Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which SPF to use?

Sunscreens are available in four different levels of protection: low (factor 6 to 10), medium (15 to 25), high (30 to 50) and very high (50+). The higher the protection factor the better your skin is protected, but it’s important to apply the product thoroughly (be careful not to miss any bits) and to reapply it generously every two hours.

Can sunscreen clog my pores and lead to breakouts?

Some people with oily and acne-prone skin are concerned that sunscreen will worsen their symptoms and avoid sun protection altogether. Specially formulated products such as Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Oil Control SPF 30 are designed to manage oily and acne-prone skin conditions. The ultra-light formula has a sebum-regulating Oil Control technology with L-Carnitine and absorbing micro-particles. It leaves an immediate dry touch finish and a long-lasting anti-shine effect of up to eight hours. 

My skin is acne-prone. Do I need special suncare?

Yes. Effective sun protection is essential for all skin types and it’s particularly important for acne-prone skin for a number of reasons:

1. To protect against hyperpigmentation: When skin tissue is injured − as is the case with blemishes and acne − an excessive amount of melanin (skin pigment) can accumulate in one area. This surplus melanin remains after the spot has healed leaving a pigmentation mark. These pigmentation marks are particularly susceptible to the sun and the right sun protection will help to prevent them from darkening and becoming more noticeable.
2. To prevent skin from drying out: Oily skin still needs moisture. Over exposure to the sun causes it to dry out and the sebaceous glands (which products the sebum that gives skin the oil it needs) go into overdrive. This excess sebum is one of the key stages in the development of blemishes. When skin dries out its external layers harden and this can get in the way of the natural skin-shedding process. Dead skin can build up, block pores and exacerbate acne.

It’s also important to be aware that some acne medication and skin peels can make skin more sensitive to the sun and more susceptible to sun-induced skin damage. The Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Oil Control formula is ideal for use on skin that has been sensitized by medication or a peel but we recommend that you use Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Oil Control SPF 50+. The higher SPF will give your skin the protection it needs.
Both the SPF 30 and the SPF 50+ are also ‘non-comedogenic’, which means they don’t contain ingredients that might block pores and trigger blemishes. 

The ultra-light formula has a sebum-regulating Oil Control technology with L-Carnitine and absorbing micro-particles. It leaves an immediate dry touch finish and a long-lasting anti-shine effect of up to eight hours.

Why do I need to integrate sun face care into my daily routine?

Facial skin is more sensitive to UVA/UVB radiation and HEVIS light than skin on the rest of the body as it is exposed to sun all year round. Sun protection can help you avoid the cellular DNA damage caused by UV, photoaging (premature aging caused by the sun) and hyperpigmentation. It is important to protect facial skin whenever it is exposed to the sun.

Can I use sunscreen and make-up?

Yes. Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Oil Control SPF 30 is suitable for use under make-up. Both liquid and powder-based make-up can be safely applied over the sunscreen without affecting its protection. 

What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?

UVA rays penetrate the deeper layers of skin. They stimulate the production of free radicals that cause oxidative stress and can lead to indirect DNA damage. UVA rays are most commonly associated with photoaging (premature skin aging caused by the sun). They can also trigger sun allergies such as Polymorphous Light Eruption (PLE). UVB rays can also provoke allergies, but to a lesser degree.

UVB rays provide the energy your skin needs to make Vitamin D and stimulate the production of melanin which is responsible for tanning. They don’t travel as deeply as UVA rays, penetrating only the outermost layers of skin, but they cause more immediate damage such as sunburn. UVB rays are directly absorbed by cellular DNA which can lead to skin diseases such as actinic keratosis and skin cancer.
Both types of UV rays can induce hyperpigmentation and may contribute to conditions such as sun spots (also known as age spots) and melasma.

What is high-energy visible light and why does my skin need to be protected from it?

The sunlight spectrum consists of UV, visible and infrared light. Visible sunlight can be detected by the human eye, while the others remain invisible. Part of this visible spectrum has a high energy level and is known as high-energy visible light. It is also referred to as HEVIS light, HEV Light, HEVL and sometimes ‘blue light’ or ‘blue violet light’

Like UVA rays, HEVIS light penetrates the deeper layers of skin (the dermis) and can generate free radicals. These free radicals are one of the main causes of photoaging (premature skin aging caused by the sun). They interfere with skin cells and break down the collagen and elastin that gives our skin its plump, youthful appearance. HEVIS light has also been linked to uneven skin pigmentation and melasma.

Many modern sunscreens offer effective protection against UVA and UVB rays, but we recommend that you look out for products that also defend against the negative effects of HEVIS light. These products will give your skin reliable protection from photoaging and, in the long run, can also help to combat visible signs of skin aging such as wrinkles.