What is the best UV sunscreen?

Here comes the long-awaited summer vacation season, when most of us will go to the sea, so as not only to splash in the warm waves and get a bronze tan and gain strength.

As you know, the benefits of sunlight in stimulating the production of vitamin D, which strengthens bone tissue and relieves a person of osteoporosis, however, along with the healing effect, the sun's rays have a detrimental effect on the skin, causing dryness, premature aging, redness, and in some cases even burn.

The effect of the sun on the skin

To choose the right sunscreen, it is important to understand how cosmetics work. The electromagnetic radiation of the Sun is divided into three types:

Sunscreen for face and skin, how it works

So, while enjoying sunbathing in order to get a beautiful tan, do not forget about the protection that a special cream can provide.

The appearance of a dark skin color is a manifestation of a protective reaction to the effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, however, it takes some time for it to appear (tanning burn threshold), it is during this period that it is necessary to use an effective sunscreen, which includes chemical and physical filters that act as shield from destructive B-rays.


Chemical filters absorb harmful rays, while physical filters act like a mirror, reflecting them. Using these creams, you have the opportunity to increase the time of manifestation of a protective reaction of the skin, which is proportional to the SF index indicated on the label.

For example, an SF index of 15 means you can stay in the sun 15 times longer than without sunscreen. However, you should not completely trust the indicators on the label and if your skin is tender, dry and prone to burns, you should choose a product with a greater degree of protection.

On the label of the cream, you can also find UVA UVB markings, which indicate the degree of protection against rays of type A and B, the higher the value, the stronger the protection.

How to choose sunscreen for face?

The skin of the face is more susceptible to the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays than on other parts of our body, because during the day the face is not covered with clothes and is under direct exposure to the sun all day, so it is important to choose the right cosmetic product that will protect and nourish your skin well. skin.

To choose a product, you need to determine which phototype your skin belongs to. There are the following phototypes:

In recent years, many dermatologists have insisted that sunscreen manufacturers, along with the SPF, also indicate the skin aging factor - the time allowed for being in the open sun until the sun's rays begin to penetrate into the skin cells and destroy them.

As a rule, this time interval is equal to two thirds of the sun protection factor, which is based on the sunburn burn limit.

Sunscreen rating 2015

Bioderma AKN Mat SPF 30 $18

Sun protection emulsion for oily and combination skin types, has the texture of a very liquid cream, in the sun it looks like a white foundation has been applied to the skin. It protects well from burns, the downside is that it does not matte the skin well.


Sunscreen with an average degree of protection, has a liquidish structure, a pleasant smell, an ergonomic tube. Absorbs quickly without clogging pores and can be used as a make-up base. Thanks to herbal ingredients, it provides long-term hydration. The downside is that it is not waterproof.

Light Touch SPF 50 by Nivea Sun Care $5

It is well absorbed, does not leave greasy marks on clothes. A high degree of UV filters reliably protects the skin from sunlight, ideal for girls belonging to the first phototype. The disadvantage of the cream is a slight stickiness, which is observed in the first minutes of application.

Clinique, Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40 $23

Due to the light creamy texture and sufficient content of UV filters, it protects the skin from sunburn and is easily absorbed. In addition to the direct sunscreen purpose, it evens out skin tone well, leaves a slight shine, is ideal for problem skin, and heals minor inflammatory processes. The downside is the high price of the product

XCream with a wide spectrum of protection for both skin and face, containing SPF 30 filters, has a creamy texture that is well absorbed and suitable for problem skin. Popular in the US, most users of the cream are satisfied with the effect of its use, however, some noted that it can clog pores.

La Roche Posay Anthelios 50 $8

XAn excellent tool that reliably protects the skin from harmful rays, does not contain parabens and fragrances, thanks to its liquid structure it allows you to cover all areas of the face. The downside is that the cream leaves a slight oily sheen and has a harsh smell.


XProfessional mattifying agent with a high degree of sun protection SPF 50, well suited for oily skin, which belongs to the first and second phototype. The downside is the high price

VICHY Capital Soleil SPF 50 $10

Light cream-fluid in consistency resembling facial milk, as part of filters of a high degree of protection, mattifies the skin well, absorbing, leaves no residue. The downside is the presence of alcohol in the composition, which dries the skin.


XSoft creamy texture with light protection, which is suitable for skin phototype 3 and 4, and also suitable for skin that has already developed a tan, it is well applied and absorbed. The downside is that it leaves a greasy sheen (film) after use.

Avene Mineral Cream SPF 50+ $15

A good cream with a high degree of protection, which contains shielding minerals, smoothes, nourishes and protects the skin, waterproof. Some consumers of the cream noted the feeling of the mask after applying it.