A cream with high protective properties prevents the development of cancer.
- People sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, as well as with various skin diseases, cannot do without such a remedy.
- And of course, the highest protection will prevent painful sunburn in the first days of rest.
You can learn how to choose the right sunscreen from Elena Malysheva’s program:
Which one is better to buy: review, reviews and prices in pharmacies
Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 50
Suitable for sensitive skin, moisturizes and softens it. Perfect for the face, does not leave an oily sheen. The cost is about 1200 rubles.
- “An excellent protective cream for summer. Does not leave stains and is quickly absorbed.”
- “I was pleased with the product, pleasant smell. The cost is not small, but the result is worth it.”
- “It is applied economically. Not suitable for daily use."
- “It goes well under makeup and doesn’t smear. The best protection for fair skin.”
Avene SPF 50
The composition includes a mineral hypoallergenic formula that will moisturize and protect fair and sensitive skin. If the question arises: “Which sunscreen to take to the sea?”, this is quite a good choice. The product is a waterproof sunscreen. Cost 1100 rubles.
- “The feeling of a thick mask on the face emphasizes all the peeling. After bathing it does not weaken, and with the same force it prevents the appearance of burns and redness.”
- “My face never got burned or reddened, and it prevents the appearance of excess pigmentation. Resistant to water."
- “You only need a little to apply the product. Thanks to the zinc in the composition, all inflammation and peeling on the face have gone away, and it doesn’t clog the pores.”
Photoderm Bioderma SPF 50
Recommended for application to skin with various skin diseases that prohibit exposure to ultraviolet rays. Cost 900 rubles.
- “Ideal for mature skin, creates an even complexion. I don’t use additional foundation, as this one makes the skin soft and velvety.”
- “I use it every day. It especially helped after peeling. My face didn’t turn red in the sun and the cream itself looks great.”
- “The toning effect is an excellent quality of this cream. Hides flaws."
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL 50
Anti-sun cream with SPF 50 protection has a moisture-stable formula, applies softly, the texture is light and invisible on the face and body. Cost 900 rubles.
- “Easy to apply and absorbs quickly. Perfectly mattifies the face. The face looks fresh and about a tone fresher.”
- “It has good protective properties. The mattifying effect is very similar to powder. It can clog pores, so it’s worth rinsing off with a special foam or tonic.”
- “I didn’t like the whitening effect, but for some it will be a plus.”
- “I use it in winter and summer. In winter, after peeling procedures, I apply it constantly, since I have problem skin. In the summer, even being under the hottest sun, I don’t notice any burns or inflammation.”
Mustela SPF 50
Suitable for children and adults, it has an enhanced moisturizing formula and additionally contains caring substances. Cost 1000 rubles.
- “If you are sensitive to burns, this cream will work great.”
- “We applied it once in the morning and that was enough for protection; I never got burned. The only negative is the high price, but for such a product it’s not a pity.”
- “Thick, odorless, which is very important. Enough for the whole summer season.”
RUBORIL EXPERT SPF 50
Protective cream with a tonal effect, masks redness and applies easily. It will be an ideal assistant for aging skin. Cost 1200 rubles.
- “Hides all redness on the face, has a good mattifying effect.”
- “Disguised capillaries and all pimples.”
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Yves Rocher "Extreme Safety" SPF 50
It has good protective properties, absorbs smoothly and quickly, leaving no sticky residue. Cost 900 rubles.
- “Combats sunburn, but washes off with water. Stains appear after exposure to sweat or water.”
- “Good thick consistency. Doesn't stick. It protects very well from the sun's rays."
- “Protects very well from burns. Absorbs quickly and leaves no marks on clothes.”
And if you still don’t do this, then now is the time to start. A high degree of protection will provide a safe, beautiful tan without consequences for the body. You should approach the skin of your face and body wisely, and we hope our article will help you make an unmistakable choice.
In conclusion, we invite you to watch a video about the rules of tanning:
In pursuit of a beautiful tan, many sometimes forget about the importance of sun protection. But you can not only get a sunburn, but also destroy collagen cells, and this will lead to accelerated photoaging. You can protect yourself only by using sunscreen, when choosing which you need to focus on your skin phototype and its sun protection factor.
How to choose the right cream?
All sunscreens are labeled with the abbreviation SPF along with a numeric indication of the degree of protection. It ranges from 2 to 50+. The higher it is, the longer you can stay under the scorching sun. After bathing in water, the cream should be applied again; the inscription on the bottle that it is moisture resistant says that it protects the skin even in water, but does not mean that it is not washed off. Among the many lotions, creams and sprays, you need to choose the right product so that it can completely protect the skin from negative influences.
Depending on the darkness of the skin, it is recommended:
- SPF 50 and higher for people with very fair skin, usually they already have a lot of freckles on their body;
- SPF from 11 to 30 suitable for children's skin and people with fair and sensitive skin;
- SPF from 5 to 10 – used for naturally dark skin that tans without burns;
- SPF from 2 to 4 apply to people with dark skin.
In addition, the packaging of the cream should indicate that it contains UVA and UVB filters. And it’s better when they are both present, then there will be comprehensive protection against photoaging, burns and the prevention of cancer.
Advice. Remember, protective creams should be applied 15-20 minutes before going out into the sun.
Review of the best sunscreens
Here are the most popular brands of sunscreens:
Avene SPF 50
The cream contains mineral components that provide a protective screen that prevents harmful rays from penetrating the epidermis. Its soft texture lies pleasantly on the skin and is instantly absorbed without leaving a greasy film or clogging pores. It is suitable for hypersensitive skin.
This cream is one of the best sunscreens for the face.
Apivita SPF 30
Apivita cream or milk can be used for the face and body. The product is based on sea lavender and propolis, it acts gently, soothes and moisturizes the skin, protects it from burns in the first stages of tanning. It is best to use it from the very first days of vacation. The vitamin complex of this product, as well as the aloe oil it contains, make the skin smooth and protect against photoaging.
ZO Skin Health Oclipse Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30
The product is suitable for those with oily skin. It will reliably protect against ultraviolet radiation even in the hottest countries. The cream gently cares, moisturizes and has a mattifying effect, preventing the appearance of oily shine.
Bioderma Photoderm SPF 50+ SPOT
Designed for fair skin, protects it from all UV rays. It includes the innovative Cellular Bioprotection complex, which successfully prevents photoaging and prevents the penetration of sunlight. When applying the cream, only pleasant sensations arise, it does not form films and becomes completely colorless when applied to the skin. It is distinguished by photostability and water resistance. The composition of the product is absolutely hypoallergenic.
Lancaster SPF15
The product is ideal for use by men and women. It is specially designed for people over 30 years of age, whose skin already has the first wrinkles. Suitable for dark skin, as it has a low degree of protection SPF15. The product gently cares for any skin type, helps to tan evenly, and prevents moisture loss.
Ruboril Expert SPF 50+
Well tolerated by skin with vascular “mesh” and redness. It has a tonal effect, perfectly masks unevenness and imperfections of the skin, preventing ultraviolet radiation from penetrating into them. Contains UVA/UVB filters.
Clinique SPF 30
Body sunscreen is developed using modern Solar Smart technology. It contains reflective agents that block the effects of rays and moisturize the skin. The product requires daily use before going out into the sun. It can be used for sensitive skin and is not hypoallergenic.
Panthenol Green SPF 30
This emulsion is suitable for people with hypersensitive skin. It copes well with pigmentation, stimulates cell renewal, prevents photoaging, and relieves inflammation and redness caused by it. It can also be used after sunbathing.
Faberlic SPF 30
The entire line of this cosmetics is developed on an oxygen basis. The complex of substances contained in this cream saturates the skin with oxygen, it mattifies the skin, eliminating unhealthy oily sheen. Has a drying effect on acne and inflamed skin. It is often used instead of foundation. It has the power to reduce wrinkles and prevent the formation of new ones.
Garnier SPF 30
GARNIER Ambre Solaire cream moisturizes the skin and at the same time protects it from ultraviolet radiation. It is absolutely harmless, therefore recommended for use by adults and children. It contains a specially developed Mexoryl filter system that prevents the appearance of pigmentation and wrinkles. Its melting and light texture is instantly absorbed and forms a protective barrier not only from the sun, but also from negative environmental influences. The cream does not cause irritation or allergic reactions.
The effectiveness of the listed sunscreens will depend on their correct use. All products should be applied to the open surface of the body and, if the composition allows, then to the face, a quarter of an hour before going outside, and if the consistency of the cream is thick, then half an hour. This time should be enough for the cream to be absorbed and begin to act. Even while lying on the beach under an umbrella, it is worth using protection so that, due to your carelessness, you do not suffer from burns, pigmentation and increased formation of wrinkles.
Please write in the comments - should we review the best sunscreens FOR CHILDREN?
Women who do not want to age prematurely are aware that sunscreen is an essential element of skin care during the summer season. In general, it is recommended to use creams with SPF on the face all the time! This will help protect against the destructive effects of ultraviolet radiation and prevent photoaging. However, not every product is capable of providing the body with high-quality protection, so choosing the best sunscreen must be approached wisely!
How to choose sunscreen
First of all, you need to remember that ultraviolet rays are different, namely the UVA, UVB and UVC types. However, the latter hardly pass through the ozone layer, so we only have to protect ourselves from the first two. Many modern creams, which are also called sun screens - sunscreens, can save the skin from the effects of both UVA and UVB rays at once. As a rule, manufacturers write this information in large print on the packaging - be sure to pay attention to this!
In addition, an important role is played Sun Protection Factor, also known as SPF. And if for a walk in a shady city park a cream with SPF 15-20 is enough, then for relaxing on the beach, and especially for a vacation in a hot tropical resort, you will need more serious protection, and it is better to choose a sunscreen with an SPF level of 30-50. If you use Korean products, remember that in Asia the PA label is accepted - an analogue of the European SPF. And instead of numbers after PA there are pluses, and the more there are, the higher the degree of protection.
Concerning composition, then it’s great if the cream contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (physical filters) or avobenzone, benzophenone, bisoctrizol (chemical filters).
Application nuances
Of course, you need to be able to not only choose a quality product, but also use it wisely. So, not a single Sanskrin will protect the skin throughout the day - it must be updated, especially after swimming! And you should apply sunscreen not directly on the beach, but 15-30 minutes before going outside, so that the chemical filters have time to begin their protective effect.
In addition, the tube with Sanskrin itself should not be lying on a sun lounger under the scorching sun - put it in your bag so that the filters do not lose their effectiveness!
And our rating of the best, compiled taking into account the opinions of professionals and reviews of ordinary users, will help you decide which sunscreen to take for your face and body.