We have often wondered about the difference between body and face sunscreens and why the market offers specific products for either side of the body. The main difference between body and face sunscreens concerns the texture. Facial sunscreens normally are formulated with a silkier and less greasy texture, to make these cosmetics lighter and therefore less comedogenic, that is, with a low probability of stimulating the appearance of impurities.
Let's take a closer look in detail.
The difference between facial and body skin
Face: the skin of the face tends to be thin, it is the most visible part of the body, prone to wrinkles and signs of aging, the dermis is delicate and easily attacked, always exposed to UV rays throughout the year, not only during warmer periods. Therefore, for proper facial care, sunscreen should always be used.
Like all other skin, facial skin plays an important role as a barrier against the external environment. But unlike the skin of most of the body, it is almost always in direct contact with agents such as the sun and the UV rays.
The skin around the eyes is even thinner and more delicate and needs appropriate treatments. The epidermis (the outer layer of skin) is normally 0.1 mm thick; around the eyes it varies between 0 and 0.5 mm.
Body: the skin of the body is more protected, thicker and less prone to wrinkles, but exposed to melanoma.
Face and body protective products: formulation differences.
Face protection products:
Two goals are pursued in the laboratory:
-
Functional actives: anti-photoaging, antioxidant, moisturizing, protective, SPF, booster, tan equalizing, non-comedogenic, with studies related to use on the face.
- Anti photo aging effect, is a different concept than anti-aging (chrono aging).
Photoaging: refers to the damage induced by prolonged exposure to the sun's rays. The effects can be of two types:
- Usage pleasantness: facial sunscreen with richer or more evanescent textures, tested for smoothness and spreadability on the face, also ideal as a makeup base.
Immediate effects: sunburn, erythema with blistering.
Chronic effects: premature aging, altered pigmentation, dry skin.
Body protection products:
Two goals are pursued in the laboratory:
- Functional actives: tan uniformers, nourishing and emollient plant oils, antioxidants, vaso-protective actives (legs and capillaries)
- Ease of use: textures ideal for gliding over the body, easily spreadable but softer than the face, able to reach every part even with a quick massage.
And now that we have discovered the difference between face and body sunscreens, we just have to take advantage of the Napura and MTJ sunscreen deals and make our summer purchases.
