Difference Between Face and Body Sunscreen
Is there a difference between face and body sunscreen?
Today was my daughter’s last day of school and while it’s cold and raining outside the end of the school year is a sure sign that summer is coming. In my household we do a great job wearing sunscreen year-round on our faces, neck, and ears but during the summer months we still have our fair share of burnt shoulders, thighs, backs, and necklines. This summer I want to make sure our bodies are protected, as well as our faces. Is there a difference in the sunscreen we’ll use protect them?
YES, there is. Did you know that not all sunscreens are created equal? That's right - there's a difference between face and body sunscreen. In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between face and body sunscreen and why it's important to use both.
First and foremost, a quick reminder to the importance of sun protection. The skin is your body's largest organ; caring for your skin is critical to your overall health and that includes protecting it from the sun. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. UV radiation from the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer, as well as premature aging and other skin damage. That's why it's crucial to wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days, during the winter months, or rainy Spring days like today.
Understanding the difference between facial skin and body skin
Before we dive into the differences between face and body sunscreens, let’s first understand any differences between the skin on your face and the skin on your body.
As the body’s largest organ, the skin protects against germs, regulates body temperature, enables tactile (touch) sensations, and protects the body from harmful UV rays. These are only a few of the essential roles the skin plays in keeping us healthy, but it’s enough to understand why taking good care of this vital organ is critical to overall health.
But not all skin is the same, depending on where it is on your body, your skin may have different needs to support it functioning at its best. Let’s look at the differences between facial skin and body skin.
The size of the skin cells
The skin cells on your face are smaller than on the rest of your body. Since one of the main functions of your skin is to act as a barrier, smaller skin cells mean a smaller barrier area and less of a route through which chemicals going in and water going out must travel. This explains why skin sensitivity and dryness on the face are more common than on the body as less barrier protection is provided.
The thickness of your skin
The skin on your face is thinner than on your body, even though the thickness of your skin varies all over your body. You also have a thinner layer of fat under the skin on your face. As a result, wrinkles are more visible on the face and neck. The skin around the eyes and your eyelids are thinnest of all and can be highly sensitive.The number of oil glands
You have a lot more oil glands on your face than on your body which makes your face oilier and shinier. Oil on the face is produced to lubricate the skin and to ward off bacteria.The number of hair follicles
There are a lot more hair follicles on the skin of your face in comparison to the same size area of skin on your body. Even though the density of the hair follicles is high, the hair on your face is very fine. When you sweat through these follicles, one of the many functions is to release toxins. With your follicles so close together on your face, it is important to avoid clogging them as it can lead to pimples and acne breakouts.
Understanding the differences between face and body skin clarifies why you may want to purchase different sunscreens for your face and body.
Face sunscreens
Face sunscreens are formulated specifically for facial skin, which is typically more sensitive and prone to breakouts than the skin on the rest of the body. As a result, face sunscreens often contain gentler ingredients, are fragrance-free, and are less likely to cause irritation or breakouts.
In addition to being gentler, most face sunscreens are lighter weight and less greasy than body sunscreens making them perfect for everyday wear.
When choosing a face sunscreen, look for one you will wear every day and be happy to reapply. Make sure it’s SPF 30 or above and broad-spectrum protection. This will help protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, which can cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
Body sunscreens
Body sunscreens are formulated for arms, legs, stomach, and most other skin surfaces, and are often thicker and more moisturizing than face sunscreens. Body sunscreen works in preventing sunburns but can have harsher ingredients that you wouldn’t want on your more sensitive face. Body sunscreens are generally less expensive per ounce than face sunscreens.
When choosing a body sunscreen, look for one with SPF 30 and broad spectrum, just like the face sunscreen.
Why you need both
So, why do you need both face and body sunscreen? Well, for starters, your face and body have different skin types and needs. Your face needs a lighter, non-greasy formula that won't clog your pores, while your body needs a thicker, more moisturizing formula to protect larger areas of skin.
Additionally, your face is more exposed to the sun than the rest of your body, which means it's more susceptible to sun damage. By using a separate face sunscreen, you can ensure that your delicate facial skin is getting the protection it needs.
The best sunscreen is one you will wear every day
Sun protection is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, and choosing a formula you’ll wear every day is key. By understanding the differences between face and body sunscreens, you can make an informed decision and ensure that your skin is protected all summer long.
Choosing the right sunscreen is key to protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays. By using both face and body sunscreen, you can ensure that your skin is getting the protection it needs, no matter where you go. So, go ahead and enjoy those long summer days - just don't forget your sunscreen!
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Protecting your skin is critical for your health but how much do you know about the essential role skin plays in keeping you healthy?
As the body’s largest organ, the skin protects against germs, regulates body temperature, enables tactile (touch) sensations, and protects the body from harmful UV rays
Provides a protective barrier against mechanical, thermal and physical injury and hazardous substances.
Prevents loss of moisture.
Reduces harmful effects of UV radiation.
Acts as a sensory organ (touch, detects temperature).
Helps regulate temperature.
An immune organ to detect infections etc.
Production of vitamin D.
These are only a few of the essential role the skin plays in keeping us healthy, but it’s enough to understand why taking good care of this vital organ is critical to overall health.
