Things are finally hotting up in the UK so it's a good job that we've been trialing the most effective sun protection creams so you don't have to. Sheer, clear, and coral-reef friendly, the following sun screens for face and body are worth your pennies.
In a survey conducted by Bupa, it reports that that 38 million Brits admit to not applying sun cream while in the UK. As astonishing as this statistic is, we are not surprised. Whilst us beauty editors implore people to recognise sunscreen as an essential pillar of your skincare regime, finding the right SPF can be very confusing.
Sun protection creams will help to keep your skin protected from sun damage as well as minimise the ageing effects of the sun (along with a large hat and seeking shade, of course). Brands have modernised sun lotion into new, less Casper-the-ghost like formulas and they are better than ever. Here is everything you need to know about SPF and the new tried and tested sun creams the Telegraph beauty team swear by.
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect skin from UVA and UVB rays, the kind of radiation that causes sunburn, damages skin, and can contribute to skin cancer. "The latest development in UV protection is that it is more than just sun screen," says Dr Tom Mammone, Vice President Skin Physiology and Pharmacology Clinique. "The topical use of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories are boosting SPF values and help protect skin," advises Mammone.
"There are two types of sun protection filters - chemical filters and physical filters," advises dermatologist Dr Emma Wedgeworth. Chemical filters absorb UV rays like a sponge, thereby reducing the risk of cellular damage. Physical filters act to reflect and scatter UV.
"Broad-spectrum coverage, i.e. both UVA and UVB, is recommended for all skin types and should be in the range of SPF 15-30 for both lighter and darker skin tones," advises Mammone. Those who have a darker skin tone require less protection from UVB rays (which causes burning), they still need adequate UVA to protect against skin cancer and ageing. Invest the time in finding a formulation that feels comfortable on your skin, and wear it daily.
As a rule of thumb, you should always wear SPF 30 or above, as anything less, you are at risk of considerable sun damage. "The SPF value is calculated using coverage of 2mg/cm^2 of product on the skin which is actually far less than what most of us apply," advises Wedgeworth. Therefore the actual amount of protection you get is likely to be a fraction of the figure on the bottle.
To ensure you are getting the right dose of SPF, you should apply a teaspoon to every limb, with a generous amount to your face. Be aware that the SPF only tells you how much UVB protection a product affords, so make sure the product you choose also has good UVA protection, which is usually on the front or back label.
UVA star rating is very important and should be considered when finding the right SPF for you. The star rating measures the amount of ultraviolet A radiation (UVA) protection. You should see a star rating of up to five stars on all UK sunscreens on the ingredients label.
"The SPF figure tells you how much more time you can spend in the sun without burning, relative to your skin's natural protection," advises Wedgeworth. Say you can spend 10 minutes in the sun without burning, a SPF 30 product would increase that to 300 minutes. The caveat is that the figure is based on extremely thick application of sunscreen with very frequent reapplication.
"We know in practice, this seldom happens. So, It's always advisable to opt for an SPF 30 or higher. If you have very fair skin, a history of skin cancers and for children, I advise SPF 50," says Wedgeworth.
There are two main types of ultraviolet rays that can damage your skin, UVA and UVB. "UVA rays penetrate more deeply and cause long term damage to collagen, resulting in wrinkling of the skin and are also linked to some skin cancers," says Wedgeworth. UVB rays cause more intense burning of the skin with DNA damage and increase the risks of skin cancers considerably.
It makes sense to use products that protect against both of these effects, hence the benefits of broad spectrum sunscreen. Dr Mammome also adds, "The face is the part of your body that is most often exposed to the sun and also has the thinnest skin on your body, so it's extremely important to have a broad spectrum sun screen formulated specifically for that area (and to use it daily) to protect your skin from ageing."
Most dermatologists recommend this as it's lightweight, offers excellent protection and is tolerated well by even sensitive skin.
Their latest SPF which is particularly good for skins which are prone to redness or rosacea.
Really good as a makeup base.
Great lightweight consistency and men love this one too.
Their latest SPF for face which leaves a matte finish, blurs lines and is excellent under make up. Most dermatologists recommend this as it's lightweight, offers excellent protection and is tolerated well by even sensitive skin.
A top choice if you have the budget as it works well on children and adults too. Loved by dermatologists.
A delight to use as is cooling on the skin. It's also very water resistant. Heliocare prides itself on savvy ingredients so skin is well moisturised at the end of the day too.
Their latest SPF which is a good choice for sensitive skin.
An excellent family sunscreen which took 5 years to develop. Trustworthy and a good price. It's also a good choice as it offers extended protection if you aren't vigilant about re-applying.
A great body SPF from this Australian brand. Smells of coconuts and feels cooling on the skin. A real pleasure to use.
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