Questions about sunscreen come up over and over again. There’s a lot to talk about, and trust me, I have many posts planned on this topic. But as I hear this one repeatedly- we’ll start there.
From M.G.: “Do I need a separate or “special” sunscreen for my face? Does it really matter?”
Great question. Answer? In my opinion, yes (with one exception).
Let me break it down a bit.
What is a “special” sunscreen? Let’s work under the assumption that this simply means a different formulation than what you would use on your body. I also believe that a slightly higher price is usually inferred as well.
Formulations for the face will usually have a more elegant formulation. Translation? They feel nicer on the skin.
- Often less sticky or greasy.
- There are formulas to suit different skin types: rich creams, sensitive skin formulas, and lighter non-comedogenic formulations for those with congestion issues. This is a distinction not often found in full body sunscreens.
- There can be added ingredients with additional benefits to help with a particular skin type or condition, or to boost the antioxidant benefits of the sunscreen.
- Formulations developed for the face usually serve as a smoother base if you wear makeup.
So in my opinion? Well worth it.
The one exception to the advice above? If you find yourself out, or about to be out in the sun and (gasp) unprotected, use whatever is available, even if not formulated for the face. (Common sense caution: disregard if you have a known allergy.) I know, I know not the perfect scenario if you’re prone to breakouts etc., but a sunburn is worse. Inflammation and free radical damage make every skin condition worse without exception. In addition (I’ll say this over and over again), ANY sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. So avoid the burn, and take extra care with your skin care routine for the next few days to keep everything on track.
Do you need to spend more money on facial sunscreen? I think it’s worth a little extra for all the reasons listed above. Most important is to find something that works for you. When you find a formula you like- it’s an easy daily habit to get into. With so many options, there are quality products in all price ranges. Personally, I do use more inexpensive sunscreen on my body. In our house, the more utilitarian over the counter (“otc”) sunscreen is used almost exclusively (in large quantities) for the body on trips to sunny locales as opposed to the professional line we use daily for face, neck and hands. We have a joke regarding “smelling like vacation” when my partner in crime uses the otc version for daily use.
Questions or comments? Always feel free to leave feedback below. Need help finding a formula that’s right for you? Contact me directly jill@jjodar.com or 415-997-8141, and I’m happy to help!
