When it comes to sunscreen, you may be wondering if there is a difference between face and body sunscreen.
The short answer is yes, there is a difference!
Some may claim that the only difference between face and body sunscreen is that face sunscreen comes in smaller containers and is more expensive. That’s certainly true, but there are usually other major differences too!
Face sunscreen is typically lighter in texture and is less likely to contain harsh, irritating ingredients. The skin on our faces is much more sensitive and delicate than the skin covering our body, and as a result, facial sunscreens are formulated to be more gentle.
Body sunscreen tends to be much heavier and greasier than facial sunscreens. This is because the skin on our bodies is less sensitive than the skin on our faces and can usually handle more ingredients that wouldn’t do well the face.
These thicker, heavier sunscreen formulas can also make you feel sweatier than lighter-weight formulas. But, the greasier composition is what allows body sunscreen to spread so easily across the skin.
Face Sunscreen Have Other Benefits Too
Many face sunscreen don’t just feature gentler ingredients – they also have bonus additives like antioxidants. Some may even have a soft tint that allows the sunscreen to double as a foundation, with some formulas offering a matting effect too that gives an elegant, done-up look.
Face sunscreen is often designed to work well under makeup and is less likely to pill. Many face sunscreens also are formulated to not have a white cast – whereas most folks don’t care much if there is some white cast on their body skin.
What Will Happen if I Use Body Sunscreen on My Face?
While using body sunscreen on your face will not hurt in a pinch, it can cause some side effects like acne breakouts and clogged pores. If you have sensitive skin, the harsher formula of a body sunscreen may also cause redness and irritation.
While many individuals will suffer breakouts, irritation, or even experience a burning sensation if they use body sunscreen on their face, other individuals can handle even greasier body sunscreen formulas on their face just fine.
It largely depends on how sensitive your skin is.
What Will Happen If I Use Face Sunscreen on My Body?
Using face sunscreen on your body is perfectly fine and will not cause any adverse reactions. In fact, some may prefer using face sunscreen on their bodies if they have especially sensitive skin, where they can even breakout or get rashes on their arms and legs when using standard body sunscreen.
Of course, since face sunscreen comes in smaller, more expensive bottles, using face sunscreen on your body can end up costing you a pretty penny!
When it comes to sunscreen, there is a difference between face and body sunscreen – but that doesn’t mean one can’t be used as a substitute for the other if you’re in a squeeze. If you have sensitive skin, however, it’s best to stick to using the sunscreen that is meant for your face on your face, and the sunscreen that is meant for your body on your body. That way you can avoid any potential irritation or breakouts.
Have you ever used face sunscreen on your body or vice versa? Let us know in the comments below!
