How to choose the best sunscreen for your face

SPF stands for sun protection factor. You’ll see this written on sunscreens in numbers like 15, 30, 50, and even 60+. SPF is a guide to how a sunscreen will help  prevent sunburn. It is important to remember that regardless of the SPF number, you should be reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours, and more frequently if you are swimming or sweating.  

While the FDA recommends choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least SPF 15⁴, SPF 15 stops up to 93% of UVB rays, whereas SPF 30 stops up to 97%, and SPF 50 up to 98%⁵. No matter how high an SPF number goes, there is no SPF that can stop 100% of the sun’s harmful rays. After SPF 50, higher SPF numbers provide marginally higher protection. 

To help protect your face from visible signs of premature aging from the sun, choose a high face SPF and be sure to reapply regularly, following directions on the packaging.  

If you have sensitive skin, look for a mineral sunscreen. Look for wording on the label like fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and noncomedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores) in a sunscreen specially formulated for use on the face.  

All Coppertone face sunscreens are lightweight, non-comedogenic and free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, PABA, phthalates and dyes. 

Yes! If your skin type is more oily, look for a non-comedogenic sunscreen that easily blends into the skin and provides a more lightweight feel. 

You know that sunscreen can help prevent signs of sun-induced premature aging like wrinkles and dark spots, but what if your skin is already showing visible signs of aging from sun exposure? Thankfully, there are face sunscreens available that can not only offer broad-spectrum sun protection to help prevent premature aging from the sun  but can also help minimize the appearance of existing wrinkles or uneven skin tone from the sun. 

Some sunscreen formulas provide additional benefits such as hydration. Coppertone Every Tone Invisible Finish Hydrating UV Defense Face Sunscreen with SPF 60+ is a lightweight, daily face sunscreen enriched with ceramides that goes on clear and provides all-day hydration.* Broad Spectrum SPF 60+ sun protection. Stops up to 98% of damaging UV rays.

*for sunscreen use, use and reapply as directed.  

Also available in a convenient sunscreen stick format with SPF 55.  

Once you’ve chosen the best SPF for your face, make sure you’re applying it properly by following all directions on the packaging drug facts box. Here are some tips for how to apply SPF to your face: 

• Apply the face sunscreen generously all over your face and neck 15 minutes before sun exposure, being sure to apply to often-overlooked areas such as your ears and any exposed areas of your scalp such as a part in your hair. 
• Apply face sunscreen every day throughout the year, even on colder or overcast days 
• Apply face sunscreen before you apply makeup 
• Reapply every two hours and be sure to use a water-resistant sunscreen if you are swimming or sweating. 
• Use face sunscreen in conjunction with other sun protection measures including wearing sun protective clothing like a hat and sunglasses, and avoiding direct sun exposure at peak times of the day where possible.