As summer approaches, it’s time to shed light on one of the most crucial components of our skincare routine: sunscreen. While typically ignored, or pawned off as boring, as the sun’s rays grow stronger, protecting our skin becomes paramount (even in the UK!) Here are our top five SPF picks to keep you shielded and stylish all season long.
- Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40: This invisible hero boasts a weightless formula that provides powerful protection against UVA/UVB rays without leaving a trace. Perfect for all skin types, its oil-free texture glides on smoothly, creating a flawless canvas for makeup application. Packed with skin-loving antioxidants like vitamin E, it not only shields your skin from sun damage but also nourishes and hydrates for a radiant complexion.
- Clarins Invisible Gel-to-Oil Facial Sun Care UVA/UVB 30: Blurring the lines between skincare and sun protection, Clarins delivers a game-changer with this innovative gel-to-oil formula. Upon application, it transforms into a luxurious oil (don’t worry, it’s still oily skin friendly!) that melts seamlessly into the skin, providing broad-spectrum protection while imparting a luminous glow. Enriched with Clarins’ SunPlantComplex, it not only defends against UV radiation but also soothes and hydrates for a revitalised complexion.
- Heliocare 360 Fluid Cream Sunscreen: Elevate your sun protection game with Heliocare’s advanced fluid cream sunscreen. Formulated with Fernblock FC, a potent antioxidant extracted from a tropical fern, it offers comprehensive defence against UV radiation, photoaging, and environmental stressors. Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly, making it the perfect primer for makeup application. With SPF 360 protection, it’s the ultimate shield for sun-drenched days.
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 100: When it comes to maximum protection, La Roche-Posay delivers with their Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen. With an ultra-lightweight and non-greasy texture, it blends effortlessly into the skin providing broad-spectrum SPF 100 protection against UVA and UVB rays. Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, it’s ideal for outdoor activities while maintaining a comfortable feel on the skin.
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30: Experience hydration and sun protection in one with Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen. Infused with their signature Hydro Boost technology, it quenches thirsty skin while shielding it from the sun’s harmful rays. Its oil-free, non-comedogenic formula absorbs quickly, delivering long-lasting hydration without clogging pores. With SPF 30 protection, it’s the perfect everyday sunscreen for all skin types.
Why sunscreen is your skin’s best friend
Sunscreen isn’t just a seasonal accessory—it’s a skincare essential that should be incorporated into your daily routine year-round (yes, EVEN in Manchester’s gloomy winters). Exposure to UV radiation not only accelerates skin aging but also increases the risk of skin cancer, making sun protection a non-negotiable step in maintaining healthy, youthful skin. By wearing sunscreen daily, you not only shield your skin from sun damage but also reap a multitude of benefits, including:
- Prevention of sunburn and skin damage
- Reduction of hyperpigmentation and dark spots
- Prevention of premature ageing, including wrinkles and fine lines
- Protection against skin cancer and other sun-related diseases
Sunscreen: A beauty staple
Gone are the days when sunscreen was solely reserved for beach days. Today, sunscreen has earned its place in the beauty realm, with many formulations designed to be seamlessly integrated into your makeup routine. From lightweight primers with SPF to tinted moisturisers with sun protection, there are endless options for incorporating sunscreen into your beauty regimen. By layering sunscreen under or over makeup, you can ensure your skin stays protected without compromising your flawless look.
The rise of sunscreen awareness
Despite its undeniable importance, sunscreen usage is often overlooked, particularly in the UK where cloudy skies can deceive us into thinking we’re safe from UV rays. However, with growing awareness of sun-induced damage and its long-term effects on the skin, there has been a notable rise in sunscreen usage and sun care awareness. As consumers prioritize skin health and protection, the demand for high-quality sunscreens has surged, prompting brands to innovate and create advanced formulations that cater to diverse skincare needs.
Sunscreen is your skin’s best defence against the sun’s harmful rays, and with the top five SPF picks mentioned above, you can ensure your skin stays protected and radiant all summer long. By incorporating sunscreen into your daily skincare routine and makeup regimen, you not only shield your skin from sun damage but also maintain a healthy, youthful complexion for years to come. So, slather on that SPF and embrace the sun safely while looking your stylish best!
