Best Sunscreens for the Ultimate Protection

Summer is well and truly upon us and whether we are braving the city’s poolside hotspots and beaches, or taking shelter indoors wherever we can, chances are you will be facing the sun’s rays at some point during your day – even hopping to and from your car, there is no escape! It’s virtually impossible to beat the heat completely in our day-to-day lives and so our thoughts turn to staying safe in the sun at all times, in all places.

 

A true all-year-round essential in your beauty kit is undoubtedly SPF and we cannot stress how important it is to keep yourself equipped with this skincare saviour to protect against the harmful and ageing effects of UV rays. This staple should be applied to your skin as frequently as your daily face moisturiser – yes really!

 

SPF, meaning ‘Sun Protection Factor’ measures a sunscreen’s protection against the sun’s harmful rays – a radiation that mainly affects the outer layers of the skin causing sunburn, premature ageing of the skin and skin cancer. Thus, the importance of SPF making the cut into your beauty arsenal is seriously high.

 

You may have also heard the term ‘Broad Spectrum’ where sunscreen is concerned and this is also something you should look out for before making your SPF purchase. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen has many advantages.  It protects from the effects of UVA filters which can cause premature skin aging including fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and other skin discolouration. UVA can also pass through window glass and penetrate deep into layers of the skin, meaning it is equally important to wear sunscreen daily, even when you are not going outside. UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn and are particularly damaging to the skin’s outer layer.

 

Luckily there are a huge selection of SPF’s now available on the market dependent upon your own skin type and needs.

 

For Mature Skin: Filorga UV Bronze Face SPF 50+

For Sensitive Skin: Uriage Barisun SPF 50+

For Fair Skin: Obagi Nu-Derm Sun Shield Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 50 - Cool

For Oily / Combination Skin: ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+

For City Life: Lierac Sunissime SPF 30 Fluid

For All Skin Types: Labo Transdermic Fluid Base SPF 50+

 

 

• Ideally apply your SPF to your face and body 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and make it a part of your daily routine after showering.
• Massage the cream into your skin leaving plenty of time to absorb.
• Always remember to re-apply your chosen SPF generously every two hours to maintain protection, especially after swimming.