Can I use the same sunscreen for my face and body?

Face and body sunscreen: are they the same? Whether for convenience, to carry fewer things in your bag, to save money or simply through lack of knowledge, many people use the same sun cream for face and body. We explain why you are doing it wrong.

Can you use the same sunscreen on the face and body?

This is, without doubt, one of the questions you ask us most often. Although both are moisturising, include sun protection and are specific to each skin type, they are not suitable for both face and body.

Our skin needs different products depending on the area where we are going to apply them. Why? Very simple: because the dermis on the face is more sensitive than that of the body.

Facial sunscreen

And what happens if I use body cream on my face? Besides not following your routine correctly, you are applying products to your skin that do not hydrate and protect it enough, for example. This can also lead to acne breakouts or dryness.

In the case of facial sun creams, the texture is usually lighter and rich in antioxidants, UV filters and specific agents that cover needs such as acne, pigmentation or ageing.

Body sunscreen

In the case of body sun creams, things vary. Their texture is usually denser and thicker, formulated with ingredients such as DMAE (firming agents), UV filters, moisturising and anti-ageing agents, but with a lower concentration than facial sunscreen.

They may even contain fragrances that can be irritating for the face and cause skin reactions.

Why not use the same sunscreen for face and body?

As we mentioned at the beginning of the post, using the same product can lead to acne breakouts, which appear when pores become blocked and the skin cannot breathe.

Another effect is dull skin, without its natural glow and tone, as well as lack of hydration, because body cream does not provide enough hydration for the face.

There may even be an excess of lipids and a lack of antioxidants and filters that facial skin needs to combat the effects we mentioned earlier: ageing, dark spots, sun protection and more.

For all these reasons, the best sunscreen for face and body is a different one for each area.

So what should you do? Yes, we know it is a nuisance to prepare your bag for the beach or pool and have to add one sunscreen for the face and another for the body. But, as the saying goes, no pain, no gain, right?

So leave laziness aside, choose your favourite facial and body sunscreen, take advantage of the offers and apply it before leaving home, keep it in your bag and reapply whenever necessary.

We promise you will soon get used to carrying two sunscreens and a sun care product, and it will no longer feel like a chore. Your skin will thank you.