The Daily Sun Creams You Need to Know About
Why it's never too early, or too late, to use a daily sun screen
With heatwaves incoming and school holidays on the horizon, it’s a concerning stat, and one that shows despite all the advice, many of us are yet to make SPF part of our daily routine – which is why so many adults and children still fall victim to sunburn.
But when there are so many on the market, what’s important to look for in a sunscreen and how do you find one that’s right for you, and all your family? Not all formulas suit everyone so it is definitely worth having more than one to hand to choose from, especially if some family members have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
It’s important to choose carefully for any kids in the family. Dermatologist and Ambassador for sun care brand Childs Farm, Dr Anita Sturnham, says: ‘Regardless of skin type, and age, although not on tiny babies under six months, a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen should be applied liberally and reapplied frequently, especially during prolonged outdoor exposure. The NHS guidelines recommend avoiding sunscreen on infants under six months, instead highlighting the importance of avoidance of any direct sunlight during this stage.’ She goes on to say that, ‘for children over six months, fragrance-free SPF products are advisable, and I would recommend those specifically formulated for sensitive skin.’
Childs Farm fragrance-free SPF 50+ sun care range is clinically proven to be kind to sensitive and eczema-prone skin, and is available in three formats; cream, spray and roll-on, making it a fuss-free product for less than cooperative little ones and easy to reapply on the go. Fast-absorbing and water-resistant but also with up to 24 hours of moisture, they’re ideal for family daily use.
As well as not ensuring our children are suitably protected with the right sun screen, another mistake we all make is applying too little, and not applying it often enough. Dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting, whose popular Dr Sam’s range includes a great Daily Sunscreen, recommends 2.5ml, or half a teaspoon for the full face and neck. ‘Hence the huge importance of finding one you actively like using or you’ll chronically under apply it,’ she says. For the whole body you are looking at six to eight teaspoons (basically a shot glass full). And if you are in the sun, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming.
Then there’s the kind of filters to go for. Mineral filters sit on top of the skin and both absorb and reflect the UV rays hitting our skin. Chemical filters are organic carbon compounds that absorb UV rays into the skin, converting them into heat which is then released. Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, while chemical sunscreens include ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone and octinoxate. Some formulas use both. Mineral sunscreen is thought to be more environmentally friendly as components such as oxybenzone, octinoxate and enzacamene have been proved to cause coral bleaching even at very low concentrations.
Anyone with acne-prone skin should not be tempted to skip SPF for fear of spots. ‘An SPF actually protects against post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, those pesky dark marks that spots leave behind,’ says Dr Sam. ‘The great news is non-clogging or non-comedogenic SPF is now readily available and they can be either chemical, physical or even hybrid.’
And for anyone suffering from rosacea, summer can be incredibly challenging. ‘UV rays are a common trigger for rosacea flares, as are ill-suited sunscreens which can irritate and aggravate redness,’ explains Dr Sam. ‘Mineral filters are the way forward so look for an SPF with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for gentle-but-mighty broad spectrum protection. A tint is great as it also helps mask any redness.’
So what about the importance of an SPF to protect against premature ageing? Any sun exposure will accelerate the ageing process and will speed up the breakdown of collagen and elastin. A daily application of SPF is non-negotiable for your face, even in dull, cloudy weather, and look for SPF with added extras when it comes to tackling fine lines, uneven skin tone, enlarged pores and rough texture; the hallmarks of sun damage. ‘The added benefit of niacinamide makes so much sense here,’ continues Dr Sam, ‘and consider partnering with a separate topical Vitamin C which synergises with your SPF for extra protection.’
New face formulas are designed to sit under makeup, feel like skincare and contain lots of ingredients to help improve the skin with use. Always look for a broad spectrum formula that has both UVA and UVB protection, a minimum of SPF 30, but preferably SPF50. An SPF50 offers 95 percent protection from UV whilst SPF30 comes in at 93 percent. The two percent difference may not sound like much but, over time, it does stack up. UVB rays are the ones that burn, but UVA rays make up 95 percent of UV light that reaches earth and, for clarity, UVA rays can penetrate glass so don’t think being inside all day makes you safe.
– Best Buys –
Best Under Make Up
MECCA To Save Face Matte Sun Serum SPF50+, £38
Offering invisible protection all day, every day, this non-sticky, lightweight sun serum is a primer and moisturiser and SPF in one. It’s mattifying finish is great for anyone with oily or combination skin.
Best for Body
Ultra Violette Bod Brigade Extreme Screen SPF50+, £55
This super-light sunscreen for hands and body is packed with moisturisers, is water resistant up to four hours, and has a little bit of glowy sheen built in too.
Best for All Over
Supergoop Play Everyday SPF50, £65
The Supergoop brand is constantly reinventing the SPF sphere with its innovative formulas and this lotion is no exception; offering high protection in an oh-so-silky gel texture for face and body. Completely invisible, it’s water and sweat-resistant, fast-absorbing and crammed with skin-nourishing extracts.
Best for Family
Child’s Farm Spray Sun Lotion SPF50, £12
Dermatologist and paediatrician approved, quick absorbing, clinically proven to be kind to young skin (even those with eczema), and with broad spectrum protection, this water-resistant formula is perfect for families.
Best for Skin Rejuvenation
Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen SPF50, £105
This formula is packed with UVA and UVB protection and also contains the brand’s signature TFC8 complex, a blend of natural amino acids, vitamins and peptides, which repairs and protects skin and encourages swifter cell renewal, especially post sun exposure.
Best Hydrating Hybrid Sunscreen
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50, £16.50
CeraVe’s dermatologist-approved lotion contains both chemical and mineral filters, whilst added ceramides keep skin hydrated, and niacinamide and vitamin E help restore the skin barrier and protect against fine lines.
Best for Acne Prone Skin
Eucerin Dermopurifyer SPF30, £19
Eucerin’s fluid cream, containing acne-fighting actives anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory decanediol and soothing licochalcane A, sinks into the skin without clogging pores, and protects skin whilst also working to lighten dark marks over time.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF50, £31
A cosmetically elegant broad-spectrum sunscreen with a soft-focus primer-like finish, it calms and coddles blemish-prone skin. Non-comedogenic and fragrance free, it contains 5 percent niacinamide to help prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
