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The sun’s UVA and UVB rays are sneaky. They can shine on your skin for hours and you won’t really see anything happening, other than feeling a bit of heat. Sometimes, you can even be at home and the rays will still manage to reach your skin.
Sun damage may not concern you yet if you’re in your teens or 20s because you can’t see them. But trust us, while they won’t appear now or tomorrow, eventually, they will; as sun spots, acne, dark marks, wrinkles, you name it!
This is why whether it’s sunny, rainy, staying indoors, or walking outdoors, in a car, or in a plane—wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, you should always wear sunscreen. This Vital (yes, with a capital V) step benefits your skin by fighting free radicals and ensures future you won’t have sun spots and premature wrinkles popping up on your face!
Is there a difference between face and body sunscreen?
Yes. As our faces are more sensitive than the skin on the rest of our body, face sunscreens are gentler and have oil-free formulations, so they won’t cause breakouts. They’re designed to have more elegant formulas and sit well on your skin or under makeup, and not cause any pilling.
On the other hand, body sunscreens still have great formulas with many skincare benefits but are sometimes sticky and have that typical sunscreen smell. Plus, they come in large bottles since they have to cover more extensive skin surfaces.
Can I use my body sunscreen on my face?
Technically, yes if your sunscreen is marked for the “face and body.” But if it says it’s only for your body, we don’t recommend it for the reason stated above.
Now that you’re well-versed on the difference between the two, ready to find your new favorite face sunscreen based on your skin type? Keep scrolling!
Ed’s Note: Everyone’s skin is different. Even those with similar skin types could respond to the same products differently!
Best Face Sunscreens To Try All Year Round
For Acne-Prone Skin: Oxecure Daily Sunscreen
Acne-prone skin is similar to sensitive skin in that it’s very reactive. Unlike sensitive skin, acne-prone skin will erupt in breakouts and clogged pores instead of redness and irritation only.
It’s a good thing that Oxecure Daily Sunscreen is non-comedogenic, then! It has a lightweight gel-cream consistency to make it easier to absorb. You don’t have to worry about a white cast too, because it has Hybrid UV Technology—both physical and chemical UV filters—to keep its formula sheer and doubly protect your skin against pollutants and free radicals that could cause breakouts and other forms of skin damage. If shine is also an issue for you, Daily Sunscreen’s got your back as it has Cactus Extract to help control excess oil and Aloe Vera to soothe redness!
Oxecure Daily Sunscreen, P549, Lazada
For Dry Skin: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sunscreen: Rice + Probiotics
Who knew kanin could be so hydrating on the skin? If your skin always feels parched and needs a lot of moisture, this viral sensation might be for you!
Beauty of Joseon’s sunscreen became everybody’s go-to sunscreen for a few good reasons: It has SPF50+ and PA++++ (the highest level of broad spectrum protection), it’s comfortable on the skin, it’s lightweight yet moisturizing, it’s not sticky, it has no white cast, it gives skin a beautiful, soft-filter glow, and it works for a lot of skin types, especially dry skin! Besides Rice Extract, it contains fermented extracts that are naturally rich in Vitamins B, C, and E to keep your complexion healthy, glowing, and even-toned.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sunscreen: Rice + Probiotics, P780, Lazada
For Oily Skin: Axis-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen
Gone are the days when sunscreen would either make your skin look ready to fry some eggs or make you look like you were wearing a white mask. Axis-Y’s Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen harnesses the mattifying power of Zinc Oxide without transforming you into a ghost. Two to three fingers’ worth of this light formulation will give your face the highest level of protection! Thanks to soothing, brightening, and anti-inflammatory ingredients, like 2% Niacinamide, Green Tea, Chamomile, Calendula, and Squalane, your skin will feel fresh, matte, and calm every day.
Axis-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen, P799, Shopee
For Combination Skin: Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen
Combination skin is in the difficult position of having multiple skin types. Your cheeks could be dry, your forehead oily, and your T-zone and chin acne-prone. If you’re losing hope of finding a sunscreen that caters to all of that, allow us to turn your attention to the Round Lab sunscreen!
Don’t let the word “Moisturizing” scare your oily and acne-prone areas. This sunscreen formula not only has Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate but also has Niacinamide to help decrease hyperpigmentation and ease redness and inflammation, and Birch Juice to reduce inflammation and purify your skin. Its soft and creamy texture allows it to double as a moisturizer, so depending on the weather, you can layer it over your moisturizer or, what we like to do when we’re tamad, wear it alone!
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen, P1,150, Shopee
For Sensitive Skin: Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk SPF50+/PA++++
A sunscreen that’s so gentle it can be used on babies? That’s Anessa’s Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk for you! The hypoallergenic formula is dermatologist-tested, water- and sweat-resistant, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic. Sounds amazing, right? Plus, we love how it has Aqua Booster Ex Technology, a UV-blocking film that becomes stronger when touched by sweat or water—so it never leaves your skin—and Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin to keep your skin soft and protected!
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk SPF50+/PA++++, P1,990, Watsons
For Balanced or Normal Skin: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence
A normal skin type is known for not being too dry, oily, sensitive, or acne-prone, it’s just balanced! The good thing about this skin type is it can use many products without reacting negatively to them. Like any skin type, though, it still needs sun protection.
If you’re looking for one and suspect you may have Normal Skin, we recommend this essence-sunscreen hybrid by Biore! This classic formula is light enough that you won’t get that annoying tacky feeling after applying it, is water- and sweat-resistant because, come on, we’re in the Philippines, and can double as a makeup base!
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence, P535, Watsons
Links are updated regularly and as much as possible but note that products can run out of stock, discounts can expire and listed prices can change without prior notice.
