Why use a face sun cream every day?
Sun cream is much more than a summer treatment, it's a safe way to get a tan. As well as preventing sunburn, it protects the skin on your face from the harmful effects of the sun: premature ageing, the appearance of brown spots and the risk of skin cancer. Summer or winter, applying sun cream should become a reflex as soon as the sun appears, even when the sky is overcast. UV rays can reach the skin even through clouds or glass. Daily application will ensure that your skin is healthy and protected all year round.
UVA and UVB rays: what are the differences?
UVB rays are responsible for sunburn, but beware of UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin. They cause invisible damage to cells and accelerate skin ageing.
Good sun protection should block both UVB and UVA rays, which are responsible for premature skin ageing. Avène formulas offer complete broad-spectrum defence without nanoparticles, respecting both your skin and nature. Enriched with soothing ingredients such as Avène Thermal Spring Water, they bring comfort and softness to even the most demanding skin.
How to choose your face sun cream ?
Choosing your sun protection according to your phototype
The first criterion for choosing the right sun protection for your face is to know your phototype and adapt the UV protection factor. Facial skin is thinner and more fragile than the rest of the body. For this reason, it generally deserves a higher sun protection factor.
Here are our recommendations for facial sun protection in normal sunlight conditions:
- Fair skin or skin prone to sunburn: prefer SPF 50+.
- Mediterranean-type skin, less sensitive to the sun: SPF 30.
- Dark, matt skin: SPF 20 may be sufficient.
- In case of strong sunlight (at high altitude, on the open sea, in the tropics), SPF 50+ is recommended.
Identify your needs to find the right sun protection for your face
Your skin type and needs will also influence your choice of sun protection for your face :
- For dry skin: a rich, creamy texture like SPF 50+ Cream nourishes and protects.
- For combination skin: opt for a light fluid, like Fluid SPF 50+.
- For oily or acne-prone skin: a mattifying product like Cleanance SPF 50+ is ideal. A non-comedogenic sun cream specifically for oily skin, which controls excess sebum, prevents shine and provides effective protection.
- For mature skin: opt for a sun cream that combines protection and anti-ageing action to smooth and firm up the skin, such as Avène Tinted Anti-Ageing Cream SPF 50+.
- For sensitive to very sensitive skin: mineral formulas without chemical filters, like those in the Mineral Suncare range, are designed for optimal tolerance without fragrance.
- For a radiant complexion: B-Protect SPF 50+ offers sun protection that beautifies the complexion.
- For all skin types, even the most demanding: Intense Protect 50+ is ideal for skin prone to atopic eczema. This suncare product offers non-comedogenic sun protection, particularly suited to the needs of reactive skin.
- If you are concerned about the appearance of pigmentation spots: opt for a special hyperpigmentation sun cream, which helps to prevent the worsening of spots while providing effective protection against UV rays.
SPF30 or SPF50: which factor for my skin?
SPF30 blocks around 97% of UVB rays, while SPF50 blocks 98%. That little extra percentage can make all the difference, especially for fair or sensitive skin. When the sun is shining brightly, always opt for the highest level of protection.
Eco-responsible sun creams: the right choice for your skin and the planet
For environmentally-friendly protection, eco-friendly sun creams are an ideal option. Formulated without controversial chemical filters and often without artificial fragrances, they use natural ingredients suited to sensitive skin, while limiting their impact on the ecosystem.
Face sun creams: which one is right for you ?
Protection and radiance: tinted sun creams
Tinted sun creams for the face have a dual action: they protect against UV rays and enhance the complexion. As well as protecting the skin from the harmful effects of the sun, they provide light coverage that evens out the complexion without creating a ‘make-up’ effect. A perfect choice for those looking for protected, naturally radiant skin, even without foundation.
Matifying and lightweight: sun creams for oily or acne-prone skin
Finding the right sun cream for oily or acne-prone skin can be a challenge. Anti-imperfection suncare products for the face specifically designed for these skin types are light and non-comedogenic. With them, say goodbye to compromises: your skin is protected without being suffocated. For a mattifying effect, mattifying suncare products are perfect for controlling shine without weighing the skin down.
Mineral filters: gentle and respectful protection
Sun creams with mineral filters are ideal for sensitive or reactive skin. These chemical filter-free formulas create a physical barrier that reflects UV rays rather than absorbing them. With no nanoparticles, they are ideal for people looking for gentle sun protection that respects their skin and the environment.
Our sun cream application tips
When and how to apply sun protection to the face ?
- In the morning: apply your sun cream after your moisturiser and before make-up. If you use a sunscreen with an organic filter, leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes before going out for optimal adhesion. For immediate facial sun protection, choose a mineral sunscreen.
- During the day: reapply every two hours if you are exposed to the sun, and systematically after swimming or strenuous activity, even with water-resistant creams.
Use a generous amount - about the equivalent of a teaspoon for the face and neck. Spread it evenly, but don't forget the areas that are often neglected: around the eyes, the ears, the lips and the back of the neck. Sun cream can also be used as a make-up base. To avoid the ‘millefeuille’ effect, opt for a light serum before applying the sunscreen.
Good to know: In winter, you can opt for day creams (tinted or not) or foundations with SPF for a double or even triple action: skincare and/or make-up and UV protection. Eau Thermale Avène, for example, offers Tinted Moisturising Cream and Emulsion SPF 30 for dry, dehydrated skin.
Keep your skin protected: our tips for reapplying your sun cream during the day
For continuous protection, remember to reapply your sun cream several times a day. Here are a few simple tips for doing so without (almost) having to think about it:
- Use practical formats: sun sticks or sprays are perfect for quick, precise touch-ups, especially on sensitive areas such as the nose, lips and eye contour.
- Reapply without damaging your make-up: if you wear make-up, opt for a sun mist or SPF cushion, which allows you to renew the protection without touching your make-up.
- Put a reminder on your phone: every two hours, and after every swim, reapply a layer of sun cream for optimum protection.
The benefits of Eau Thermale Avène facial sun creams
Unique formulas, inspired by nature
Eau Thermale Avène face sun creams draw their strength from an exclusive formulation, enriched with soothing natural ingredients such as Avène thermal spring water. These formulas are safe for your skin and formulated to minimise the risk of irritation while ensuring optimum tolerance.
Invisible protection with no white marks
Applying your sun cream should not leave any visible marks. The light textures of Avène products offer an invisible finish, with no white marks, even on dark skin. A discreet protection for everyday comfort.
An anti-ageing shield to preserve your skin day after day
Thanks to high-performance filters and anti-ageing ingredients, Avène sun creams protect against UV rays while combating the signs of premature ageing. Sun protection that becomes skin care for radiant, smooth skin.
Suncare products designed for the whole family
Made in France, Eau Thermale Avène sun creams comply with the strictest quality standards and are suitable for everyone, from the very young to the very old. Formulated to be well tolerated, they meet the needs of every skin type, including the most sensitive.
A commitment to the planet
Avène is committed to sun protection that respects the environment and marine biodiversity. Our sun creams are formulated to minimise the impact on marine ecosystems, with nanoparticle-free filters, to care for your skin while preserving nature.
