It’s finally getting warm in the UK so it’s good that we’ve tried the most effective sunscreens so you don’t have to. Translucent, clear and coral reef-friendly, the following face and body sunscreens are worth your money.
In a survey conducted by Bupa, it reports that 38 million Britons admit to not having applied sunscreen in the UK. As amazing as this stat is, we are not surprised. While we beauty editors beg people to recognize sunscreen as an essential pillar of your skincare regimen, it can be very confusing to find the right SPF.
Sunscreens help protect your skin from sun damage and minimize the sun’s aging effects (along with a big hat and seeking shade, of course). Brands have modernized sunscreen into new, less Casper-the-ghost-esque formulas and they’re better than ever. Here’s everything you need to know about SPF and the new tried-and-true sunscreens the Telegraph beauty team swears by.
What is SPF?
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays, the types of radiation that cause sunburn, damage the skin and contribute to skin cancer. “The latest development in UV protection is that it’s more than just sunscreen,” says Dr. Tom Mammone, Vice President Skin Physiology and Pharmacology Clinic. “The topical use of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories increases SPF levels and helps protect the skin,” Mammone advises.
How does SPF work?
“There are two types of sunscreen filters – chemical filters and physical filters,” advises dermatologist Dr. Emma Wedgeworth. Chemical filters absorb UV rays like a sponge, reducing the risk of cell damage. Physical filters reflect and scatter UV.
“Broad spectrum coverage, ie both UVA and UVB, is recommended for all skin types and should be between SPF 15-30 for both lighter and darker skin tones,” Mammone advises. Those with darker skin tones need less protection from UVB rays (which cause sunburn), they still need enough UVA to protect against skin cancer and aging. Invest the time in finding a formulation that feels comfortable on your skin and wear it daily.
What should you look for on an SPF label?
As a rule of thumb, you should always wear SPF 30 or higher, as anything reduces the risk of significant sun damage. “The SPF value is calculated with a coverage of 2 mg/cm^2 of the product on the skin, which is actually much less than what most of us apply,” Wedgeworth advises. Therefore, the actual amount of protection you get is likely a fraction of the figure on the bottle.
To make sure you get the right dose of SPF, apply a teaspoon to each limb, with a generous amount on your face. Keep in mind that the SPF only tells you how much UVB protection a product offers, 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 protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. You should see a star rating of up to five stars on all UK sunscreens on the ingredient label.
What does the SPF rating actually mean?
“The SPF rating tells you how much more time you can spend in the sun without burning, compared to your skin’s natural protection,” Wedgeworth advises. Suppose you can spend 10 minutes in the sun without getting burned, a product with SPF 30 would increase that to 300 minutes. The caveat is that the figure is based on an extremely thick application of sunscreen with very frequent reapplications.
“We know in practice that this is rare, so it is always advisable to opt for an SPF 30 or higher. If you have very fair skin, a history of skin cancer and for children, I recommend SPF 50” , says Wedgeworth.
How can sunscreen protect you from wrinkles?
There are two main types of ultraviolet rays that can damage your skin, UVA and UVB. “UVA rays penetrate deeper and cause long-term damage to collagen, which results in wrinkling of the skin and has also been linked to some skin cancers,” Wedgeworth says. UVB rays cause a more intense burn of the skin with DNA damage and significantly increase the risk of skin cancer.
It makes sense to use products that protect against both effects, hence the benefits of broad spectrum sunscreen. dr. Mammme 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 is extremely important to have a broad spectrum sunscreen that is specific for that area (and to use it daily) to protect your skin from aging.”
Best SPF sunscreen for face
Great for dry (or aging) skin, this is just as hydrating as a moisturizer thanks to the addition of Hyaluronic Acid.
Kate Moss, Charlize Theron and our in-house beauty team swear by this lightweight invisible facial SPF. One of the purest, high factor sunscreens you can buy, it won’t clog pores or make your skin oily.
A new clear SPF nourishes your skin with vitamins to defend itself against free radicals, while the clear gel formulation doesn’t leave a chalky finish. Also a great primer for make-up.