There’s a lot of controversy around the everyday sunscreen and which we should wear.
Sun protection is full of misconceptions towards what’s good for us, the ingredients and what SPF we need. For instance 75% of sunscreens are considered toxic!
It gives you even more reason not to wear it, considering they’re greasy and the last thing you want to be doing when the sun is shining is layering yourself in a thick, oily and pungent sunscreen. However, sunscreen is essential, some studies hold the sun accountable for up to 90% of extrinsic skin ageing!
But the new generation of sun protection is here, which addresses these issues, providing a safe and effective alternative.
What’s the difference between UVA and UVB?
UVA rays are responsible for prematurely ageing the skin, whereas UVB rays burn the superficial layer of the skin and plays a key role in the development of cancer. A broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection from both of these.
These new generation of sun creams utilise antioxidants to create mineral barriers (rather than toxic chemical ones) to protect from the sun’s rays. They also provide broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays, are non-sticky and incredibly light and often available in sprays which takes away all the fuss of applying them.
About SPF
Regarding the often ambiguous SPF needed, Steven Q. Wang, MD suggests “products with SPFs no lower than 30 and no higher than 50. In addition to an SPF of 30+, your sunscreen should include some combination of the following UVA-blocking ingredients: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, ecamsule, and oxybenzone.”
The sweet spot is 30 – 50 and it’s always advised to be sensible in the sun and stay out of it during peak times.
(Prices are not updated with retailers and subject to change from those listed below)
What To Buy
Clinique Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 30 For Body
Winner of a 2017 GQ Grooming Awards, The body version of Clinique’s mineral sunscreen offers non-toxic broad-spectrum protection, much-loved for it’s incredibly light and non-greasy texture.
£25.00 for Boots, Buy Now
Clinique Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 30 For Face
Clinique’s 100% mineral sunscreen addresses the number one angst of wearing sun cream while providing non-toxic broad-spectrum protection. The cream is light, non-greasy and oil-free and doesn’t leave an oily sheen on your complexion!
£22.00 from Boots, Buy Now
Dermologica – Super Sensitive Shield SPF30
Formulated with sensitive-skin in mind, Dermalogica’s sun protection formula is extremely-gentle, with a calming complex and botanical actives to soothe damaged, nourish and protect damaged skin against UV rays.
£42.50 from John Lewis, Buy Now
Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Broad Spectrum SPF50 Hydrating Shield
A broad spectrum SPF with anti-pollutants and antioxidants. The cream has a high SPF but isn’t heavy which is often difficult to find with sunscreen! The cream gives a matte look to skin, so once applied their is no sign of grease or oil. It has a slight tint which enhances your natural skin tone and gives you a healthy summery glow.
£55.00 from Boots, Buy Now
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra Light Fluid SPF50+
A high-level of sun protection that’s 100% hypoallergenic. The formula includes high concentrates of La-Roche’s signature thermal spring water which nourishes, hydrates and locks in moisture.
£16.50 from Lookfantastic, Buy Now
Don’t Forget The After Sun!
After sun should never be missed out of the process. Sun tanning isn’t great for our skin, and a tan is indicates that our skin cells have gone through trauma and we have had too much sun exposure.
An after sun can lock in moisture and repair skin from the day’s sun exposure and preventing it leading to damaged skin. After-sun is a crucial element of overall sun protection and should not be neglected! They also have heaps of other benefits including, soothing damaged skin, prolonging a tan and they often include other nourishing ingredients to nourish and protect.
With that in mind, see our favourite after-sun skin products!
Natura Bissé C+C Vitamin Summer Lotion
An intensive after sun with Vitamin C to promote collagen production and vitamin E to protect the skin from photo-ageing. The cream is soothing and nourishing with bitter-orange-extract for it’s inflammatory properties.
£55.00 from Spake NK, Buy Now
Nuxe After Sun Lotion
92% of the products are of organic origins, consumers rave about the fresh texture and wonderful smell, making it an essential holiday item for many. Nuxe claim the product prolongs tans by up to two weeks.
£16.00 from Nuxe, Buy Now
Clarins After Sun Self Tanning Moisturiser
Clarins hydrating After-Sun is complete with a tinted moisturiser to leave you with a sun-kissed glow. The formula includes watermelon extract to intensely replenish skin dried out by the sun.
£21.50 from Debenhams, Buy Now
