Which SPF Should I Use For My Skin Type?

By Mary Basiadima, 30 April 2020

Let’s start with the basics. What does SPF stand for?

SPF stands for sun protection factor. . And yes, the higher the number is the more you get.

Let’s talk number…. 

If you would compare SPF 30 and SPF 50; the main them is how often you need to apply your .

And, no, that one time you used SPF last summer will not still your skin.

If you are using an SPF 30, you would probably want to it in 2 hours. On the other hand, SPF 50 would probably be still effective on your skin for up to 4 hours. (Please note that these estimates depend on your skin type. We will get there!)

But isn’t SPF 50 also stronger than SPF 30? 

Yes, it is. If SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB, SPF 50 blocks 98%. So, the is not that high, but the effective period is longer.

Well, that was easy, right? But wait. There’s more!

Not every sunscreen is the same. There are 2 main types of sunscreens; which are physical and .

The difference is quite basic.

Best SPF for your skin type 

As we know, you can your skin type as normal, dry, oily, combination skin. When it comes to SPF, we need to look at your skin more . Such as; acne-prone, mature, or ageing skin. And then you can choose the right SPF for your skin type.

If you don’t know your skin type, you can find it

SPF for normal skin

For those who are lucky enough to have normal skin, every SPF would be to use.

As we mentioned before, chemical are more suitable for use and easier to mix with your other skincare products and makeup.

All you need to decide is the of your SPF. Depending on the weather, if you are not going to spend much time outside, you can choose 15 SPF. But if you are to do some under the sun, you can go up to 100 SPF!

You can your SPF as it is advised on the to use.

Expert recommendation;

SPF for oily skin

Midday shine, unsettling makeup, and the greasy look.

If you have oily skin, you must be already familiar with your giving up, and your skin a thick layer of grease during the day.

Adding any physical to oily skin would cause quite a discomfort and your skin may appear even .

We would you to choose a sunscreen enriched with minerals, so your skin would stay matte during the day while getting protected by the sun’s harmful rays.

People with oily skin usually have the habit of cleaning the excess oil from their face during the day. If you are also doing the same thing, make sure to re-apply your SPF after clearing your skin.

Expert recommendation;

SPF for dry skin

If you have dry skin, you would especially want to from suntan.

When the skin burns, it loses its moisturise and gets dry. Often it makes the top layer of skin to peel off; which causes and pain.

For dry skin, we would recommend you to use a . Ideally, an moisturiser which also includes sunscreen.

Alternatively, you can mix thick moisturiser with your sunscreen and apply. This way you can make sure your skin to absorb all the ingredients and prevent skin dryness.

If you are using an SPF specifically designed for dry skin, you should follow the of use to how often you should apply it. if you are mixing your SPF with a moisturiser, you might want to it more often as mixing it with other creams will decrease its .

Expert recommendation;

SPF for combination skin

If you have skin, you are dealing with oily T-zone and dry cheeks areas. And different areas with different skincare needs, it can be frustrating to maintain your regimen.

If you would have the patience and budget, your ideal sun protection would be a of . However, it may not be the most .

For the best results with easy maintenance, you can prefer SPF with a powdered finish with a thin layer. This way if you need to moisturise certain areas of your skin, you can mix SPF with your moisturiser. But also the oil break and shiny look on your skin.

If you are using an SPF for combination skin, make sure to follow the to on the right time.

Expert recommendation;

SPF for acne-prone skin

You might think that using SPF or moisturisers will cause more acne breaks on your skin. But actually, it is quite the opposite.

Drying out your skin could cause more oil production, which leads to more acne breakouts. So you should make sure to your skin from suntan!

Choosing a with high protection but without any oily would be the best option for your skin.

Also, make sure to use a non-comedogenic SPF which means that it will not cause acne.

Don’t forget to your SPF if you are spending a long period of time under the sun.

Expert recommendation;

SPF for ageing/ mature skin

As skin ages, it loses its to retain moisture. And it gets more likely to have hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles and brown spots.

And without a doubt, sun protection becomes a more important element.

For mature skin, we would an SPF with high percentage with an oil base, and firming properties.

Expert recommendation;

Which ingredients you should look for in your SPF

As we recommend using SPF daily, it is important not to forget that this is a part of your regimen. And you should make sure, the active ingredients of your SPF are good for your skin health.

We’ve listed some of the good our favourite brands are using.

the presence of heat shock protein

elasticity and firmness

photo-ageing

Provides hydration at the epidermal level

Enhances the and firmness of tissues

Provides elasticity and nutrition

Strengthens the function

excess oil and shine

Leaves skin with a velvety matt finish

Provides antioxidant and anti-ageing

How much SPF should you apply?

Our founder and skin expert Lucy Xu explains; "For your face and neck, you can use your index finger to measure. Cream from your second knuckle to the tip of your finger is enough."

Commonly missed areas with SPF

You should apply SPF to all parts of your skin where it gets direct sun exposure.

However, sometimes some parts of the body get missed.

If you have long Polynucleotides Hair, you might think it would be your neck at all times. But it is not . During the day, we get exposed to the sun’s rays from different angles. The sides of your neck can easily stay under the sun. Also, tying up your hair during the day may cause a sunburn on the back of your neck if you haven’t applied SPF.

Make sure to apply SPF to all your neck and not just on the front.

Just like the back of your neck, top and behind of the ears are often when it comes to sun protection. If you are spending long times under the sun, your ears may become an accidental burnt spot.

a hat is also an way to your skin from the sun’s rays. But remember, if you are a baseball cap, it will not give your ears any protection.

The tops of your hands are especially to the sun. While driving, or gardening, your hands are very vulnerable to the sun unless you are protective gloves.

And your hands from the sunburns can also prevent the signs of ageing such as and freckles.

You protect your face, and also to apply SPF to all your neck. But what about the top of your chest, where your neckline meets your top?

Your skin on the top of your chest gets exposed to the sun more than you think.

So please to apply a generous amount of SPF to your chest where it is not covered with .

Which SPF is the most suitable for your skin?

Your skin is unique, so should be your .

If you have any about which or SPF to prefer for your skin needs, we offer with our skincare experts.

Contact us to book yours today!

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