How much protection a sunscreen gives
The label tells you how much a sun product protects. SPF measures protection against UVB rays, and the 2006 European recommendation on sun products groups the factors into four categories: low protection (6 and 10), medium (15, 20 and 25), high (30 and 50) and very high (50+). The same recommendation requires UVA protection, linked to photoaging, to be at least one third of the stated factor, and this is shown by the letters UVA inside a circle. Some formulas also carry the Japanese PA scale, such as Le Voile Protection Totale SPF50 PA++++, designed as a veil against sun rays and pollution particles, by EviDenS de Beauté, a French-Japanese brand.
The amount matters too. The factor is measured with 2 mg of product per square centimeter, about six teaspoons (36 grams) for an adult's body, and with a smaller amount the protection drops more than proportionally. The European recommendation also asks that sun protection be reapplied often, especially after swimming, sweating and toweling, even with water-resistant formulas.
Face sunscreen: treatment, finish or color
To protect and treat the skin
Some facial sun protection products are also treatment formulas, so it's worth checking what the brand states. Sunleÿa G.E. SPF 50+ by Sisley, also available in SPF 30, is an anti-aging treatment with a filter that the brand presents as targeting sun-related dark spots, wrinkles, dehydration and loss of firmness, without preventing a tan. From Esthederm there are Adaptasun Crème Visage 2 Soleil and Adaptasun Crème Visage 3 Soleil, based on the patented Global Cellular Protection technology, and Bronz Repair 3 Soleil, an enveloping cream the brand presents as an anti-wrinkle sun treatment.
If you want a light texture, there's The Sunscreen SPF50 by Augustinus Bader, a fast-absorbing broad-spectrum protection with the TFC8 complex, stated to leave no white cast. Biotherm's Waterlover Face Sunscreen 50+ combines high UVA/UVB protection with an ultralight texture and the probiotic fraction Life Plankton.
For a specific finish or a touch of color
If you're after a specific effect on the skin, Lancaster states the finish of each formula. Sun Perfect Fluid Perfect gives a light bare-skin effect, and Sun Beauty Comfort Cream SPF50 is a light, non-comedogenic face cream with a velvety finish.
For color and protection together, there's tinted sun care. Infinite Bronze Sunlight Cream is Lancaster's hybrid tinted protection, with hyaluronic acid and Full Light technology against UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared, and the same line also includes a cream compact foundation SPF50. From the same brand, Sun Sens Tinted Matt Fluid SPF 50 is a lightly tinted fluid with the Sensicalm complex for delicate facial skin.
For a light texture on the body
For the body there are ultra-fluid, ultralight or light milks and fluids. Biotherm's Waterlover Hydrating Sun Milk 50+ has an ultra-fluid texture and a partly biodegradable formula, and Lancaster presents Sun Beauty Comfort Milk SPF50, an ultralight, non-greasy milk, as protection across the full sun spectrum. Marina Mazzolari Fluido SPF 50, also available in SPF 30, is a light, fast-absorbing fluid for face and body, with UVA/UVB filters and the biodegradable polymer Hydro-shield.
For sports and outdoor activity
For outdoor activity and sports, Shiseido has the Sports line. Sports Invisible Protective Mist SPF50+ is an invisible spray for face and body, non-sticky and non-comedogenic. Sports BB Lotion SPF50+ is a tinted lotion with WetForce and QuickDry technologies that quickly dries sweat. From the same brand there's also Expert Sun Protector Clear Stick SPF50+, an invisible stick with SynchroShield technology, designed to keep in your bag.
For medium or low protection
On the European scale, medium protection corresponds to factors 15, 20 and 25, and low protection to 6 and 10. Sisley's Huile d'Été Corps SPF 15 is a medium-protection oil, and Esthederm's Adaptasun Lait Corps 2 Soleil is a medium-protection milk the brand recommends for moderate sun. CBN's Lait Solaire Bronzage Rapide SPF 10 offers low protection.
Among self-tanners, Lancaster has Self Tan Face Drops, face drops with naturally derived DHA and a dropper. Other formulas are in self-tanners, while for after-sun care there's the after-sun collection.
Frequently asked questions
How long does SPF 50 sunscreen last?
There is no fixed duration: SPF shows how much the product filters UVB rays, not for how many hours. The European recommendation calls for frequent reapplication, especially after swimming, sweating and toweling, because protection also drops when too little is applied. This applies to the highest formulas too, such as Sisley's Sunleÿa G.E. SPF 50+.
How long does sunscreen last once opened?
Check the open-jar symbol on the packaging: the number followed by M is the number of months you can use it after opening. The European cosmetics regulation requires it for products with a minimum shelf life of more than 30 months, while for the others the label gives a date by which to use them.
How do I choose the best sunscreen for my skin?
Start with the area and the product description. For the face there are treatment formulas such as Sisley's Sunleÿa G.E. or Esthederm's Adaptasun. Biotherm states that Waterlover Sun Milk 50+ is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and Lancaster recommends Sun Sens Tinted Matt Fluid for delicate facial skin.
What's the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50+?
They belong to two different categories on the European scale: SPF 30 is high protection and SPF 50+ is very high protection. In both cases, UVA protection must be at least one third of the stated factor. Some lines come in both versions, such as Sisley's Sunleÿa G.E. and Marina Mazzolari Fluido.
What does the UVA circle symbol on sun products mean?
It shows that UVA protection is at least one third of the stated SPF, as required by the European recommendation on sun products. UVA rays are linked to photoaging. Some formulas also use the Japanese PA scale, such as Le Voile PA++++ by EviDenS de Beauté, a French-Japanese brand.
Which sun protection is best for outdoor sports?
Shiseido's Sports line is designed for this. Sports Invisible Protective Mist SPF50+ is an invisible spray for face and body, non-sticky and instantly absorbed, intended for outdoor activity and sports. There's also Sports BB Lotion SPF50+, a tinted formula whose QuickDry technology quickly dries sweat for a fresh look.
Which sun products offer medium or low protection?
Medium-protection options include Sisley's Huile d'Été Corps SPF 15, Australian Gold's SPF 15 Spray Gel and Esthederm's Adaptasun Lait Corps 2 Soleil, which the brand recommends for moderate sun. CBN's Lait Solaire Bronzage Rapide SPF 10, on the other hand, falls into the low-protection category of the European scale.
Is there a tinted sun protection for the face?
Yes, there are several. Lancaster's Infinite Bronze is a tinted protection with Full Light technology, also available as a cream compact foundation SPF50, and from the same brand Sun Sens Tinted Matt Fluid SPF 50 is lightly tinted. Shiseido combines tint and protection in Sports BB Lotion SPF50+ and also offers the refillable UV Protective Compact Foundation SPF30.
Do self-tanners protect from the sun?
They shouldn't be treated as sun protection. The product pages for Lancaster's Self Tan Face Drops and Self Tan Body Gel don't list a protection factor, and for the tinted Sun Beauty Tan Deepener jelly the brand specifies that it doesn't protect against the rays. For sun exposure you need protection with a stated SPF.
