Have you ever felt like the sun is burning you even when you are wearing sunscreen? Don’t worry, it’s not your mind: it’s your SPF doing its job.
It may sound paradoxical, but yes, sunscreen can raise your temperature. Although it may be uncomfortable in the middle of summer, it is a sign that your skin is receiving adequate protection. This is how several experts in dermocosmetics explain it to us, and here we tell you everything you need to know about this curious side effect.
SPF and the unexpected “warmth”
Although not all people notice it the same, the feeling of heat after applying sunscreen is quite common. Sometimes it feels like a slight embarrassment; others, as if you were wearing an invisible blanket on your skin. But it’s not imagination. According to dermocosmetics director Mireia Fernández, if you wear SPF, it is very likely that your body is dissipating heat, although you are not always fully aware of it.
And why is this? Basically, how sunscreens act on your skin.
How does sunscreen protect?
When you apply sunscreen, you are covering your skin with a layer of defense against UV radiation. In the case of chemical filters, what happens is a conversion process: the sun’s rays are transformed into heat that is then released harmlessly.
That is, it is not that the protector “generates” heat, but rather converts dangerous energy (UV rays) into harmless energy (heat). This is explained by professionals such as Raquel González (Byoode) and Patricia Garín (Boutijour), who highlight that this mechanism is key to avoiding burns and premature aging.
Do all sunscreens warm the same?
No. This is where the difference between chemical and physical filters comes in:
- Chemical filters: they slightly penetrate the skin and absorb UV radiation, transforming it into heat. They are the ones that usually generate the most sensation of increased temperature.
- Physical filters: Like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, act like a mirror, reflecting rays rather than absorbing them. Although they can also convert some energy into heat, they do so to a lesser extent.
In short: if you feel “warmer” with one protector than another, you are probably using one with chemical filters.
So…which one should you use?
Good question. The choice should not be based solely on the thermal sensation, but on what your skin needs.
Experts agree: both options offer effective protection from the sun. But if you have sensitive skin, prone to reactions or breakouts, physical filters may be gentler on you, since they do not penetrate the dermis.
The best? Many brands already offer mixed formulas, combining physical and chemical filters to take advantage of the best of both worlds.
Recommended products (with and without embarrassment included)
Here we leave you some interesting options for all skin types and preferences:
🌤️ Combined filters:
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Light Cream SPF 30 by Byoode
Light texture, without whitish residue. Contains titanium dioxide and chemical filters. Enriched with vitamin E and radish extract. -
Skin Tint Essence de Boutijour
Protective with color and soothing benefits. With chemical and mineral filters, as well as lotus water and bisabolol.
🧴 Physical filters:
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Perricone MD Photo-Brightening Moisturizer
Cream mousse with zinc oxide and vitamin C Ester. It evens out the tone and provides luminosity without irritating.
🔥 Chemical filters:
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Advanced Day Ultimate Protect by Medik8
Daily protector with anti-aging technology, advanced UV filters and hyaluronic acid. It even protects against blue light and pollution.
Heat is also a sign of protection
The next time you feel that heat when you go outside with your SPF on, don’t curse the sun. Think that your skin is safe. Because yes, it can be annoying, but it is a lesser evil compared to the risks of not protecting yourself.
And if you ever doubt, ask yourself:
Do I prefer a little warmth… or irreversible sun damage?
