Protect your face with
NIVEA Face Sunscreen

Using sun protection on a daily basis doesn’t just help to prevent short-term issues like sunburn – it also works in the long term to help you prevent premature skin ageing (wrinkles and fine lines), hyperpigmentation and skin cancer.

UV protection is even recommended when you’re not exposed to direct sunlight. Daily application of facial sunscreen helps you keep your skin’s elasticity, health, and youthful appearance.

Although a general sunscreen can be used all over your body, it may be quite thick or oily, which makes it less suitable for the delicate skin on your face. Over time, this could cause irritation and lead to breakouts if you use it regularly on your face.

For the best results, always go for sun protection products specially designed for your face, as they’re lighter, far less oily, and absorbed more easily by your skin.

When it comes to face sunscreen, there are two types: mineral and synthetic (otherwise known as chemical).

• Mineral sunscreens typically contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which form a barrier that deflects harmful UV rays. However, they wash away more easily than synthetic sunscreens and therefore need topping up more often.

• Synthetic sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb and neutralise UV rays by chemically converting them into heat, which your body then releases. Synthetic sunscreen is more like a lotion, which doesn’t leave behind white residue after application.

Whatever your skin tone, try to look for a broad-spectrum face sunscreen, as these protect you against both UVA and UVB rays. Choosing an SPF 50 or higher sunscreen for your face will help you reduce the risk of premature skin ageing – and sunburn.

You should reapply face sunscreen every two hours. If you’re swimming, sweating, or towel drying, reapply straight afterwards. Even water-resistant sunscreens can lose their effectiveness over time, so regular reapplication is needed to reinforce your protection against UV rays and defend your skin’s health.

Your skincare routine should always include facial sunscreen, which you can apply in this order:

• Toner
• Serum
• Moisturiser
• Sunscreen
• Make-up primer or concealer

However, our new NIVEA SUN 2in1 Primer Daily UV Serum SPF 50+ can be applied once after your serum or moisturiser, replacing both sunscreen and make-up primer. It delivers immediate sun protection and instantly smoother skin to simplify your face care and make-up routine.

A sunscreen can maintain its sun protection qualities for about three years. However, you should always check the expiration date on the packaging. The best way to tell if the product is no longer effective or has expired is to check whether it has changed in colour, consistency, or smell.