What is the right sunscreen for me?

UV Plus SPF 50 Anti Pollution Face Sunscreen

Whether you’re headed to the beach for the day or walking your dog in the fall – you need to ensure your skin is protected from the sun all year long. With the right sunscreen, you can have a sun kissed glow, while also helping to decrease your risk of early skin aging.

1. The role of sunblock in daily skin care

We know it’s important to wear sunscreen when outdoors in summer. But that bottle of sunblock can find its way to the back of the medicine cabinet in the cooler weather. This isn’t good at all – and here’s why.

SPF sunscreen helps protect us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays: UVA and UVB. Although the effects of short-wave UVB rays are easy to see – they cause red, stinging sunburn in the superficial layers of the skin – this is not the only damage done to our skin by the sun.

UVA rays are more dangerous because they make up 95% of the light that reaches our skin and they have a long wavelength which means they can penetrate deeper into the skin. Since there doesn’t have to be sunshine – only light – for UVA rays to be present, UVA has an effect on our skin all year round, even when it’s cloudy or snowing. What’s more, UVA rays can penetrate window glass. This means you are exposed to harmful rays during your drive to work and even at your desk if your office is filled with natural light.

It’s long term exposure to UVA rays that cause sun damage in the skin’s thickest layer – the dermis – and result in fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and hyperpigmentation. Scary stuff!

This is why Clarins for many years has been creating SPF sunscreen and best sunscreen for the face along with sunless tanning lotion and after sun products to help reduce the risk of sunburn and minimize the appearance of long term sun damage.

So how does an SPF sunscreen work? Sunblock acts to prevent UVA and UVB rays from penetrating the skin by either absorbing, scattering or reflecting the light. It should always be kept in mind that even the best sunscreen is never an impenetrable shield against UV radiation. Over-exposure to the sun will cause damage no matter how good your sun protection. So when possible, stay out of the sun at the hottest times of the day, and wear a hat, sunglasses, UV resistant bathing suit, and cover up with clothes.

2. Your best sunblock for face and body

The best sun care products should offer you the very best sunscreen and skin care for a sun kissed tan while minimizing the negative effects of UV radiation. So how do you choose a sunscreen that’s right for you? We recommend you pick sun protection based on the different skin types as well as your lifestyle.

If you’re wondering: what is my skin type? - You have dry skin if your skin produces too little moisture and tends to be rough, dull or flaky. You’re lucky to have normal skin if it’s neither dry nor oily. If you’re prone to pimples and blackheads, and your face has an overall oily shine, then you’re an oily skin type. If you have an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) – you have combination skin. Skin that is prone to redness and stings or itches after using certain products is sensitive skin.

Choosing a sunblock for your skin type is important because dry skin can be less dry in summer, oily skin can get even oilier in the summer heat, while sensitive skin can be aggravated by the harsh ingredients in many sunscreens. A lightweight cream with soothing benefits will be ideal for those with sensitive skin. Oily and combination skin types will love a refreshing, lightweight formula with a non-greasy finish. And for dry or normal skin, try an oil spray with nourishing ingredients that help counteract the drying effects of sun. No matter what your skin type is, the ideal sunscreen should be sweat- and water-resistant.

If you have very fair skin that sunburns easily or you have sun-sensitive skin caused by certain medicines or medical conditions – it’s important that you wear sunscreen with a very high protection factor. Clarins UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Sunscreen Multi-Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a daily UV protector that offers high protection with anti-pollution skincare benefits.

If after a day in the sun your skin feels hot and dry – apply a Clarins After Sun product for instant sunburn relief and to replenish moisture lost from the skin. After sun products are also a great way to prolong a gorgeous sun kissed tan.

3. Clarins self-tanner solutions

A self-tanner for the face and body can deliver a rich, golden tan without having to put your skin at risk of sunburn or sun damage. A best self-tanner is streak-free, natural-looking and easy to use. The advanced, moisture-rich formulas of Clarins self-tanner leaves your skin visibly nourished, pampered and glowing.

Our range of self-tanner innovations includes our best gradual self-tanner for those who are beginners and not yet sure how to self-tan, and how to use a self-tanning mitt for smooth, expert application.

Clarins’ best self-tanners for face and body are the safest way to achieve a tanned complexion all year round, while still nourishing and protecting your skin from the visible long-term effects of sun exposure. So go ahead – treat yourself to radiant-looking, sun kissed skin!