Face and body sunscreens guide: how to choose well

When it comes to sun protection, the most common mistake is using the same product for everything, without considering skin phototype, texture, exposure duration, and skin condition. This face and body sun guide was created to help you choose effective formulas from the best professional brands: Australian Gold, Solarium, Vagheggi, Guinot, Integree, Davines and Diego Dalla Palma.

Where to start: exposure, phototype, and habits

The first variable is not the brand or even the format. It's the actual level of exposure. A walk in the city is one thing; a day at the beach, in the mountains, or outdoors for many hours is another. The UV ray load changes, the reapplication frequency changes, and the need for textures more resistant to sweat, water, and friction also changes.

For this reason, choosing a sunscreen based solely on "I like how it spreads" is often not enough. The correct product must protect well, be tolerated by the skin, and encourage daily use. If the texture is too heavy for the face, you'll end up applying too little. If it leaves too visible a white cast on the body, you'll tend to skip reapplication. Performance in sunscreens also comes down to cosmetic appeal.

SPF: what it really means and how to choose it

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates how many times the product multiplies the skin's natural protection against UVB rays. An SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, an SPF 50 blocks about 98%. The numerical difference seems small but becomes relevant in conditions of intense or prolonged exposure, on fair or sensitized skin, and on the face and décolleté where the skin is thinner.

For daily use in the city, an SPF 15-30 may be sufficient. For direct sun exposure, at the beach or in the mountains, SPF 50 or 50+ is the safest choice, especially for the face. The practical rule: a high SPF applied well and reapplied every 2 hours is better than a low SPF used in insufficient quantity. If you're looking for a high-protection daily facial sunscreen, Guinot Hydra Finish SPF 15 is one of the most popular options as a light make-up base.

Chemical vs. Mineral Filters: Practical Differences

Chemical filters absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat. They are generally lighter, invisible on the skin, and suitable for those seeking fluid or non-comedogenic textures. Mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) physically reflect UV rays and are preferred for sensitive, reactive skin or during pregnancy. Some products combine both to balance protection and cosmetic appeal.

Australian Gold offers lines with highly cosmetic chemical filters, ideal for those seeking both a tan and protection. The Botanical Sunscreen line, on the other hand, uses mineral filters with natural ingredients, suitable for more delicate skin or those who prefer clean formulas.

Face sunscreen: why body sunscreen isn't enough

The face has different characteristics from the rest of the body: thinner skin, more exposed, often treated with active ingredients (acids, retinol, vitamin C) that increase photosensitivity. Using a body sunscreen on the face can be comedogenic, too heavy, or incompatible with make-up.

Professional facial sunscreens are formulated to be light, non-occlusive, and often enriched with anti-aging, unifying, or moisturizing active ingredients. For those with hyperpigmentation or combination skin, Diego Dalla Palma Professional Crema Uniformante SPF50 offers high protection with a unifying effect. For those looking for an anti-aging facial sunscreen, Vagheggi Crema Viso Abbronzante Antiageing SPF50+ combines protection and skin care in one step.

Body sunscreen: texture, resistance, and reapplication

For the body, the choice largely depends on the activity. For the beach, you need water-resistant formulas that are easy to reapply and don't leave white residue. For sports or hiking, sprays and gels are more practical. For those who want to tan, Australian Gold's intensifiers with low SPF (6-15) are among the bestsellers, but they should be used consciously: they offer less protection and require frequent reapplication.

Australian Gold Instant Bronzer SPF30 is one of the best-selling body sunscreens: it combines medium protection with an immediate bronzing effect, ideal for those who want to tan while protecting themselves. For those seeking intense hydration in addition to protection, Australian Gold Ultimate Hydration Lotion SPF is the right choice. Solarium, on the other hand, offers complete face-body lines with variable SPFs, suitable for the whole family, including the Anti-aging and Anti-blemish Sun Cream designed for mature skin or skin with sun spots.

After-sun: not an optional

After-sun isn't just for prolonging your tan. It helps restore lost hydration, soothe any redness, and support the skin's natural repair process. Well-hydrated skin after sun exposure maintains a tan longer and exfoliates less.

Australian Gold Forever After After-sun Moisturizer is the best-selling after-sun in the catalog: light formula, fast absorption, characteristic brand scent. For those looking for something more nourishing, Vagheggi and Guinot lines offer after-sun products with repairing and soothing active ingredients.

How to read a sunscreen label

In addition to SPF, always check the UVA protection: it must be at least one-third of the indicated SPF (e.g., SPF 30 → UVA at least 10). The UVA symbol in a circle indicates that the product complies with European standards. Also check water resistance (water resistant 40 or 80 minutes) if you expect to get wet, and the expiration date: open sunscreens lose effectiveness after 12 months.

Which sunscreen to choose based on your phototype

If you have fair skin or don't tan easily (phototype 1-2), always start with SPF 50+ for both face and body, and choose formulas with high UVA protection. If you have olive or dark skin (phototype 4-6), you can use lower SPFs on the body for moderate exposure, but the face always deserves high protection. For sensitive or reactive skin, mineral filters like those in the Australian Gold Botanical line are generally better tolerated.

If you use exfoliating acids, retinol, or vitamin C in your routine, sun protection is not optional: it is essential. These active ingredients increase photosensitivity, and without adequate SPF, they risk causing spots and irritation. In these cases, a light facial sunscreen like Vagheggi Crema Viso SPF30 can become the fixed final step of your morning routine.

The best-selling sun products on Planethair

A selection of the most popular professional sunscreens chosen by Planethair customers for face and body, offering protection, tanning, and skin care.