We all know that sun damage is the main cause of skin ageing and during the summer months, we should all be wearing a dedicated SPF every day; ideally SPF50! We should choose suncare products that state that they are a Broad Spectrum formula (UVA & UVB). You want to protect from both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays. That way you’re reducing your skin cancer risk as well as preventing lasting, ageing sun damage. If you use peels and glycolic treatments, these will make your skin more sensitive to the sun so you need to take extra care to ensure you are properly protected.
Sunscreen formulas have been getting increasingly lighter which makes them much nicer to use. No more hair-stuck-to-face situations!
The facial sunscreens listed below are my top picks. They are all non-oily and give a lovely finish and texture and are great for all skin types. They all
Come in compact bottles too!
I love the Anthelios range of La Roche-Posay. This is one of my favourite, most-used products from the range. It’s very lightweight, non-greasy and doesn’t leave a white sheen. The cream is quite runny but is quickly absorbed and gives an invisible finish. Great under daily make-up.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra Light Fluid SPF50+ 50ml
£14.00 (usually £16.50)
This is my go-to daily moisturiser during the summer months. Alpha-H recently changed the packaging to include a handy pump dispenser which is more hygienic. The texture is light and non-greasy but not too matte either. This isn’t chalky but it does initially leave a white cast on the face which quickly disappears. An excellent base under make-up!
Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF 50 50ml
£29.00
Institut Estherderm products don’t work with the usual SPF rating. Their suncare products help your skin adapt to the sun and protect itself rather than the traditional method of blocking the rays. Clever stuff!
Photo Regul helps to regulate melanin production so you can get a light tan without increasing any patchy pigmentation you may already have. The texture is lovely and has a pleasant scent. After using this daily during a 2 week break to sunny Croatia, I returned with a light even glow and no increased brown patches on my top lip and forehead.
Institut Esthederm Photo Regul Face Cream 50ml
£55.00
Avene’s High Protection Emulsion is excellent! Incredibly light on application, matte finish and very water resistant. It’s also non-comedogenic so great for your back and chest if you find sun creams bring you out in spots in those areas. It has been formulated for very fair, hypersensitive skins (although it suits all skin types) so really good if you burn easily/are very fair. I love the handy pump dispenser tube too!
Avene Sun Care Very High Protection Sun Emulsion SPF50+ 50ml
£16.00
This one is the most moisturising of the lot. A pleasant fragrance and a light texture. It can look a little greasy after application but this soon disappears leaving your skin soft and protected.
Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream For Face Very High Protection UVB 50+ 75ml
Author: Sarah McMillan