A daily ritual of sunscreen application is often forgotten until it’s time to head outdoors. It seems that most brands offer formulas that are oil-free, chemical-free, and suitable for everyone… except those with sensitive skin. Zit? Check. Oily skin? Check. Sensitive skin? You guessed it! In the quest to create an effective, compatible, and safe formula for all users, some chemical formulations may be too harsh for certain users. Enter: The REVIEWS! We asked our followers on Instagram and their answers were surprising (in a good way). Some individuals suggested using chemical formulas as a backup plan in case their facial oils become too intense for the day’s activities. Others recommended skipping the routine altogether to prevent harsh reactions from being triggered at home.
## What is a Facial Sunscreen?
When it comes to facial sunscreen, there are a few different things to keep in mind. First, they are often referred to as “UVA/UVB filters.” This means that ingredients in the formula can both block UVA rays and decrease the amount of UVB rays that make contact with your skin. Since UVB rays are responsible for causing skin damage, it is important to protect yourself with a facial sunscreen.
There are two main types of facial sunscreen. Physical ones use a physical barrier such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient. These ingredients are not absorbed by the skin and can be used anywhere on the body. Chemical ones use a combination of ingredients to block both UVB and UVA rays. These ingredients can be absorbed by the skin, which is why it is important to apply them after your standard daily moisturizer.
## Why Should You Care About Facial Sunscreens?
The first step to protecting your skin is recognizing that it needs protection. While we all want to believe that we have “tan skin,” the reality is that we are all pale in some areas of our body. This can leave our faces especially susceptible to the damaging effects of the sun.
Furthermore, the sun isn’t always the cause of problems people experience. Overexposure to artificial lights at night has been linked to premature wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. That means that you need sunscreen to protect your skin 24/7 and it is important to use it daily, even when you don’t feel like it.
## Myths and facts about chemical facial sunscreens
– Myth – Chemical Sunscreens are Dangerous to Use
– Fact – Yes, some chemical formulas are too harsh for sensitive skin. However, there are options out there that are safe to use even on sensitive skin.
– Myth – You Shouldn’t Apply Sunscreen Before Going Outdoors
– Fact – As we just discussed above, you should apply sunscreen daily regardless of your plans for the day. That being said, it’s even more important to protect your skin when it is exposed to the sun.
– Myth – You Need to Wear sunglasses and Cover up for Sunscreen to Work Well
– Fact – You should always wear sunscreen even if you are wearing sunglasses. It’s best to err on the side of caution and wear sunscreen even if it isn’t the most fashionable thing to do.
## Which Chemical Sunscreens are Safe to Use?
This is a big question and one that many people struggle with. Unfortunately, there are no clear-cut guidelines that can be used to determine if a formula is safe or not. The only way to know for sure if a chemical formula is safe for your skin is to test it out.
If you are interested in trying a chemical sunscreen, we recommend looking for ones that are oil-free and non-commercially produced. These factors can both help decrease the risk of irritating your skin.
## Which Physical Sunscreens are Effective?
While chemical formulas are best for protecting skin from UVB rays, some people find that they are not effective enough for their needs. For example, you might have oily skin or find that certain activities trigger a particularly intense reaction to the sun. In this case, a physical formula might be your best choice.
There are a few things to keep in mind when searching for a physical formula. First, you need to think about whether you have oily or sensitive skin. Next, you will want to think about your daily activities and see if there is anything you do that might cause a particularly intense reaction to the sun.
## Conclusion
The quest to find the best facial sunscreen can be confusing, to say the least. We’ve done our best to clear up the confusion and provided you with the facts. It’s important to remember that sunscreen is only effective if you use it every single day.
We recommend that you choose a facial sunscreen that is lightweight, non-commercially produced, and safe for daily use. If possible, try out a few different formulas until you find one that works best for your skin. It might take a few tries to find the perfect combination, but it will be worth the effort.
