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

The only mineral sunscreen I've found that looks decent on is Madara. I won't use the chemical ones—massaging endocrine disruptors into my cells is not my idea of skincare.

Also having trouble with finding stuff that are less chemically, if you’ve not downloaded Yuka and looked up the score of these things… ugh it’s a shock all the crap in them tbh.

There are some options in there though which is something
.

You can try out spf50+ from la roche posay. I have been using the same and its good. Here goes my routine if you would be interested:
Morning:
Using water to wash your face,
Sebamed clear face gel,
LRP spf on my face
Cicaplast
Evening:
LRP moisturizer,
Tretinoin (0.1) from skinorac
Sebamed clear facial gel

The Problem with most of these sunscreens is that they only last for 2-4 hours. The elf one I’ve tried is brilliant under make up, but only lasts two hours.
the only 8hr one I’ve found is the soltan boots 8hr face - it’s ok under make up. Not brilliant, but ok

There is very little difference in protection between factor 30 and factor 50. However, there is a big difference between sunscreen reapplied regularly and sunscreen applied once.

I wa a fan of La Roche as well, but as PP recommends, try the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella. Amazing, super light, no pilling, non greasy or shiny.

I go for a similar strategy, spf25 day to day when I am only out for short times and not in the middle of the day. Then spf50 for summer days out in the UK and holidays. I use the ambre soliair spray that goes over your foundation. It is quick and easy to use and feels light.

The sprays do not give you the stated spf in the way they are typically used. It’s a nonsense unfortunately

there is a very specific regulation about how much product per square mm to get the stated SPF. If you use the amount required to get the stated SPF of a spray product you would have to be dripping in it.

it’s logical really. It’s not as if ANY amount anyone applies a product will give an spf of 50.

and the disingenuous thing is the manufacturers know that no one is using the products the way they need to to get the stated spf.

so your spray over makeup is likely giving you spf 10

for creams it’s 2 whole finger lengths for face and neck. Typically about 3x what an average user will apply if they don’t know otherwise.

stick formulations need 30 THIRTY swipes to get the thickness required and this is unwearable.

sprays don’t work. They should be banned. At best they are a feeble tool up over properly applied spf. In other words, mid day top up if the alternative is nothing.

https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/spray-on-aerosol-powder-sunscreen

@WorriedRelative

this is an excellent and easy to watch explanation

Michelle Wong is also excellent at debunking "clean beauty" myths -