Do we really need SPF50 for face or is 30 ok?

[LifeInAHamsterWheel]

I had typed a longer post but it won't upload for me so the short version is I'm struggling to find an SPF50 that I like, they're either pilling under my makeup or look too shiny. I've tried so many and spent so much money!! I'm early 50s and am fortunate to have good skin (thanks to genes and tret)

I've recently used a mini of this one from Elf cosmetics and I love it! Just wondering if it's ok for day to day use, I'm mostly in an office and weather not very sunny where I live! For days off or weekends where I'd be out and about more I'd use SPF50 (I recently got the tinted one from Aldi and love it!)

Just wondering what the general consensus is on the 30 vs 50

Ugh it won't add the link even though I used the button!

I'll try again:

this

Have you tried Ultraviolette OP? It has been an absolute game changer for me - the first SPF I’ve ever actually enjoyed wearing! It’s Australian so really the gold standard in terms of sunblock

Oh now it's there, twice, sorry!!

Depends on your skin and how much time you spend out in the sun.

I use 30 but I don't go out in bright midday sun much, and if I do I wear a hat/ stick to the shade.

I use Le Roche Posay - the oil balancing one. It needs a minute to sink in but afterwards my makeup can be applied without any issue.

Personally, I feel reassured that I'm covered with spf50. If you use retinoids you should really stick with 50 over 30.

It's a pain but it really is a case of trial and error!

Boots do a factor 50 foundation in their no7 range

I am wearing the UltraViolet tinted 50 one and don’t use foundation but add bronzer and then my usual makeup. I always go for 50 over thirty.

I use retinol at night and walk alot during the day so have gone for 50 personally

Yes, if I'm going to be out and about in daylight I'll still wear 50 but I think for work days when I'm mostly indoors the 30 might be enough?

The best spf is the one you'll use!

30 is fine. I live in Portugal and manage to keep my face pale year round with SPF 30, avoiding the Chernobyl hours during the summer, and a big hat.

It'll be fine for normal daily use when you're not going to be out in the sun for long. Vitamin D is also important and it won't hurt you to get that tiny additional but of exposure for the few minutes you're outside.

I think there's only a 1% difference in protection between them. 98% UV blockage from factor 50, 97% from factor 30. I have a factor 25 that I like (the Upcircle one) and that's apparently 96%. I'm a total sun avoider - always seek the shade and hate the feeling of the sun on my skin, and it works well for me, though I do use a 50 if I can't avoid a lot of exposure.

There are other things to consider with spf as well as the factor. Lots have unpleasant ingredients that are potentially carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting, so that can be worth taking into account if you're wearing it every day and applying in the quantities they advise for adequate coverage. It's a tricky balancing act!

You are correct. SPF50 has more nasties than SPF30 plus they become even more toxic when subjected to heat 🙄. It’s not great. Better to opt for shade where possible!

I love the Vichy mineral one. I always use 50

Or better yet, stay away from chemicals and protect yourself from UV rays with a good mineral SPF. I swear by Ultraviolette Future Fluid - it’s a tinted zinc formulation

Thanks for all the responses it seems my strategy of using 30 when I'm not going to be exposed very much but 50 when I will (plus a hat and/or seek shade) is ok.

I do not use any, not needed in UK, but than I am vit D deficient so need all the sun I can get😂

50 is totally unnecessary, unless you’re medically vulnerable.

I use a non-SPF moisturiser November-February (ish) and on dull days, SPF 15 when it gets brighter and 30 if, for example, working in the garden on a sunny day, or sunbathing.

Clearly, people with fair or easily damaged skin should take care and use suitable sunscreen in strong sunlight. But pushing the idea that every skin product should contain high SPF ingredients and that these are necessary all the time is yet another con being pushed by the cosmetics industry.

But you can’t put enough on to get the factor 50 without looking like you have layered in mustard

The American association of dermatology and the NHS both recommend at least spf30 and ideally 50.

It is also important to wear it in the face 365 days of the year for UVA protection as UVA is consistent all year round. Unless you are ok with premature photo aging

That sunscreen has several chemical boosters in it. Very very few suncreams that claim to be all mineral are infact all mineral. What they are is a product that contains mineral sunscreens with chemical SPF boosters. They then get to call them mineral sunscreens.

its all just to pander to people convinced that they are being healthier not using chemicals. Whilst they are unknowingly using chemicals.

the problem with actual mineral only sunscreens is that they look shit on.

I use a factor 30 ultra Sun and it’s fine. I don’t use any retinol though etc.

Well, it’s only anecdotal and about me, but I’m over 70, worked outdoors quite a lot when I was younger (and at sea) never used any sort of sunscreen before I was thirty or so, and my skin is fine - people think I’m quite a few years younger than I actually am.

I’m still unconvinced that anyone needs any sort of sunscreen all year round, let alone factor 50.

Ohh I have tried so many and the absolute best I have found is Madagascar centella sun serum spf 50.

I really hate anything thick or greasy and clogging, I’m not sure if it’s a sensory thing but I’ve really hated most spfs that I have tried for those reasons.

The Centella one is really light, similar to a gel moisturiser, not greasy, no real smell and it doesn’t leave your face feeling sticky etc. It’s very reasonable as well and easy to buy from Amazon or boots.