I've always been into my skincare. (Ask any girl with hormonal acne and I'm sure she'll tell you the same). The desire to find that one wonder product started in my teenage years, where I'd spend hours lusting over the just-launched cleansers and shiny posts of moisturisers in the monthly glossies, while most weekends involved poring over the shelves in Boots deciding how to spend the £30 I'd earned from my Saturday job. (Which, for the record, actually happened to be in Boots.)
Since then, I've been lucky enough to try some of the best skincare products on the market and have created a routine that works for my skin and its needs. But I have to admit that my routine was distinctly lacking in one skincare product until a few years ago: SPF.
However, when you spend so much time chatting to celebrity facialists and dermatologists about the best ways to care for your complexion it soon becomes clear that skin experts unanimously agree that SPF is an integral part of any successful skincare routine. Yet so many of us choose to ignore it.
Personally, I think there are two main reasons for our hesitance around using a daily SPF. Firstly, the UK isn't exactly renowned for its amazing weather (especially during the winter months when you might not have seen the sun for weeks). It isn't normally until a heat wave rears its head on the weather forecast that we feel any kind of desire to start slapping on the sun protection on a daily basis. Secondly—between UVA and UVB protection, broad spectrums and star ratings—knowing what to look for when choosing an SPF can feel like a bit of a minefield to say the least.
So to help debunk the myths around SPF and get to the root of exactly why it is so important, I caught up with some skincare experts for the full lowdown. Keep scrolling for a foolproof guide to choosing the best sun protection for you and to shop the best SPF products out there.
1. SPF, UVA and UVB: What does it all mean?
Let's start with the basics, shall we? SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and, in the UK, is a measure of the amount of ultraviolet B radiation protection. Simply put, the higher the factor number, the higher the UVB protection.
UVA, on the other hand, stands for ultraviolet A radiation and can be measured by the star rating on UK sunscreens. The higher the star rating, the better the protection—with a five-star rating being the best.
If a sunscreen refers to itself as "broad spectrum" then this means that it offers both UVA and UVB protection. However, in the UK, if sunscreen has both an SPF rating and a star rating, then it will also protect you against both types of rays.
2. The difference between the rays
Understanding the difference between UVA and UVB rays feels a little like heading back to school for a science class. "They are different wavelengths of light," explained David Colbert, New York Dermatology Group founder and head physician. "The UVB waves burn and age the skin, the UVA waves penetrate deeper and tan the skin, and both waves damage collagen and age the skin."
UVA rays make up about 95% of the UV light that reaches us and are considered the largest threat to our skin. They're present whenever it's daylight—regardless of whether the sun is out or not—and can penetrate through glass. UVB rays, meanwhile, have a much smaller range but are responsible for the visible changes that you see to the surface of your skin—like burning.
While both UVA and UVB rays have been proven to play a role in skin cancer, UVA rays penetrate your skin much more deeply than UVB rays—eroding firmness, elasticity and causing wrinkles.
3. How much and how often?
There's plenty of conflicting advice about how much SPF to apply, but it's widely accepted that most of us just don't slather on enough of it. Official National Health Service guidelines advise using two teaspoons of sunscreen for your head, arms and neck, or two tablespoons for your entire body. But in case you don't want to treat your sun protection like you're baking a cake, Colbert says you can use SPF "just like a moisturiser—enough to lightly cover the skin."
When it comes to applying SPF, you should do so about 30 minutes before you head outside. I apply it as the last step in my skincare routine before doing my hair and makeup. However, if it's a summer's day, you're advised to reapply it just before you leave the house and every couple of hours that you're outside. If you really want to save time, then opt for beauty products that have SPF built in. There are plenty of moisturisers, foundations, lip balms and hair sprays that are formulated with sun protection so you don't have to worry about applying it separately. However, you shouldn't rely on SPF in makeup such as foundation, for example, as you'd need to apply a lot of it to get enough SPF protection. So, it's always best to use a dedicated SPF before make-up.
Now, for the most important question—do we need to wear SPF every day in the UK? "I'd say if it's a rainy day, you could skip it," Colbert cautiously advised. "However, we're exposed to UV rays even on a cloudy day." If you're cautious about ageing, Colbert advises wearing an SFP 30 daily. "If you introduce SPF as part of your daily routine, you'll escape the ageing rays of the sun and your skin will age at a slower rate."
The Best SPF Products For Summer, Listed:
1. Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30
2. Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 30
3. Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying SPF 50+
4. Supergoop! Glow Screen SPF30
5. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser SPF 30
6. Glossier Invisible Shield SPF50
7. Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF50+
8. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser SPF 30
9. Bumble and bumble Hairdressers Invisible Oil Primer
10. Lanolips Tinted SPF30 Balm
11. Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defence SPF 30
12. iS Clinical Perfectint Powder SPF 40
13. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ SPF30 with Niacinamide
14. Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 40
15. Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Suncare Emulsion SPF 30
16. Pai British Summer Time Zinc
Cotton Extract SPF 30 Sensitive Sunscreen
17. La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid Suncream SPF50+
18. Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50
19. Dr. Sam's Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF50
20. Perricone MD Fg Cpp+ Moisturiser Broad Spectrum SPF
21. Garnier Ambre Solaire Ultra-Light Sensitive Sun Protection Face Fluid SPF50
22. Lumene Nordic Ageless [Ajaton] Radiant Youth Day Cream SPF30
Keep scrolling for 22 of the best SPF products for summer...
1. Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30
SPFs get a bad rap for being heavy and greasy—but not this one. If you have oily skin or are prone to breakouts during warm weather, then you'll be reaching for this mattifying SPF all summer. It's lightweight and leaves skin with a soft-matte finish that's perfect on its own or under makeup too.
Pros: Absorbs excess oil for a shine-free finish.
Cons: Won't be hydrating enough for dry skin types.
2. Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 30
This innovative tinted SPF from Milk Makeup delivers sun protection and glowy skin in one handy rollerball tube. I like how completely fuss-free this is to use: just scribble it on, blend it in with fingertips and rest easy knowing that your skin is not only protected but looks good too.
Pros: A multipurpose product that evens tone, protects skin and makes skin look so dewy and fresh.
Cons: Oily complexions might find this too sheeny.
3. Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying SPF 50+
Australian SPFs have to live up to some pretty strict regulations and standards—so they really are the best of the best. This one from Aussie brand Ultra Violette does double duty as a makeup primer and skin tint.
Pros: Great for sensitive or reactive skin.
Cons: The texture is slightly thick so does require some blending in.
4. Supergoop! Glow Screen SPF30
Giving my other favourite SPFs a run for their money is this glow-boosting daily sunscreen from Supergoop. I'm a huge fan of anything that has the ability to brighten my skin when it looks dull, and this offers major radiance with the added bonus of sun protection.
Pros: This makes skin look incredible! It's so brightening and perfect for no makeup days.
Cons: Wish that it came in an SPF50 version too.
5. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser SPF 30
Way more than just a moisturiser, this pigmented formula from Nars provides coverage, hydration and broad-spectrum sun protection in one handy tube. It's oil-free, so it won't cause congestion for spot-prone skin types but still brings plenty of glow to dehydrated complexions.
Pros: Great coverage and shade range for a tinted moisturiser.
Cons: If you're using it purely for sun protection you'd have to apply it quite liberally so wouldn't last long.
6. Glossier Invisible Shield SPF50
A clear water-gel formula with no residue or white cast, this lightweight daily sunscreen not only protects against UVA and UVB rays but also pollution and external aggressors.
Pros: This is absolutely undetectable on the skin and perfect for all skin tones.
Cons: It's not the most moisturising formula so dry skin types may not love it.
7. Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF50+
SPF historically has a bad rep for being thick, heavy, and chalky, but Bondi Sands really impress with their lightweight, skincare-first formulas. This serum-like SPF sinks instantly into the skin, looking and feeling totally invisible, and delivering a boost of hydration—all while protecting your skin with SPF 50+.
Pros: A great affordable SPF.
Cons: I'd love a bigger bottle!
8. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser SPF 30
I went through a phase of forgoing foundation entirely in favour of this tinted moisturiser. Described as a lightly tinted day cream, I feel like it provides pretty decent coverage and the kind of dewy finish that you'd normally only achieve after a facial. The fact that it also boasts an SPF of 30 is just an added bonus.
Pros: So hydrating and makes skin look really fresh and healthy.
Cons: There are a fair amount of shades to choose from, but could benefit from even more options for deeper skin tones.
9. Bumble and bumble Hairdressers Invisible Oil Primer
If you aren't a hat person, protecting your scalp and hair from the sun is no mean feat. Thankfully, this protective primer from Bumble and Bumble offers up protection against UV rays and heat styling. Just spray it onto damp or dry hair and you're good to go.
Pros: Fuss-free and easy to use.
Cons: If you have oily roots then this might be too rich.
10. Lanolips Tinted SPF30 Balm
If like me, you've ever experienced sunburnt lips, then you'll be all too familiar with the importance of protecting your pout. This natural balm from Bali Body contains nourishing oils to care for dry lips while shielding them from damaging rays. I also swear by the brand's new Face Tan Water for achieving a safe golden glow without having to step one foot outside in the sun.
Pros: The perfect wash of sheer, glossy colour.
Cons: Even more shades please!
11. Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defence SPF 30
After recently running out of my go-to SPF, I decided to give this stuff a go. I'm a big fan of Drunk Elephant anyway and was really pleased with how well this SPF layered under makeup.
Pros: Non-irritating SPF that protects the skin well.
Cons: The texture is on the thicker side.
12. iS Clinical Perfectint Powder SPF 40
A trusted brand for SPF, this not-so-average suncare product comes in a handy powder form that you can brush on to top up your SPF protection throughout the day.
Pros: So handy for making sure your skin is protected all day long—and leaves skin looking velvety smooth.
Cons: It's expensive.
13. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ SPF30 with Niacinamide
Free from breakout-triggering ingredients, this lightweight and non-comedogenic gel-cream is a great option for sensitive and acne-prone skin types who are looking for sun protection that won't cause irritation. Plus, it has the added bonus of gently exfoliating clogged pores and minimising the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Pros: Perfect for spot-prone complexions.
Cons: If you don't deal with breakouts you can probably skip this one.
14. Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 40
An impressively high SPF for a foundation, this lightweight base product combines all the hydrating benefits of a serum with the coverage of a tinted moisturiser. Plus, your skin will be protected from the sun's rays at the same time.
Pros: High sun protection and impressive coverage—this makes skin look so good!
Cons: It's. a bit pricey.
15. Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Suncare Emulsion SPF 30
This prep step not only smooths pores and evens skin tone, but it also protects your skin from the sun and the damaging effects of city living.
Pros: A great option if you live somewhere with lots of pollution or in a built-up area.
Cons: It's slightly tinted, although it does blend in well.
16. Pai British Summer Time Zinc Cotton Extract SPF 30 Sensitive Sunscreen
Sensitive complexions will delight in this gentle formula from Pai. It feels incredibly soothing when applied, keeps redness at bay, and blocks UVA and UVB rays.
Pros: If you find some sunscreens irritating then this is a brilliant option.
Cons: It has a slight scent that not everyone will love.
17. La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid Suncream SPF50+
Regarded as just about one of the best SPFs out there, this affordable, lightweight formula really veils the skin for a natural-looking finish.
Pros: A beauty editor favourite—this is a great does-it-all sunscreen.
Cons: The formula is quite runny so be careful when applying it.
18. Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50
Possibly the chicest SPF product for summer that I've ever tried, this lightweight sunscreen not only provides deep hydration via hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, but it almost imparts a silky veil onto skin—leaving it looking impossibly smooth and and radiant.
Pros: All of the ingredients of a top moisturiser with the protection of a the best SPFs.
Cons: It's a luxury product with a price tag to match.
19. Dr. Sam's Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF50
This weightless skin-finishing SPF delivers simultaneous protection and glow thanks to zinc oxide, titanium dioxidae, and squalane. What's more, it's available in both tinted and an untinted formula.
Pros: Available in 4 stretchable shades.
Cons: Oily complexions might find it too glowy.
20. Perricone MD Fg Cpp+ Moisturiser Broad Spectrum SPF
Vitamin C, copper peptides, and SPF are combined in this hydrating day cream, which works hard to protect and brighten skin.
Pros: Perfect for more mature skin, or those that need some extra hydration.
Cons: It's so expensive.
21. Garnier Ambre Solaire Ultra-Light Sensitive Sun Protection Face Fluid SPF50
Proving that affordable formulas can be every bit as good as their more expensive counterparts, this weightless sunscreen helps to protect skin from dark spots while vitamin E and hyaluronic acid replenish hydration.
Pros: Well-priced and sinks effortlessly into the skin.
Cons: Don't love the bottle.
22. Lumene Nordic Ageless [Ajaton] Radiant Youth Day Cream SPF30
![Lumene Nordic Ageless [ajaton] Radiant Youth Day Cream Spf30 50ml](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/giG4fYyuLksCGD4emQ3VoH-1920-80.jpg.webp)
When it comes to achieving fresh, healthy-looking skin, Finnish skincare brand Lumene are one of my favourite brands. Their formulas are affordable, but efficacious and this daily moisturiser is one of the best products in their lineup. Designed to boost radiance, protect skin via antioxidants and broad-spectrum sun protection, and smooth uneven texture, it's a brilliant all-rounder and truly improves skin's glow.
Pros: One of the best mosturisers around regardless of sun protection.
Cons: Best suited to drier skin types.
This story was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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