What is a body sunscreen
A body sunscreen is a sun protection product formulated in a cream texture, specifically designed to cover the skin of the body. Its density makes it especially resistant to rubbing against clothing, water and sand, which makes it the most common choice for long or intense sun exposure, such as a full day at the beach or pool. Body sunscreen usually offers a wide range of protection factors, from medium to very high levels, adapting to different skin types and exposure situations.
Why choose a cream and not another texture
Compared to an oil or a mist, body sunscreen stands out for its ability to form a more even and long-lasting layer on the skin, resulting in more consistent protection during exposure. It's also the format in which very high protection factors are most easily found, recommended for fair skin or for those spending several hours in a row in the sun. Its slightly denser texture makes it easy to visually check that all the skin has been well covered, helping to avoid missed spots.
How to choose the protection factor of your body sunscreen
According to skin tone
Fair skin that reddens easily should opt for a factor 50 or 50+. Medium skin tones usually adapt well to a factor 30, and already tanned skin can maintain medium protection as long as exposure isn't very intense.
According to activity
For water activities or intense sweating, it's best to choose a water-resistant body sunscreen, which better maintains its effectiveness after prolonged contact with water, although it always requires periodic reapplication.
Ingredients and features to look for in body sunscreen
In addition to the protection factor, it's worth checking whether the body sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning against both UVA and UVB rays, since both affect the skin differently: UVB rays cause burns while UVA rays are more related to skin ageing. It's also worth checking whether the formula includes moisturising or antioxidant ingredients, which provide extra care during exposure, and whether the product is water-resistant for water activities or heavy sweating.
How to correctly apply body sunscreen
The amount is crucial: applying too little cream noticeably reduces the actual level of protection, even if the packaging indicates a high factor. It's recommended to apply the product between fifteen and thirty minutes before sun exposure, generously covering all the skin without forgetting areas such as the ears, the nape of the neck or the tops of the feet. Reapplying every two hours, and always after bathing or drying off with a towel, is just as important as the initial choice of protection factor.
Common mistakes when using body sunscreen
Among the most common mistakes are applying too little product, not renewing protection as often as needed, and keeping body sunscreen from one season to the next without checking its expiry date. It's also common to focus only on the most visible areas and forget spots such as the soles of the feet while lying down, the tops of the ears or the hairline, which burn just as easily as the rest of the body.
Body sunscreen for sensitive skin
Sensitive skin or skin prone to reactions usually benefits from a body sunscreen with mineral filters, formulated without fragrance and with a shorter ingredient list, since this type of formula tends to cause less irritation. It's also a good idea to test the product on a small area of skin before applying it all over the body, especially if it's a new body sunscreen or a formula that hasn't been used before, to check that the skin tolerates it well before prolonged exposure.
Body sunscreen for children and older adults
Both children's skin and mature skin tend to be more sensitive to sun radiation, so it's best to prioritise high or very high SPF in both cases. Besides choosing the right factor, it's advisable to reinforce protection with shade and suitable clothing during the central hours of the day, since no body sunscreen, however high its protection, can fully replace these complementary measures.
