July 01, 2023
_LEARN
/
REFERENCE LAB
Face vs. Body Sunscreen: Can You Use Body Sunscreen On Your Face?
Protecting exposed areas with sunscreen is a must from your forehead to your (exposed) legs. This leads to the question: Can you use body sunscreen on your face? Why not kill two birds with one stone? You might be tempted to do so, but using the same sunscreen you use on your body on your face might not be the best approach. Let’s explore why.
_LEARN
/
REFERENCE LAB
July 01, 2023
Face vs. Body Sunscreen: Can You Use Body Sunscreen On Your Face?
Protecting exposed areas with sunscreen is a must from your forehead to your (exposed) legs. This leads to the question: Can you use body sunscreen on your face? Why not kill two birds with one stone? You might be tempted to do so, but using the same sunscreen you use on your body on your face might not be the best approach. Let’s explore why.
Face vs Body Sunscreen: Understanding the Differences and Similarities
Face and body sunscreens have differences and similarities in terms of formulation and intended use. Both types provide UV radiation protection. Ideally, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), both types of sunscreen should be broad-spectrum SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15. On sunny days or long outdoor excursions, the AAD recommends an SPF of 30. 1 However, it’s their differences that are the deciding factor when it comes to using them interchangeably.
Face sunscreens have a lighter texture, are made with gentler ingredients, and are formulated with cosmetic appearances in mind. Some of the additional benefits of sunscreen are its anti-aging properties and oil control. On the other hand, body sunscreens are developed with a heavier consistency to cover larger areas. And because the skin on the body is thicker than the skin on the face, body sunscreens typically have a higher concentration of active ingredients. 2
Though you can, in a pinch, use body sunscreen on the face, it’s not recommended for daily use. In general, skin experts advise using separate sunscreens for your face and body. Face vs Body Sunscreen: Understanding the Differences and Similarities
Face and body sunscreens have differences and similarities in terms of formulation and intended use. Both types provide UV radiation protection. Ideally, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), both types of sunscreen should be broad-spectrum SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15. On sunny days or long outdoor excursions, the AAD recommends an SPF of 30. 1 However, it’s their differences that are the deciding factor when it comes to using them interchangeably.
Face sunscreens have a lighter texture, are made with gentler ingredients, and are formulated with cosmetic appearances in mind. Some of the additional benefits of sunscreen are its anti-aging properties and oil control. On the other hand, body sunscreens are developed with a heavier consistency to cover larger areas. And because the skin on the body is thicker than the skin on the face, body sunscreens typically have a higher concentration of active ingredients. 2
Though you can, in a pinch, use body sunscreen on the face, it’s not recommended for daily use. In general, skin experts advise using separate sunscreens for your face and body. The Face-Specific Formula: Why Use Dedicated Sunscreen for Facial Protection
Applying sunscreen for facial protection offers several important benefits. Here are the key reasons why it’s recommended.Facial skin is typically more delicate and sensitive compared to the skin on the rest of the body. Face sunscreens are specially formulated with lighter textures that are easier to blend and absorb into the facial skin without leaving a heavy or greasy residue. These sunscreens are developed with facial skin’s movement and topography in mind. Also, facial sunscreen formulations consider the face’s unique needs, including the potential for acne, dryness, or irritation.Your face is typically the first thing other people notice about you, so face sunscreens are typically developed to look cosmetically pleasing on the face. They usually don’t leave the white cast or sheen that body sunscreens are widely known for. Face sunscreens often have a more refined texture and finish, making them compatible with makeup, moisturizers, and serums. They can provide a smoother base, allowing for easier and more even makeup application without compromising sun protection.Many face sunscreens offer additional benefits beyond sun protection. These can include anti-aging properties, antioxidants for the skin, moisturizing ingredients, or oil-control formulations. These added benefits address specific concerns related to facial skin, such as fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, or excess oil production.Facial sunscreens are formulated to be gentle around the delicate eye area, reducing the risk of stinging or irritation. They often have formulations that minimize migration into the eyes, which can cause discomfort.UVA rays contribute to premature aging, skin damage, and the development of skin cancer. Facial sunscreens are designed to provide effective protection against both UVA and UVB rays, ensuring comprehensive coverage for the facial skin.By using dedicated sunscreen for facial protection, you can provide targeted care to your delicate facial skin, address specific concerns, and ensure optimal sun protection without compromising comfort or appearance. Knowing how much sunscreen to use on your face is essential to maximize its effectiveness and ensure that you get the full benefits of the sunscreen's protection without overusing or wasting the product.
Specific Formulation
Cosmetically Targeted and Smoother
Tailored Benefits
Sensitive Eye Area Protection
Focus on UVA Protection
Face-Specific Formulations: The Benefits of Using Sunscreen Designed for Your Face
The Face-Specific Formula: Why Use Dedicated Sunscreen for Facial Protection
Applying sunscreen for facial protection offers several important benefits. Here are the key reasons why it’s recommended.Facial skin is typically more delicate and sensitive compared to the skin on the rest of the body. Face sunscreens are specially formulated with lighter textures that are easier to blend and absorb into the facial skin without leaving a heavy or greasy residue. These sunscreens are developed with facial skin’s movement and topography in mind. Also, facial sunscreen formulations consider the face’s unique needs, including the potential for acne, dryness, or irritation.Your face is typically the first thing other people notice about you, so face sunscreens are typically developed to look cosmetically pleasing on the face. They usually don’t leave the white cast or sheen that body sunscreens are widely known for. Face sunscreens often have a more refined texture and finish, making them compatible with makeup, moisturizers, and serums. They can provide a smoother base, allowing for easier and more even makeup application without compromising sun protection.Many face sunscreens offer additional benefits beyond sun protection. These can include anti-aging properties, antioxidants for the skin, moisturizing ingredients, or oil-control formulations. These added benefits address specific concerns related to facial skin, such as fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, or excess oil production.Facial sunscreens are formulated to be gentle around the delicate eye area, reducing the risk of stinging or irritation. They often have formulations that minimize migration into the eyes, which can cause discomfort.UVA rays contribute to premature aging, skin damage, and the development of skin cancer. Facial sunscreens are designed to provide effective protection against both UVA and UVB rays, ensuring comprehensive coverage for the facial skin.By using dedicated sunscreen for facial protection, you can provide targeted care to your delicate facial skin, address specific concerns, and ensure optimal sun protection without compromising comfort or appearance. Knowing how much sunscreen to use on your face is essential to maximize its effectiveness and ensure that you get the full benefits of the sunscreen's protection without overusing or wasting the product.
Specific Formulation
Cosmetically Targeted and Smoother
Tailored Benefits
Sensitive Eye Area Protection
Focus on UVA Protection
Face-Specific Formulations: The Benefits of Using Sunscreen Designed for Your Face
Can You Use Body Sunscreen on Face?
Using even the best body sunscreen on your face is generally not recommended. The thick consistency and higher concentrations of active ingredients in regular sunscreens work excellently on the body. On the face, however, it’s a different story. Body sunscreen can have a heavier, greasier feel and appearance when used on the face. In addition, using body sunscreen on the face’s fragile skin may clog pores, potentially causing problematic breakouts or severe irritation. Using body sunscreen on your face can pose risks due to differences in skin sensitivity. Body sunscreens are typically formulated for use on the thicker and less sensitive skin on the body; thus, they are more likely to contain ingredients that could irritate or clog facial pores. Facial skin, on the other hand, is more fragile and sensitive to certain ingredients. Using body sunscreen on the face increases the potential for skin irritation and can compromise sun protection. For example, body sunscreens may not provide adequate protection for the thinner and more exposed skin on the face, increasing the risk of sunburn and long-term sun damage. Using sunscreen specifically formulated for the face is important to ensure proper protection and minimize potential risks.The use of body sunscreen on the face has been a subject of debate in the skin care community. While it is generally recommended to use sunscreen specifically formulated for the face, some argue that certain body sunscreens can be compatible with facial use. Furthermore, some skincare specialists believe that any sunscreen, regardless if it’s for the face or body, is better than no sunscreen at all. Proponents of using body sunscreen on the face argue that SPF is the key factor in sun protection, regardless of whether it is marketed for the body or the face. They argue that as long as the sunscreen has a high SPF and broad-spectrum protection, it can effectively shield the skin from harmful UV rays.However, opponents highlight the differences in formulation and skin sensitivity as reasons to avoid using body sunscreen on the face. Body sunscreen used on the face can result in skin sensitivity, breakouts, and clogged pores. Moreover, unlike body sunscreen, facial sunscreens are specially formulated to cater to the unique needs of the face, especially for makeup users or people with skin conditions.
Face Sunscreen: What Makes It Different from Body Sunscreen?
Face sunscreen differs from regular sunscreen in several ways. Compared to regular sunscreens, face sunscreens are formulated to be lighter and less greasy. They’re also designed to be easily absorbed by the delicate facial skin. Face sunscreens also often have a higher SPF to provide enhanced protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. 3
Additionally, face sunscreens may contain additional ingredients to address specific skin concerns, such as antioxidants for anti-aging benefits or oil-control agents for oily skin. Some face sunscreens are also tinted to provide light coverage or to blend seamlessly with different skin tones, offering an option for those who prefer tinted vs untinted sunscreen. Skin Sensitivity Matters: The Risks of Using Body Sunscreen on Your Face
The Skin Barrier Debate: Exploring the Compatibility of Body Sunscreen on the Face
Can You Use Body Sunscreen on Face?
Using even the best body sunscreen on your face is generally not recommended. The thick consistency and higher concentrations of active ingredients in regular sunscreens work excellently on the body. On the face, however, it’s a different story. Body sunscreen can have a heavier, greasier feel and appearance when used on the face. In addition, using body sunscreen on the face’s fragile skin may clog pores, potentially causing problematic breakouts or severe irritation. Using body sunscreen on your face can pose risks due to differences in skin sensitivity. Body sunscreens are typically formulated for use on the thicker and less sensitive skin on the body; thus, they are more likely to contain ingredients that could irritate or clog facial pores. Facial skin, on the other hand, is more fragile and sensitive to certain ingredients. Using body sunscreen on the face increases the potential for skin irritation and can compromise sun protection. For example, body sunscreens may not provide adequate protection for the thinner and more exposed skin on the face, increasing the risk of sunburn and long-term sun damage. Using sunscreen specifically formulated for the face is important to ensure proper protection and minimize potential risks.The use of body sunscreen on the face has been a subject of debate in the skin care community. While it is generally recommended to use sunscreen specifically formulated for the face, some argue that certain body sunscreens can be compatible with facial use. Furthermore, some skincare specialists believe that any sunscreen, regardless if it’s for the face or body, is better than no sunscreen at all. Proponents of using body sunscreen on the face argue that SPF is the key factor in sun protection, regardless of whether it is marketed for the body or the face. They argue that as long as the sunscreen has a high SPF and broad-spectrum protection, it can effectively shield the skin from harmful UV rays.However, opponents highlight the differences in formulation and skin sensitivity as reasons to avoid using body sunscreen on the face. Body sunscreen used on the face can result in skin sensitivity, breakouts, and clogged pores. Moreover, unlike body sunscreen, facial sunscreens are specially formulated to cater to the unique needs of the face, especially for makeup users or people with skin conditions.
Face Sunscreen: What Makes It Different from Body Sunscreen?
Face sunscreen differs from regular sunscreen in several ways. Compared to regular sunscreens, face sunscreens are formulated to be lighter and less greasy. They’re also designed to be easily absorbed by the delicate facial skin. Face sunscreens also often have a higher SPF to provide enhanced protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. 3
Additionally, face sunscreens may contain additional ingredients to address specific skin concerns, such as antioxidants for anti-aging benefits or oil-control agents for oily skin. Some face sunscreens are also tinted to provide light coverage or to blend seamlessly with different skin tones, offering an option for those who prefer tinted vs untinted sunscreen. Skin Sensitivity Matters: The Risks of Using Body Sunscreen on Your Face
The Skin Barrier Debate: Exploring the Compatibility of Body Sunscreen on the Face
The Facial Needs: Why Your Face Deserves Its Own Sunscreen
Your face deserves its own dedicated sunscreen. After all, if you’re going to pay special attention to your skin care routine, you don’t want to set your work back by using the wrong sunscreen. A dedicated mineral face sunscreen that’s used consistently and a high-quality skincare program can improve skin texture, health, and radiance.
The Facial Needs: Why Your Face Deserves Its Own Sunscreen
Your face deserves its own dedicated sunscreen. After all, if you’re going to pay special attention to your skin care routine, you don’t want to set your work back by using the wrong sunscreen. A dedicated mineral face sunscreen that’s used consistently and a high-quality skincare program can improve skin texture, health, and radiance.
Sunscreen Selection: Finding the Right Product for Your Face and Body
Selecting the right sunscreen for your face and body is crucial for effective sun protection. When choosing a sunscreen, consider factors such as skin type, SPF level, mineral vs chemical sunscreen, and application preferences. Be mindful of sunscreen ingredients to avoid and opt for a lightweight formula for the face that won't clog pores or cause breakouts. Look for facial sunscreens with higher SPF and broad-spectrum protection to shield against UVA and UVB rays. Consider factors like sweat and water resistance for the body, especially during outdoor activities. Choose a sunscreen with a texture and consistency that you find comfortable to apply and reapply regularly. Remember, finding the right sunscreen for your specific needs ensures you receive the maximum sun protection benefits.
Sunscreen Selection: Finding the Right Product for Your Face and Body
Selecting the right sunscreen for your face and body is crucial for effective sun protection. When choosing a sunscreen, consider factors such as skin type, SPF level, mineral vs chemical sunscreen, and application preferences. Be mindful of sunscreen ingredients to avoid and opt for a lightweight formula for the face that won't clog pores or cause breakouts. Look for facial sunscreens with higher SPF and broad-spectrum protection to shield against UVA and UVB rays. Consider factors like sweat and water resistance for the body, especially during outdoor activities. Choose a sunscreen with a texture and consistency that you find comfortable to apply and reapply regularly. Remember, finding the right sunscreen for your specific needs ensures you receive the maximum sun protection benefits.
Use OS-01 FACE and OS-01 EYE with Your Favorite Sunscreen
Fight the effects of sun damage with topical skin care products like our peptide moisturizer and our peptide eye cream. OneSkin’s OS-01 FACE strengthens the skin barrier. With a stronger skin barrier, your skin looks healthier and more refreshed. OneSkin’s OS-01 EYE essential eye cream has been shown to improve collagen production, which results in smoother and younger skin. If you are wondering “what goes first sunscreen or moisturizer,” we recommend that you apply your sunscreen after your moisturizer. Incorporating sunscreen into your OneSkin skin care routine will get your skin feeling and looking its best!
Use OS-01 FACE and OS-01 EYE with Your Favorite Sunscreen
Fight the effects of sun damage with topical skin care products like our peptide moisturizer and our peptide eye cream. OneSkin’s OS-01 FACE strengthens the skin barrier. With a stronger skin barrier, your skin looks healthier and more refreshed. OneSkin’s OS-01 EYE essential eye cream has been shown to improve collagen production, which results in smoother and younger skin. If you are wondering “what goes first sunscreen or moisturizer,” we recommend that you apply your sunscreen after your moisturizer. Incorporating sunscreen into your OneSkin skin care routine will get your skin feeling and looking its best!
Key Takeaways
- Although body sunscreen can technically be applied on the face, it’s not generally advised to do so.
- The skin on the body is thicker and less sensitive than facial skin; therefore, body sunscreens may be too harsh for use on the face.
- When choosing a sunscreen, opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a higher level of SPF.
- Any skin care routine should include the regular use of a dedicated facial sunscreen to prevent further sun damage and photoaging.
Key Takeaways
- Although body sunscreen can technically be applied on the face, it’s not generally advised to do so.
- The skin on the body is thicker and less sensitive than facial skin; therefore, body sunscreens may be too harsh for use on the face.
- When choosing a sunscreen, opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a higher level of SPF.
- Any skin care routine should include the regular use of a dedicated facial sunscreen to prevent further sun damage and photoaging.
Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin
Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.
Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin
Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.
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