Sun protection is no doubt the absolute best thing you can do for your skin. It prevents premature ageing which includes sunspots, fine lines and deep wrinkles. It is also the prevention of deadly skin cancers.
Many people think you only need to apply SPF on hot days or when they are going to the beach, or when they are heading outdoors all day. Sunscreen should be applied every day, on cloudy days included! UV radiation exposure is there every single day, even on cloudy cool days. It is so important to protect the skin from these damaging rays every day and every season.
How does SPF work?
SPF works by stopping the UV rays from penetrating the skin. Hence this stops the skin from being damaged. 90% of skin cancers are a result of UV damage and premature ageing. So SPF is an essential part of any effective skincare regime.
What are the types of SPF's
There are two types of sunscreens that you can use to protect your skin,
Physical and Chemical,
Physical sunscreens sit on top of the skin, using active minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect the UV rays. These are natural or mineral sunscreens.
Chemical sunscreens work like a sponge, absorbing the UV rays. They contain one or more of the following active ingredients, oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, or octinoxate. These sunscreens tend to be easier to rub into your skin without leaving a white residue.
Sunscreen has come such a long way, and gone are the days of the white thick creams. We now have access to the most advanced sunscreens for all of the different skin types and concerns.
You can now choose the best sunscreen for your skin based on your concern, so besides protecting the skin from harsh UV rays, it will also treat your skin concern with the added active ingredients. So let's take a look at my top picks for each skin concern!
My number one SPF for the outdoors
Water-resistant (80 minutes), Broad Spectrum sun protection for face and body. This sheer solar protection treatment defends against skin damage from UV light and environmental assault.
Oleosome microspheres help enhance performance and counteract moisture loss triggered by extended daylight exposure. Lightweight formula helps neutralise damage and bind moisture to skin without a greasy after-feel.
For Dry skin with ageing concerns, I would recommend
This sheer daily moisturiser delivers SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.
The modernised formula with Digital Aging Defense helps to fight against the effects of blue light and environmental skin stressors. The lightweight formulation has you covered for indoors, outdoors or in high sun exposure
For those who have pigmentation concerns, I have two amazing choices
Moisturiser with SPF50 and skin-hydrating Safflower Oil uses Brown Algae to help combat oxidative stress caused by air pollution. Niacinamide helps reduce the appearance of uneven pigmentation and balance skin tone. Ultra-hydrating Hyaluronic Acid works with a plant-based polysaccharide to help strengthen skin's moisture barrier, reducing the appearance of fine lines. Licorice Root Extract and Bisabolol help soothe the skin.
Mesoprotech complex combines physical and chemical UVB+UVA with biological filters. Collagen pro shield helps prevent the visible signs of premature ageing. Pigment system helps prevent the appearance of sunspots and favours a more even and brighter tone. Its ultra-fluid texture contains pigments to avoid leaving a white residue, minimise imperfections and provide a light, natural tone.
For oily and acne-prone skin types these are my favourite
A sheer, mattifying moisturiser that spreads easily and evenly for a shine-free finish. The soft matte texture makes it ideal for daily use and preps the skin for an all-day glow.
Sensitive skins should look for physical sunscreens
Physical Sunscreen is a high-performance SPF 50+ sunscreen that provides powerful broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Up to 80% of premature visible skin ageing is caused by exposure to UV rays,* so keeping skin protected from the sun is the key to looking youthful for longer.
Men Iove a lighter more matte finish
A lightweight, non-greasy facial sunscreen crafted with naturally derived zinc oxide for UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection, and Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to soothe and nourish. Presented as a convenient roll-on balm, ideal for travelling, offering smooth and easy application resulting in a satin-matte finish with 2 hours water resistance.
Medik8’s ultimate day cream! Advanced Day Ultimate Protect features sun protection, elevated with next-generation DNA repair enzymes and our most advanced 360° environmental shield, ever.
The beautifully hydrating cream leaves the complexion with an invisible protective shield ready for the day ahead. The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced, skin is infused with long-lasting hydration, with future signs of ageing kept at bay.
