The Best SPF50 For Face To Stockpile For A Heatwave

Every summer, the ELLE UK beauty desk becomes inundated with innovative, modern sunscreens ready to out-science the formulas that came before them. Not so long ago, the thought of applying a slick, heavy SPF50 sunscreen to our faces would have made us shudder. However, the latest facial SPF50 offerings drench dry skin like a moisturiser, provide ample protection and feel completely traceless.

Whether you're looking for a kind-to-skin suncream for your sensitive complexion or a gel texture for oily or acne-prone cheeks, these are the best SPF50 for face to stock up on this heatwave.

Why Should You Use SPF50 For Your Face?

With suncream offerings starting from as low as SPF10 (not to mention the range of SPF make-up now prevalent on the market), understanding the benefits of applying a high factor protection is essential.

'Excess sun exposure damages the DNA of the skin and accelerates collagen degradation which leads to an increased risk of skin cancer and premature skin ageing,' says Dr Mary Sommerlad, Consultant Dermatologist and member of Garnier’s board of Dermatologists. 'It is crucial that we protect the skin from excess sun exposure by using sunscreen as part of a daytime skincare routine.'

Should You Use SPF50 Everyday?

Summer sunshine is fleeting in the UK, so it's tempting to skip SPF the second that grey skies return. Here's why you shouldn't:

'Yes, wearing SPF50 every day in the UK is advisable as even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate the clouds and cause skin damage,' says Dr Ellie Rashid, KLIRA Medical Director and Consultant Dermatologist. 'If you have a specific skin concern made worse by UV light then that becomes even more important. SPF50 should be reapplied every two hours to maintain its effectiveness. This reapplication is important because the protective ingredients in sunscreen can break down over time. If you are swimming or sweating, more frequent reapplication is necessary.'

Is SPF30 Enough Protection?

While SPF50 offers slightly more protection than SPF30, the difference between the two is marginal.

'The main difference between SPF30 and SPF50 is the level of UVB protection they offer,' says Dr Rashid. 'SPF30 provides 97% protection against UVB rays, which means that it allows about 3% of UVB rays to reach your skin. SPF50 offers 98% protection, allowing about 2% of UVB rays to penetrate the skin.'

And though this difference may seem minuscule, Dr Rashid flags that a higher SPF can be more forgiving of less-than-perfect application, providing a small additional buffer of protection.

Can Your Face Still Tan With SPF50?

While yes, you can still tan while wearing sunscreen, it's not something that dermatologists usually recommend.

'Don’t deliberately try to tan,' Dr Sommerlad says. 'Tan is your melanocytes over producing melanin to protect & repair your skin. Tanning is a sign your skin has been under stress. The more deeply pigmented your skin is, the faster you will tan. When your melanocytes make more pigment, you will tan faster. Everyone has a different tolerance.'

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