By Holly O'Neill
21st Jul 2019
21st Jul 2019
Whether you’re oily, dry, acne-prone or sunscreen-averse, there’s an SPF for everyone.
The number one tip I hear from dermatologists is to wear sunscreen. Not to use charcoal in a mask on a Sunday. Not to introduce sheet masks into your routine. Not to frequently apply eye cream. The best thing you can do for your skin is to wear sunscreen every single day. Sorry, I don’t make the rules.
Now, the scary news. Mortality rates for some individual cancers, notably melanoma of the skin, show ongoing or recent increases. Almost 11,000 invasive skin cancers were diagnosed per year in Ireland between 2011 and 2015, with the equivalent of 30 skin cancer diagnoses daily. That doesn’t mean you should avoid the sun though. It’s also really good for you! Sunshine boosts your serotonin production to stabilise your mood, plus gives you a hit of vitamin D for keeping your bones strong, plus can improve acne, psoriasis and eczema. Just make sure you’re protected with a broad spectrum SPF.
Sunscreens have seen some crazy innovation is the last few years. The phrase “white residue” can become extinct. Formulas are light, cooling, easy to apply, never chalky. They come ready for all skin types and some have skincare benefits, like anti-ageing properties or acne-fighting powers. So no excuses. Make a sunscreen part of your daily routine, not just during this heatwave but every single day. These new options below, are some of the best.
Caudalie Beautifying Suncare Oil SPF30, €23.50
Did you know that every year 14,000 tons of suncare end up in coral reefs? Two chemical filters known as oxybenzone and octinoxate are found in many sun care products and are toxic to them. Caudalie’s new broad spectrum range of milky, creamy and oil sun care products are not only ocean safe and filter-free but come in recyclable packaging.
Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sun Care, €23
The new range from Clarins is also ocean-safe, conveniently tiny enough for even the most mini of Jacquemus micro bags and comes in adorable recycled plastic packaging. Plus, all the new Clarins sun protection are water and sweat proof, non-sticky and easily spreadable.
Skingredients 04 Skin Shield, €42
Jennifer Rock’s game-changing new skincare range Skingredients includes a gorgeous sunscreen. It’s a mineral SPF that’s safe for babies, is really light on the skin, causes no eye-stinging, protects from blue light from your devices and has a boost of niacinamide and vitamin E too. However, the best part is the peachy tint that makes the skin look dewy without make-up and works as a gorgeous primer underneath make-up too.
Related: the evidence you need to start using sunscreen every day
Bioderma Photoderm Max Spray SPF50+, €19.75
Suitable for all skin types including sensitive, this is colourless, doesn’t stain and protects from sun damage while reducing the risk of premature ageing.
Vichy Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water, €21.50
This is a joy to use. It’s everything you need at the beach. It’s a light cooling mist that sand doesn’t stick to, that water doesn’t shift (but make sure to reapply regularly and after swimming) and that leaves the skin feeling moisturised but not sticky. Hyaluronic acid in the formula plumps the skin and retains moisture and it’s suitable for sensitive skin. A beach bag must-have.
Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance SPF 50+, €20
For the acne-prone, the Avène Cleanance suncare range is the only sun care to protect from the sun while fighting your spots, thanks to monolaurin, an ingredient that prevents excess sebum by targeting the cells that produce it. Your existing blemishes are also defended from the production of melanin that causes them to darken. A true gamechanger.
Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50+, €32
This is weightless on the sun while leaving a dewy, hydrating finish, is conveniently back-pocket sized and protects against pollution as well as UVA and UVB rays.
Sisley SUNLEŸA G.E. Global Anti-Ageing Sun Care SPF30, €143.85
Though it’s on the pricier end of the scale, this not only offers protection from the sun but has anti-ageing powers, reducing fines lines and firming and smoothing the skin, allowing you to cut out your anti-ageing serum for this two-in-one hero.
IMAGE Skincare PREVENTION+ Sport Sunscreen Spray SPF 50, €46.50
This protects from UVA, UVB and IRA with bonus oils that leave the skin extra-soft.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Shaka Ultra-Light Fluid SPF50+, €19.50
This is soothing on the skin with no greasiness, water, sweat and rub resistance, plus if you’re prone to prickly-heat, this is specifically formulated for you, and for normal to combination skin that is prone to sensitivity and sun intolerance.
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50, €58.95
This 100% mineral sunscreen defends you from pollution, blue light and UVA and UVB rays, prevents premature ageing, leaves no grey residue and leaves a pearly, luminous radiance on the skin. Get a hit of skincare benefits too thanks to vitamin A ,C and E, which work to reduce pigmentation and free radical damage, while brightening skin and building collagen.
P20 Travel Size Spray SPF50, €9.95
P20 offers strong, long-lasting protection, even in water, with solid protection against UVA and UVB rays. It absorbs quickly and is transparent, so it’s perfect for a fussing child, but be sure to reapply regularly.
Hate greasy sunscreens and the thought of sand on the skin? Meet the next generation in sun care – this unique spray applicator sprays one million droplets of a non-sticking, water-like formula. It feels fresh and velvet-soft on the skin, reduces your body temperature by 2.6 degrees, and gives up to eight hours of hydration.
Photography by Clarins via Instagram.
Read more: Everything to know about SPF from a dermatologist and photobiologist
Read more: The correct way to apply sunscreen and the best ones to buy
Read more: The making of a skincare range with Jennifer Rock, creator of Skingredients
Also Read
